Understanding the Importance of Vitamin B12

Quite a few foods have Vitamin B12 or are fortified with Vitamin B12, such as fish, meat, poultry, beef liver, clams, milk, and eggs. Some of your cereals are fortified with Vitamin B12 as well. So it seems like it would be easy to get your daily allowance. Not always. Some people cannot absorb the nutrient from their food, and they develop a B12 deficiency. As well, vegetarians and vegans may find it more difficult to get the B12 they need. It is important to understand why you should receive sufficient amounts of the B12 nutrient.

A B12 deficiency can cause extreme fatigue, megaloblastic anemia, loss of appetite, as well as numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. To alleviate and prevent this deficiency, there are B12 supplements and B12 injections to buy. Confirming with your doctor you have a deficiency is the first step in getting treated so you can feel better.

How to Know if You Have a Deficiency

There are other symptoms that can alert you to a B12 deficiency and that it is time to see your doctor. They are as follows:

• Muscle ache and joint pain.
• Mood changes or increased anxiety.
• Signs of nervousness.
• Bleeding gums or mouth sores.
• Shortness of breath.

These symptoms and a deficiency in B12 are to be taken seriously. The first step to alleviating these symptoms and preventing serious illness is to see your doctor. The use of supplements or injections can be administered that will supply your body with the much-needed nutrient.

Benefits of B12 Injections

Regular B12 shots are common in the prevention and reversal of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. The time it takes for you to feel better can vary. From a few days to a few months. Generally, 90 days is the turning point, as it takes 90 days for all the malformed red blood cells to die off. Some of the benefits of maintaining a healthy amount of the B12 nutrient are listed below:

• B12 deficiency has been shown to correlate with cognitive decline. B12 shots are used to battle cognitive disorders.
• B12 helps to maintain the myelin layer of your nerves, which is a sheath that protects your nerves.
• B12 works to help repair DNA.
• B12 creates red blood cells that distribute oxygen to the rest of your body.

Administering Your Own B12 Shot

If you need to maintain a daily schedule of receiving B12 shots, it might be easier to administer them yourself at home. A healthcare professional can teach you the right way to inject yourself. There are a few variables such as the dosage amount, needle size, and injection site that need to be considered, and training from a healthcare professional is in your best interest.

Supplements and injections will help you keep your healthy balance of Vitamin B12. As well, eating a diet rich in B12 is important. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, make sure you are eating foods that are fortified with the nutrient to keep you healthy.