What is B12?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body:[1][2] it is a cofactor in DNA synthesis, and in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.[3] It is particularly important in the normal functioning of the nervous system via its role in the synthesis of myelin,[2][4] and in the maturation of developing red blood cells in the bone marrow.[5]
What does B12 deficiency look like?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system.[2][12] At levels only slightly lower than normal, a range of symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, difficulty walking (staggering balance problems)[13] depression, poor memory, breathlessness, headaches, and pale skin, among others, may be experienced, especially in elderly people (over age 60)[2][14] who produce less stomach acid as they age, thereby increasing their probability of B12 deficiencies.[1] Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms of mania and psychosis.[15]
For a long detailed list of signs and symptoms, click HERE!
For a long detailed list of signs and symptoms, click HERE!
Who's at risk of B12 deficiency?
Anyone, at any age, can become B12 deficient. However, certain people are at an elevated risk and they include the following;
-People...
-People...
- that are vegetarians, vegans and people on macrobiotic diets
- aged fifty and over
- who've undergone any gastric and/or intestinal surgery, including bariatric surgery for weight loss purposes (gastric bypass)
- who regularly use proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, antacids, Metformin and related diabetes drugs, or other medication which can interfere with B12 absorption
- Nitrous oxide administration or abuse
- with a history of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
- with a history of alcoholism
- with a family history of pernicious anaemia
- diagnosed with anaemia (including iron deficiency anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and thalassemia)
- with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, or any other disease that causes malabsorption of nutrients
- with autoimmune disorders (especially thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease), type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, lupus, Addison's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, acquired agammaglobulinemia, or a family history of these disorders
- with neurologic or motor symptoms
- with Downs syndrome
- with Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- with psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar etc
- with elevated MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
- with occlusive vascular disorders (MI, CVA, DVT, PE)
- Orthostatic hypotension / Postural hypotension
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, or 'mini stroke')
- Cerebral vascular accident (CVA or 'stroke')
- Myocardial infraction ('heart attack')
- DVT - Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot to the leg or arm)
- with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- who've undergone neck or back surgery
- Who've undergone Chemo or radiation therapy
- with a history or infertility or multiple miscarriages
- with post natal depression
- Nitrous oxide administration (laughing gas)
- Dementia - Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression (Post Natal & psychosis)
- Bipolar disorder
- Peripheral Neuropathy (diabetic, CIDP)
- Vertigo
- Anaemia - any form
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Autism, ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Seizures / Epilepsy
- AIDS dementia complex / HIV
- Restless leg syndrome
- Radiculopathy, chronic pain disorder
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic renal failure (haemodialysis patients)
- Essential tremor - Parkinson’s like symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction and impotence
- Hepatitis C
- SACD (subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord)
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Optic neuritis or optic atrophy
- Macular degeneration
- Hyperhomocysteinemia
- born to and/or breast-fed by women who are symptomatic or are at risk for B12 deficiency
- Infants and children with developmental delay
What's the benefit of injectable B12?
Using an injectable form of B12 bypasses the "first pass effect". The first pass effect (also known as first-pass metabolism or presystemic metabolism) is a phenomenon of drug metabolism whereby the concentration of a drug, specifically when administered orally, is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation.[1][2]
A B12 deficiency can result from a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance needed to absorb B12. One of the benefits of B12 injections over oral supplements is its immediate availability to the body. Injections that go directly into the blood stream bypass absorption barriers according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and can help people with malabsorption issues like those who have intestinal disorders or have undergone intestinal surgeries.
A B12 deficiency can result from a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance needed to absorb B12. One of the benefits of B12 injections over oral supplements is its immediate availability to the body. Injections that go directly into the blood stream bypass absorption barriers according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and can help people with malabsorption issues like those who have intestinal disorders or have undergone intestinal surgeries.
Is there an advantage to having my acupuncturist administer a B12 injection?
Yes! B12 is an intramuscular injection. There are acupuncture points all over your muscular body. Your acupuncturist can choose a specific acupuncture point that can not only get the B12 into your system but enhance the function of the vitamin. Needles are kind of our thing :-D
How many injections and how often should I get a B12 injection?
If you had a recent blood test and came up B12 deficient the best course of action would be to get a 1000 mcg/ml injection 1 time a week for 8 weeks and then 1 time a month thereafter. If you are unsure if you are B12 deficient, don't worry, there is currently no known toxic dose of B12. You CANNOT overdose! It is used in huge quantities as a treatment for cyanide poisoning.
Does a B12 injection hurt?
You may feel a pinch as the needle breaks the skin. Amber uses a very small hypodermic needle for your comfort. You may feel pressure or cool sensation as the small amount of liquid is injected into the muscle.
What to expect when you come in for your 1st injection?
You will read over and sign a consent form. A quick allergy test will take place before the intramuscular injection. Amber will put a small amount of B12 superficially under the skin, usually near the top of elbow. We will wait 3-5 minutes to make sure no signs of irritation show up. Only then will the B12 be injected into a muscle, preferable at an acupuncture point on the lower leg, just below the knee. This will take 10-15 minutes in total. Subsequent injections will be 5 minutes or less, no allergy test will be necessary.