Feeling lethargic for no reason? You may be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.

 The quickest and most efficient way to boost vitamin b12 levels is through an intramuscular Vitamin B12 Shot to treat or prevent deficiency. The treatment should always be overseen and delivered by a medical expert. 

 B12 oral supplements are also readily available but these take longer to work and there is no guarantee that the body will absorb them effectively due to the digestion process. 

Will B12 injection work right away?

“How soon will I feel less tired after a B12 Injection?”- is the question we get asked a lot.

Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment.

People with severe deficiencies may require a few injections to start feeling the benefits and will be overseen by a medical professional to ensure accurate dosage to optimise results. 

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 performs many functions in the body. It is a vital nutrient responsible for keeping the nervous system and blood cells healthy. It also assists in releasing energy from food. Read more about 4 types of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is obtained through food sources such as beef, liver, chicken, fish (trout, salmon, tuna, clams), fortified breakfast cereals, lowfat dairy products, and eggs. It is not found in fruit or vegetable sources.

Who is at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?

As we age, it can become harder for the body to absorb vitamin B12. Deficiencies can occur with medical conditions such as atrophic gastritis (which causes thinning of the stomach lining), pernicious anaemia, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, lupus, or other immune system disorders and certain medications. Read more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Because B12 is obtained through consuming animal-based products such as meat, milk, cheese, and eggs, vegans are at a higher risk of developing a b12 deficiency. Lifestyle factors such as heavy smoking and drinking or a poor diet over a prolonged period can also lead to low B12 levels or deficiency.

As the body doesn’t make B12 or store it for a long time, supplementation may be required for those at risk of deficiency.

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What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

A wide range of symptoms can be experienced from vitamin B12 deficiency, which can exacerbate if left untreated. Anaemia is a common cause of B12 or folate deficiency where there are fewer red blood cells or a lower amount of haemoglobin, which helps the blood carry oxygen around the body. Common symptoms can include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • headaches
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Breathlessness
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Tinnitus

Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency can include psychological problems such as low mood, irritability, depression, cognitive changes, or blurred memory. You may also experience disturbed vision, pins and needles, muscle weakness, and changes in movement. 

How much vitamin B12 do we need?

The amount of vitamin B12 required varies from person to person. Adults generally require around 1.5 micrograms per day and pregnant or breastfeeding women require up to 2.8 micrograms a day.

How long does a B12 injection last?

The effects of a B12 injection vary for each individual and are influenced by diet and underlying medical conditions. Some people may require regular injections to maintain adequate levels for their entire lives, whilst others may just need an initial boost which can then be maintained through diet.

Vitamin B12 deficiency must be overseen by a medical professional to create the best treatment plan for the individual circumstances.

Vitamin B12 shot at IV BOOST UK

IV Boost offers vitamin B12 shots as a prescriptiononly medicine, administered by a GMC-registered doctor who gives a thorough medical assessment before proceeding with the treatment. 

A blood test is initially carried out to determine a deficiency before a treatment plan is devised and implemented. 

To find out more about B12 vitamin shots at IV Boost UK, call our team on 020 3095 0002.