Why You May Need a B12 Shot!

B12, also called cobalamin, is an important vitamin to your health. This water soluble vitamin is considered to be one of the most complicated vitamins, containing the rare element cobalt. It is the only vitamin that you cannot get from sunlight or plants.

B-12 plays a critical role to the function of your nervous system and brain. It keeps your nerve cells healthy and is involved in the metabolism of every cell in your body. Other critical tasks include fatty acid synthesis and DNA synthesis. B12 is also required in order for your body to formulate red blood cells.

B12 is naturally found in fish, milk products, meat and poultry. People who are deficient in B12 often get B12 shots.

There are numerous very severe consequences of not getting enough B12 in your diet. (Or getting enough B12 and not having it absorb – more on that later!) Let’s look at some.

Dementia and Mental Illness –A B12 deficiency causes the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine causes the substances that are needed to metabolize neurotransmitters to become scare within the body. A high level of homocysteine has been clinically associated with Alzheimer’s, dementia and declining cognitive function.

Cardiovascular Illness – Increased homocysteine levels also increase your chances of having a stroke, vascular disease and cardiovascular disease.

Decreased Energy – A B12 deficiency often leads to megaloblastic anemia. It may also be responsible for fatigue and weakness.

Infant Deficiency ­– For infants with vegetarian moms, B12 deficiency is of special concern. It can be manifested through development delays, megaloblastic anemia, issues with movement and a failure to thrive. Vegan moms should consider getting a B12 Shot.

It is also believed that a lack of B12 may contribute to both cancer and infertility. This is not a conclusive list by any stretch.

So, now you can see that there are some pretty severe consequences of not getting enough B 12 in your diet. But why take a vitamin b12 Shot?

In a study done at Tufts University, 40% of the participants between 25 and 85 were shown to have B12 levels in the low normal range. This is the point where neurological symptoms begin to show themselves. In addition to this, 9% of the participants were already B12 deficient and another 16% were at the near deficient point. So, of all the participants, 65% were at risk of having health issues because of a lack of B12.

There are two things that are notable. First, the study showed that younger people had a greater chance of exhibiting than older. Second, how is it possible that 65% of people are at risk for B12 deficiency when most people get more than enough B12 in their regular diet?

The key is absorption. B12 is bound to food proteins. It is then released by hydrochloric acid and gastric protease in the stomach. Before it enters into the blood stream, it combines with intrinsic factor. Most people that are B12 deficent have some sort of issue with the absorption process.

Foods that have synthetic B12 added to them (think fortified cereals) do not go through this same process. The challenge is that they are not well absorbed. About 56% of a 1mcg oral dose absorbs and the absorption declines at a higher dosage. As an example, only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg oral supplement actually ever enters into the bloodstream.

For those who are B12 deficient with absorption issues, taking a B12 Shot is the key! The ability to absorb B12 is the single most important factor in determining whether or not to administer B12 orally or via vitamin B12 Shots.

People who take B12 vitamin shots, often report increased energy and improved mental function. Taking a b12 vitamin shot is also part of many doctor prescribed weight loss programs. This is because it increases the metabolism and improves energy levels.