Do you often feel weak, tired, or lightheaded? Occasionally suffer from memory loss or disorientation? Do you have white spots on your skin or discoloration that your dermatologist cannot diagnose? Are you vegetarian or vegan? You may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. If so, receiving a monthly b12 injection from the professionals at Medwin Family Clinic in Houston, TX might help you return to normal.
What Is B12 & Do I Need More?
Understanding B12 in the Body
B12 is a vitamin essential to the production of red blood cells and DNA. It plays an important role in keeping your nervous system functioning properly. The average adult needs about 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day to maintain healthy levels in the body. It is found in high concentrations in animal proteins: meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Do I Need More B12?
More people can benefit from regular injections of B12 than you might think. One study by Tufts University found that nearly 40% of American adults have a B12 deficiency, and some doctors believe the rate to be higher. Combine that with the maladies above and you find that a significant portion of the population can benefit from a little more B12 in their lives.
A B12 deficiency can be difficult to diagnose and is commonly confused with a folate deficiency. It is not uncommon for strict vegans to suffer from a B12 deficiency. Other at-risk patients include the elderly, people with digestive tract problems, and people taking certain long-term medications for heartburn or diabetes.
Besides B12 deficiency, patients who have pernicious anemia or the nervous system disorder known as myelopathy can benefit from B12 shots. There are dozens of maladies that can be partially treated with B12 boosters, and we discuss them here: Medwin Family Blog.
Why Get a B12 Injection?
An Instant Refresh for Your Mind and Body
If you are suffering from a significant B12 deficiency, you’ll feel the benefits of getting a B12 shot pretty quickly. People often report noticeable boosts of energy and mental clarity when they get a B12 booster. If one of your chief complaints is feeling tired day-in and day-out for no apparent reason, a B12 shot might help your energy levels bounce back.
Along with increased energy, other immediate effects of B12 shots include improved mood and alertness. That’s one of the benefits of B12 over coffee – no jitters! Advocates of the vitamin say that they noticed more regular sleep patterns and energy that lasts all day, instead of sluggish feelings by midafternoon.
B12 for Preventative Care
Aside from the immediate energy and mental effects, B12 shots can be beneficial for preventative care. Some evidence suggests that B12 may help prevent or slow down the development of osteoporosis. This is positive news for the 10 million Americans afflicted with the condition. And it is encouraging news for some 40 million Americans who have low bone density, a warning sign that osteoporosis is developing behind the scenes.
As we mentioned above, B12 boosters can be used for treating certain types of anemia. B12 is especially useful when treating megaloblastic anemia, a variety of the affliction in which the body produces red blood cells, but they are not strong enough to do their job. Studies have shown that in this strand of anemia, frequent B12 shots help regulate red blood cell production, and ensure the smooth transfer of oxygen through your bloodstream.
Where to Get B12 Shots?
Always Consult a Professional
You shouldn’t try to regulate a B12 deficiency on your own. Always seek the advice of a medical practitioner before beginning any treatment. Many people try to solve their B12 problem by picking up a bottle of B12 pills at the pharmacy.
Watch out! There is a reason these pills are cheap. The cheaper bottles usually list cyanocobalamin as the active ingredient. This type of B12 is more difficult for the body to digest. If you opt for this one, you won’t be getting nearly as much B12 as you think you are, because it will pass straight through your system with little absorption.
The other option you’ll find in pharmacies will have methylcobalamin as the active ingredient. Methylcobalamin is more readily absorbed by the body. However, its efficiency still depends on the healthy functioning of your digestive system.
Visit a Professional Clinic
Instead of adding an extra pill to your morning routine, consider getting monthly B12 injections from one of our clinics. The injections take just a few minutes and will keep your B12 levels topped up all month long. You’ll have one of our licensed medical professionals following your progress, and you’ll be able to discuss any worries, concerns, or questions you might have during your appointment.
Our team at Medwin Family Medicine and Rehabilitation are here to help you find the best B12 regime for your needs. Dr. Raguthu is the director and acting physician of two offices to better serve you: one in Houston and one in Brownsville. Our clients are consistently thrilled with the professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness of our nurses and staff.
Get Your B12 Levels Back Up to Normal
Are you ready to get in touch to learn more about getting a monthly B12 injection? Contact Medwin Family Medicine in Houston & Brownsville, TX today. We’re waiting to hear from you!
