Vitamin B-12 is an essential water-soluble nutrient, also known as cobalamin. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) – Vitamin B-12 plays a significant role in the replication of DNA, the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the formation of blood cells.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)
- Boosts energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Metabolizes body fat
- Detoxifies the body and liver
- Slows ag-ing process
- DNA synthesis
- Supports nervous system function
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of many systems in the body,
including:
- DNA or genetic material synthesis
- Energy production or metabolism
- Neurological or brain function
- Nerve cell health
- Red blood cell or hemoglobin formation
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B12 is also important in the formation of red blood cells. A lack of B12 vitamin can lead to anemia (not having enough red blood cells), causing you to feel weak and tired often.
What symptoms can occur with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in various forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt. Your liver can store vitamin b12 for a long time, so it may take a few years for deficiency and symptoms to develop. Common in the elderly, vegans or ovo-lacto vegetarians, or with poor diets.
Causes can also relate to inadequate Intrinsic Factor, (IF), production, atrophic gastritis, interference with the uptake of vitamin B12 in the ileum due to disease, resection, or gastric by-pass. If this affects the ileum or interference by bacterial overgrowth, drug interactions, and some less common genetic defects.
Diseases of the ileum such as Crohn’s Disease, Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome, or other chronic bowel inflammatory conditions also cause malabsorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Common Questions and Answers — PubMed
Some common signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Difficulties with your maintaining balance
- Fatigue, lethargy or feeling faint, lightheadedness
- Feeling of pins and needles
- Headache or irritability
- Mouth sores, cold sores
- Reduced cognitive function or brain fog (memory or comprehension issues)
- Sore and swollen tongue (may appear pale yellow or red)
- Vision changes
A lack of Vitamin B12 vitamin can lead to a condition called Megaloblastic Anemia. This can cause you to feel sluggish or tired and weak.
What foods contain vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is available in animal-based foods, as well as fortified foods that have added B12. Fortified foods usually include milk alternatives and breakfast cereals, and selections vary depending on the country. Some especially rich food sources of vitamin B12 include: milk, eggs, meat, beef liver and beef kidney, ground beef, canned salmon, and trout.
How can Dr. Fortino help me with vitamin B12 injections?
Dr. Fortino and his medical staff are qualified to administer vitamin B12 injections. Dr. Fortino will review your medical history, help you to understand the risks and indications of vitamin B12 deficiency and share advice for prevention.
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call our Philadelphia weight loss office @ 215.336.8000 or our South Jersey weight loss office @ 856.318.4100.
