Vitamin B12 is one of the essential water-soluble B vitamins and is found only in animal foods such as red meat, liver, fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy products, and in plant foods where it has been artificially added.
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential water-soluble B vitamins and is found only in animal foods such as red meat, liver, fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy products, and in plant foods where it has been artificially added. B12 can be taken orally as supplements, but there may still be absorption problems. Because vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it is passed through the urine and excess amounts have not been shown to cause any harm.
For this treatment, Vitamin B12 can be taken as an injection into the muscle thus bypassing the digestive process and getting into the bloodstream for use by the body immediately.
WHAT IS THIS TREATMENT AND WHAT CAN IT DO?
B12 helps to make DNA and keep the body’s blood cells & nervous system healthy. It helps prevent pernicious anaemia, a severe type of anaemia causing extreme fatigue and weakness. Vitamin B12 is essential for vitality and wellbeing with many benefits including:
Healthier Cardiovascular System.
Improved Immune System.
Improved Sleep patterns.
Improved mood
Reduced headaches.
Reduced allergies.
Increased energy and stamina.
Improved digestion and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates supporting weight loss
Reduced anaemia
Improved cognitive focus and sharper mental clarity with less fatigue
Helps heal depression & anxiety
Healthy skin, hair & nails
It is important to ask the GP or specialist for their opinion about B12 levels if there are persisting symptoms but during the process of learning about this treatment, it has been clear to me that some GPs are limited in what they can offer. The following groups may not get enough vitamin B12 or have trouble absorbing it even in supplement form and so may benefit from B12 injections:
Vegans and vegetarians can be at risk of B12 deficiency. Those of us who eat animal products usually believe we are getting enough B12 from our food, however some people don’t absorb it from the digestive tract despite consuming enough B12 in food and supplements
People over 50 often have difficulty absorbing B12 from food because as we get older, we can produce less stomach acid which is necessary for B12 absorption.
People with pernicious anaemia, whose bodies do not make the intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12 can benefit from regular injections.
People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, weight loss surgery, or who have digestive disorders such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, IBS or frequent diarrhoea.
People with Eating Disorders.
Vegetarians or Vegans, who eat little or no animal foods.
People who are under a lot of stress that affects the absorption capabilities of the digestive system.
People who use alcohol to the point where it causes stomach inflammation reducing acid production and B12 absorption.
People taking medicines for acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease; or some diabetic medicines and antibiotics affect vitamin B12 absorption.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Vitamin B12 is delivered as an injection intramuscularly. The skin is cleaned. Notes and consent are checked and the injection itself takes only seconds. Once your consent has been completed and your medical history checked, I will ask you to make yourself comfortable by lying down on the treatment bed; I will clean your skin and I will discuss ways to be comfortable. When you are ready, I will commence the treatment as gently and slowly as necessary. Once you know what to expect, you can give me a sense of the pace you would like to me to take and we can take short breaks when you wish, until your confidence builds. The feeling of both Microneedling and nano-soft needling is more scratchy than painful, there is a bright light above you and I’m close to you so I can pay full attention to your skin. Once the injection part of the treatment is over, I will apply a colling balm and an eye mask to help your skin to settle. I will give you a mirror so that you can see and take photos of you just before you leave for your medical notes which I will store securely and in confidence. I will make an appointment for your either for your next treatment or for a review appointment.
CONSULTATION
Before you come for your appointment, I will speak to you on the phone or over a video call to go through the process and I will send you a health questionnaire and information about the treatment by email which you will need to fill and sign and submit so that they return to me. After a thorough medical history is checked, I will explain again what happens during the treatment now that we are together. Once we are both satisfied that you fully understand the treatment and aftercare, I will ensure that you have signed a consent form and I will take photos for your medical notes.
RESULTS
B12 injections work quickly they are the most effective way for your body to absorb vitamin b12. For mild deficiencies you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Vitamin B12 injections are generally considered to be very safe. They have no major side effects. However, in extremely rare cases, some people can experience side effects caused by allergic reactions or sensitivity, that is why it is always important that you visit a medical practitioner for these types of injections.
AFTERCARE
You could feel a dull soreness where you had the injections but there’s no specific aftercare; There is zero downtime with Vitamin B12 injections. You can return to normal activities right away.
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