Vitamin B12 Shots—Richardson, TX
Feel Stronger and More Alert with Vitamin B12 Supplements
The human body is truly a miraculous machine. With the right combination of nutrients, it can produce many of the vitamins and minerals necessary to stay alive and well. However, your body cannot make vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalamin. A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B12 and folate are essential to the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. It also plays a role in the production of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves as well as the conduction of nerve impulses. What if your body cannot produce enough of this vitamin? Then vitamin B12 shots in Richardson may be necessary to avoid deficiency.
What Is B12 Deficiency?
Most Americans get enough of this vitamin. However, with age it can become harder to absorb. Other conditions that make Vitamin B12 absorption more difficult are:
- Weight loss surgery or another operation that removed part of your stomach
- Heavy drinking
- Taking acid-reducing medication for a long time
Certain health issues may also lead to the development of vitamin B12 deficiency such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, immune system disorders, Graves’ disease and lupus.
Food Sources for B12
The body does not make B12, therefore, you must get it through animal-based foods or from supplements. And because the body doesn’t store vitamin B12 for long, you must supply it on a regular basis.
Plant-based products do not supply vitamin B12. Only animal sources such as dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry provide this nutrient. Therefore, people on vegetarian or vegan diets need to make sure they are getting enough B12 from other sources. For women on a vegan or vegetarian diet that are planning to become pregnant, vitamin B12 is critical to a baby’s development. Be sure to talk to your OBGYN ahead of time.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of B12 Deficiency?
- Pale or jaundiced skin
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nerve damage that feels like pins and needles
- Changes in balance, coordination and the way you walk
- A swollen tongue and mouth sores
- Shortness of breath and dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Brain disorder like depression and dementia
- High body temperature
What Are My Treatment Options?
People that have pernicious anemia usually require B12 shots. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, then you can change your diet to include B12-fortified grains, a supplement, a high-dose oral vitamin or B12 injections. Unfortunately, any nerve damage that is the result of B12 deficiency could be permanent.
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency, then schedule a consultation at Richardson Pain & Wellness. We offer B12 injections to ensure your body has enough of this important nutrient.