Vitamin B12

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble micronutrient, which means it dissolves in water and excess amounts pass from your body in your urine. B12 plays a vital role in several functions around your body, including:

• Red blood cell formation
• Cell metabolism
• Nerve function
• DNA production

Nutrition experts recommend that adults get 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. Animal products like poultry, fish, meat, and dairy are rich in vitamin B12, and it's sometimes added to other foods, including fortified breakfast cereals.

Vegetarians and vegans who don't eat animal products could be lacking in B12, as could older people and anyone who can't absorb vitamin B12 from their diet.

What happens if I don't have enough vitamin B12?

If you don't have enough vitamin B12 in your body, you could experience problems such as:

• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Intestinal problems
• Nerve damage
• Mood disturbances

The only way to be sure whether you have a vitamin B12 deficiency is to provide a blood sample for testing, which Dr. McFarland can arrange for you.

What should I do if I have a vitamin B12 deficiency?

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you could try making changes to your diet. Increasing the number of foods you eat that are good sources of vitamin B12 might help, as long as you're able to absorb the micronutrients in your gastrointestinal system. The same is true for oral B12 supplements.

The alternatives are to have a vitamin B12 injection or IV infusion therapy. An injection goes into the muscles, while an IV infusion goes into your bloodstream via a cannula in your arm. The advantage of these methods is that absorption doesn't rely on your digestive system.

Instead, the B12 goes straight into your body, spreading through your bloodstream to reach all of the places where it's needed. There's no waste, as your body absorbs every bit of the injection or IV infusion. Dr. McFarland can also combine B12 with other vitamins, minerals, and beneficial substances to address specific health issues or boost your overall wellness.

Find out how vitamin B12 shots or infusions could improve your health by calling MyNP Eccentric IV Hydration Services today or book an appointment online.