What is Vitamin B12 and Will it Give Me Energy?
B12 is a popular supplement for people to start because they hear it’s good for energy.
But is it? It depends!
Let's Chat About the Reasons You Might Consider B12 Supplementation:
Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include:
🧠Decreased cognitive function (memory, understanding, focus) 🥱Fatigue
💙Depression
💫Anxiety
❤️🩹Nerve issues
💪Weakness
👅Soreness of the mouth or tongue, etc.
Having these symptoms does not mean you’re low, or that you’ll benefit from more B12, however if you’re low you may see these symptoms improve!
I like to test most people, as it's very easy to treat.
We’re Most Likely To Find B12 Deficiencies In The Following Circumstances:
➡️People who are vegetarian
➡️Those with celiac disease
➡️Those with digestive concerns
➡️Alcohol abuse/smoking
➡️Pregnant people
➡️And even from natural aging
There are also some medications that increase the likelihood of B12 deficiency (such as metformin and heartburn medications).
Sources of Vitamin B:
The most common source of B12 in your diet is meat. It is required for neurological function, DNA creation, red blood cell formation, homocysteine regulation (an amino acid recognized as being a marker for a number of diseases), and acts as a cofactor for a number of processes in the body.
How To Test For Vitamin B12:
I like to test most people, as it's very easy to treat.
Vitamin B12 levels can be checked with a simple blood test. This is a test that I can order (not OHIP covered when I order) for $20.
Anything <220 is flagged as low (this has recently changed, used to not be flagged unless <135!); my preference is to see levels 300+. If you’re supplementing and want accurate bloodwork results you should stop for a few weeks before testing.
How To Supplement (After Being Tested Above):
Supplementation should be done sublingually (under the tongue) or through intramuscular injections.
Sublingual VS Intramuscular Injection:
Sublingual supplementation is a good choice for many people, but in those with digestive concerns, very low levels, or a family history of pernicious anemia - intramuscular injections are highly recommended as they BYPASS the digestive tract - they go right into the bloodstream to boost things quickly. We know that you’ll absorb it.
To Wrap It Up:
Who needs B12 injections and how often they are needed depends on the individual patient, their blood levels, contributing factors, and their symptoms.
For many people with a history of low B12 there likely needs to be some sort of maintenance regime unless we know the B12 was low because of a dietary choice at that time (i.e. not eating meat) or a medication they’re no longer taking.
Concerned about your B12 levels? Let’s test and assess!