B12 Specialist

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, which means your body can’t produce it, and you must get it from food or supplements to meet your daily needs. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, and your body doesn’t store it, so you must consume it on a regular basis in order for your body to function properly.

You need adequate intakes of vitamin B12 for the production of red blood cells and prevention of anemia, as well as neurological function and the formation of DNA. It can also improve energy and boost your metabolism.

Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in animal foods. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may not be getting adequate amounts of this nutrient from the food you eat, which may put you at risk of a deficiency.

You also need certain digestive factors, including adequate amounts of acid in your stomach and a substance called intrinsic factor, in order to absorb vitamin B12 from the food you eat.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Because vitamin B12 is a major player in the production of red blood cells, fatigue is a very common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. Other symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

As your deficiency progresses, you may begin to experience neurological symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. Not getting enough vitamin B12 can also affect cognitive function and lead to symptoms such as confusion or memory loss.

What is a vitamin B12 shot?

While you can take vitamin B12 supplements, your body may not get what it needs due to the digestive and absorption challenges related to vitamin B12. The vitamin B12 shot is an injection that bypasses your digestive system and ensures your body gets exactly what it needs. After the injection, many patients of Dr. Veiseh report an instant boost in energy.

Because vitamin B12 is water-soluble, you don’t have to worry about getting too much.

Am I a good candidate for a vitamin B12 shot?

Dr. Veiseh determines if you’re a good candidate for vitamin B12 shots after a consultation. During your consultation, he reviews your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical and family history. He may also order a blood test to assess your vitamin B12 levels.

To see if you would benefit from a vitamin B12 shot, call the office of A. Shawn Veiseh, MD, today or request an appointment online.