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Vitamin B12 Injections

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Everything you need to know about Vitamin B12

and how it can benefit you. 

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Benefits of Vit B12:

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  • Increases energy levels

  • Fights fatigue and tiredness

  • Boosts metabolism

  • Promotes weight Loss

  • Improves deeper sleep

  • Mental clarity (helps with brain fog)

  • Can reduce depression and anxiety

  • Healthy skin, hair and nails

  • Improves immune system 

  • Brain and heart function

  • Can be beneficial to prevent against Dementia and Cancer

  • A vital vitamin for Vegans and Vegetarians

  • Improves focus, memory and mood

  • General Wellness

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What is Vit B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body. It is a cofactor in DNA synthesis and in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. 

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How is B12 important for the body?

Vit B12 is particularly important in the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system.

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Signs of a B12 Deficiency:

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​ At levels only slightly lower then normal, a range of symptoms such as:

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  • Fatigue

  • Lethargy

  • difficulty walking (staggering and balance problems)

  • depression

  • poor memory

  • breathlessness

  • headaches

  • pale skin 

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Inadequate Absorption:

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The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is inadequate absorption. The following conditions can cause absorption to be inadequate:

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  • Overgrowth of bacteria in part of the small intestine

  • Impaired absorption (malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease or certain pancreatic disorders)

  • Inflammatory bowel disease affecting the last part of the small intestine (IBS)

  • Fish tapeworm infection

  • AIDS

  • Surgery that removes the part of the small intestine where vitamin B12 is absorbed

  • Drugs such as antacids and metformin (used to treat diabetes)

  • Repeated exposure to nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

  • Lack of intrinsic factor

  • Decreased stomach acidity (common among older people)

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Intrinsic factor may be lacking because abnormal antibodies, produced by an overactive immune system that attacks and destroys the stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor (An autoimmune reaction called autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis.)

Intrinsic factor may be lacking because the part of the stomach where intrinsic factor is produced was surgically removed. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor causes a type of anemia called pernicious anemia.

Among older people, absorption may be inadequate because stomach acidity is decreased. Decreased stomach acidity reduces the body’s ability to remove vitamin B12 from the protein in meat. However, the vitamin B12 found in oral supplements can continue to be well absorbed even in people with decreased stomach acid.

Liver disorders may interfere with the storage of vitamin B12 because most of the body's vitamin B12 is stored in the liver.

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Those most likely to be deficient in Vit B12:

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  • Vegans

  • Vegetarians

  • Those that suffer with Stomach acid, intestinal/bowel disorders

  • Those over 60+

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Individuals who adhere to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet may not receive enough vitamin B12. The vitamin is mostly present in animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, fish, and milk. This places many health-conscious vegetarians and vegans at risk, prompting supplementation as the main avenue through which the nutrient can and should be obtained. 

Pregnant women who are vegetarians or vegans will also need to supplement, as a deficiency can greatly impact the fetus.

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How is a B12 shot different from taking Oral Supplements?

Sources of Vit B12 through food sources, fortified food and oral supplementation are all absorbed through the in part of the gut called the distal ileum. Many intestinal/bowel problems can prevent the absorption of Vit B12 when taking oral supplementation. 

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About hydroxocobalamin (Vit B12)

Hydroxocobalamin is a manufactured version of the vitamin B12. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (when you have low levels of this vitamin in the body). 

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia.

Hydroxocobalamin is only available on prescription. 

It is given as an injection and is recommended to have a shot at least every 3 months to maintain the correct levels. 

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  • Hydroxocobalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your symptoms start to improve and you feel better.

  • At first, you may need to have the injection a few times a week to boost your levels of vitamin B12.

  • Some common side effects are feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

  • It's safe to take for a long time. Some people may need to take hydroxocobalamin for the rest of their lives.

  • Your shot will be administered by a full trained, insured, licensed technician and all Hydroxocobalamin shots are prescribed and  UK Licensed. 

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Who can and can't take hydroxocobalamin (Vit B12)

Most adults and children can have hydroxocobalamin injections. 

It's not suitable for everyone. 

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting hydroxocobalamin if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicines in the past

  • have been told you have low levels of potassium 

  • have an irregular or fast heartbeat

 

 

Side effects

Like all medicines, hydroxocobalamin can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

 

Common side effects:

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Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away after a few days:

  • A slight dead arm for a couple of hours after the injection

  • May feel slightly groggy the next morning but this will subside quickly

  • pain, swelling or itchy skin where your injection was given

  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

  • diarrhoea

  • headaches

  • feeling dizzy

  • hot flushes

  • In rare cases a rash can develop

 

Serious side effects:

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Serious side effects are very rare but tell your doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms after having treatment:

  • irregular heartbeats or heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable (palpitations)

  • In rare cases, hydroxocobalamin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

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Can I have B12 shot if I am Diabetic?

Yes you can. 

Reduced serum levels of vitamin B12 occur in up to 30% of people taking long-term anti-diabetic metformin. However, deficiency does not occur if dietary intake of vitamin B12 is adequate or supplementation is given (Intramuscular or orally) and there are no issues with oral absorption through the gut (distal ileum)

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How long will the effects of a B12 shot last?

The effects of the shot varies between individuals. The positive effects can be felt immediately for up to a week after. The nutrients we provide are water-soluble. The only water-soluble nutrient that has the capability of being stored in the body is vitamin B12, so whatever your body doesn’t readily utilise it will store for later use.

 

If your body stores are full, the B12 your body doesn’t need will be excreted in the urine, which may appear to be pink-ish. 

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How often do I need a Shot of Vitamin B12?

It is recommended to initially have fortnightly injections for 4 sessions. After your levels have been boosted you can maintain by having a booster once every 3 months. It is safe to have boosters long term or even for life. 

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How much is it?

A course of 4 injections to kick start and boost your B12 level is £150

We offer one off shots there after for for £45 per injection.

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