06/07/2024
Will a B12 shot give me energy?
A lot of my patients tell me that when they get B12 injection they feel better and have more energy.
So what does B12 do?
According to the National Institutes of Health website B12 is a required nutrient for the production of red blood cells, central nervous system health including brain function and the production of DNA and cellular energy. It is estimated that 20% of the elderly in the US have borderline B12 deficiency and are in the long term at greater risk of adverse effects on cognitive, blood and bone health.
Can I get enough B12 from the foods I eat?
The food highest in B12 is red meat and other animal proteins to a lesser degree. Fruits, nuts and vegetables are healthy but as a primary food source are insufficient. Strict vegetarians who do not take B12 are almost always deficient and I suggest that all my
patients take a B12 supplement.
There are a number of things that inhibit B12 absorption including gastrointestinal problems and medications. Metformin a widely used in the treatment of diabetes interferes with B12 absorption as do some other medications. In addition as patients age the absorption of B12 is impaired.
I do blood tests for B12 levels on almost all of my patients and continue to be surprised how many patients have sub-optimal levels including patients that are taking B12. As my patient population is almost entirely confined to adults I offer most of them the option of B12 shots. Better safe than sorry.
Dr. N
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