Vitamin B12 therapy
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of healthy red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.
Some people lack a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12 from foods and supplements. A lack of B12 can put you at higher risk for a specific type of anaemia that makes you feel weak and tired.
The normal level of B12 in your blood can range from 200-900 ng/L. B12 supplements are only offered on the NHS if your level is below 200 ng/L. However, research suggests that people can still have symptoms of low B12 with a level less than 500 ng/L and the accuracy of the current blood test in the UK has been called into question. Some hospitals in other countries use a higher accepted range of 500-1300 ng/L.
AboutFace21 offer vitamin B12 injections for health benefits.
Injections are usually given in the muscle of the upper arm or thigh.
Injection schedules are tailored to the individual but often start with one injection per month for 3 months after which symptom improvement is assessed.
Having levels of B12 over the recommended upper limit has not been found to be harmful.
Health Benefits
Depression Prevention and Treatment
Vitamin B12 plays a role in serotonin production, so a deficiency may be connected with clinical depression.
Brain Health
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the neurons in the brain. Brain atrophy, which refers to the loss of neurons in the brain, is associated with memory loss and dementia.
In one randomized trial, older adults with early-stage dementia who were given vitamin B12 supplements to lower their blood homocysteine levels demonstrated a slower rate of cognitive and clinical decline.
Another study found that low B12 levels, even within the normal range, contribute to poor memory performance.
More studies are needed before researchers can be certain of the impact of B12 supplementation on memory loss and dementia.