Vitamin B12 has become one of the most talked-about health supplements in modern medicine. Over the last few decades, studies have linked this powerful molecule to everything from boosting energy to lowering your risk of heart disease to increasing your memory and even helping your skin achieve a beautiful glow.
Sometimes referred to as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a necessary part of proper metabolic function. However, B12 is unique in that the body cannot produce it- it’s only found in animal products (such as dairy, eggs, fish, and meat). Today, many people struggling to maintain healthy B12 intake can benefit from eating fortified foods, taking oral supplements, or receiving B12 injections.
B12 wears several “hats” within your body. It’s needed for normal nerve cell function and is a critical ingredient in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Most adults are recommended to take 2.4 mcg daily. However, this can be higher for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Who Should Take Vitamin B-12?
Healthy levels of Vitamin B12 benefit people of every age, gender, and lifestyle. It’s estimated that at least six percent of Americans aged 60 or older have B12 deficiency, and around 20 percent sit in the low to borderline deficient levels. So, we often recommend our older patients consider a B12 supplement or injection.
Vitamin B12 deficiency generally has two causes: a lack of adequate intake from your diet or an issue with your body’s ability to absorb it from foods. Older people are particularly at risk due to reduced secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which inhibits B12 absorption.
Those at the most considerable risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Older adults
- People with G.I. disorders (including Crohn’s or celiac disease)
- People with strict vegan or plant-based diets
- Regular users of metformin to control blood sugar
If you’re concerned about a vitamin B12 deficiency, please contact your primary care doctor or get in touch with Dr. Wallin. Together we can assess your situation and find the safest solution possible. Deficiency is easily preventable or resolved by injections.
Naturally Support Your Hair, Skin, and Nails
As vitamin B12 is a critical part of cell production, proper levels promote the growth of strong, healthy hair, nails, and skin. Low levels of B12 have been linked to several dermatologic symptoms such as nail discoloration, hair changes, hyperpigmentation, and angular stomatitis (cracked, inflamed corners of the mouth). If you suffer from any of these symptoms, B12 treatments are a simple and proven solution.
If you’re looking to boost your B12 intake, injections are a quick and easy route to feeling your very best. A B12 shot’s effects vary from patient to patient, but most people will feel the benefits for about one week. As such, if you’re at risk or struggling to maintain your vitamin B12 intake, we recommend an injection every week or really whenever you’re looking for a pick me up.
At Oasis Aesthetics, we’re proud to offer our patients the highest quality of care possible. Our entire team is here to help you look and feel like your very best self. If you’re interested in vitamin B12 injections, or any of our other medical spa or surgical treatments, the next step is to schedule a virtual consultation.
During this meeting, we’ll have a chance to listen to all of your concerns and goals. Plus, you can ask us any of your lingering questions–all from the comfort and safety of your own home. Every patient’s well-being is our number one goal, and our office is doing everything in its power to abide by CDC guidelines and ensure your safety.
To schedule a virtual consultation, please give our St. George, UT office a call at (435) 627-8150 or contact us online today. We look forward to getting in touch.
