Vitamin B12 – Therapy

$60.00

Definition:

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin, that is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as for the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. It plays a key role in converting food into energy and maintaining healthy nerve cells.

It is naturally found in animal-based foods and can also be taken as a dietary supplement or injection in cases of deficiency.

Method of Administration

  • Primary Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion
    This method provides high systemic absorption and rapid onset of action, allowing the compound to act quickly at the cellular level.

  • Alternative Route: Oral administration (Less effective compared to IV delivery.)

Key Functions of Vitamin B12

What It Does

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

  • Neurological function – Maintains healthy brain and nerve cells.

  • DNA synthesis – Helps make DNA, the genetic material in cells.

  • Red blood cell formation – Prevents anemia by aiding in red blood cell production.

  • Energy metabolism – Converts food into energy.

Deficiency Risks

Deficiency can cause:

  • Fatigue, weakness, Numbness or tingling in hands and feet, Memory problems or confusion

  • Megaloblastic anemia, Mood changes (e.g., depression, irritability)

At-risk groups:

  • Older adults, People with gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac, Crohn's)

  • Vegans and some vegetarians, Individuals on certain medications (e.g., metformin, proton pump inhibitors)

When Is B12 Therapy Needed?

Vitamin B12 therapy is typically required for:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency, caused by:

    • Poor diet (especially vegan/vegetarian diets)

    • Pernicious anemia

    • Malabsorption (e.g., from gastric surgery, Crohn’s disease)

    • Certain medications (e.g., metformin, PPIs)

  • Low serum B12 levels on blood tests

  • Presence of symptoms, such as:

    • Fatigue

    • Memory loss

    • Tingling or numbness

    • Glossitis (inflamed tongue)

    • Anemia

Duration of Therapy

  • Short-term for temporary deficiency (e.g., dietary)

  • Lifelong for chronic causes (e.g., pernicious anemia, GI surgery)

Monitoring and Follow-up

  • Blood tests to monitor:

    • Serum B12 levels

    • Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA)

    • Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts

  • Neurological symptoms and energy levels