Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 or ‘cobalamin’ is a water-soluble vitamin stored mainly in the liver. It plays an important role in many functions of the body and maintaining optimal levels is key to our overall health and wellbeing.

The benefits of B12 vitamin injections may include:

Boosted energy levels
Reduction of fatigue
Improved muscle function, reduction in muscle soreness and faster recovery
Reduction of brain fog – an improvement in overall cognitive functioning is common
Improved concentration and focus
Improved memory
Accelerated metabolism which can support healthy weight loss
Supports mental health and can boost our mood and reduce anxiety
Better quality of sleep
Supported hair follicle growth and prevents excessive shedding

Dietary sources of B12 include liver, red meat, cheese, eggs and almost anything else of animal origin. Cereals and plant-based milks may be fortified with B12. Those with a vegan or vegetarian diet or low consumption of B12-rich foods are likely to have lower levels of this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 is needed for the body to produce healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body and help the body to get rid of waste and toxins.

B12 is involved in converting our food into energy by aiding the metabolism of fats and proteins. It is important in rebuilding and repairing our muscles.

Essential vitamin needed for a good sleep and is involved in the production and function of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain including melatonin which regulates our sleep-wake cycle and the ‘happy’ hormone serotonin.

B12 is crucial for maintaining the health of our nervous system. It is involved in producing ‘myelin’ which is the protective covering around our nerves and allows them to function properly.

Some medicines can reduce the absorption of B12 and lead to lower levels in the body. These include proton-pump inhibitors (PPI’s) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole and metformin.