injection therapy

Our bodies require a daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals in order to properly function. If one of these components is deficient, it can result in a myriad of health troubles. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is not produced by the human body and must be received through our food via foods of animal origin such as eggs, poultry, fish, shellfish, red meat and dairy products. Unfortunately, vegetables do not contain B12.

As an essential nutrient, Vitamin B12 — a water-soluble B vitamin [cobalamin] — is essential for normal blood formation (red & white blood cells, platelets), and neurological function. It's involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis, regulation, and stability; facilitates the production of serotonin & dompamine; acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, as well as fatty acid synthesis; supports the conversion of food into energy production; and has antioxidant properties.

B12 shots are often recommended for patients who have a deficiency & who need extra nutritional support, especially if digestive absorption isn’t proving effective. Healthy individuals may also benefit from B12 injections to optimize nutritional balance, provide more energy, affect our moods & sense of well-being, and many other benefits.

Benefits of b12:

Muscular [Intramuscular/IM] injection of Vitamin B12 benefits:

• improve metabolism,

• boost energy levels, supports conversion of food into energy

• regulate sleep patterns and benefits circadian rhythm imbalances,

• regulate mood & sense of well-being,

• support brain functions,

• supports heart and neurologic function,

• supports muscle, joint, and bone health / function / reflex,

• strengthen immunity (boosts of B12 before travel, for example, are great!),

• supports blood production and DNA,

• enhances skin, hair, and nails, while also supporting underlying deficiencies leading to hair loss,

• reduces risk of anemia, treats pernicious anemia,

• support vision, such as AMD / Age-related Macular Degeneration and other vision problems,

• supports fertility,

• provide antioxidant benefits,

• reduce pain, especially neurologic pain (neuropathy), as an anti-inflammatory.

B12 deficiency

For the human body, we must access & utilize B12 from animal sources in our diet — those who are unable to fully utilize and absorb an adequate amount of B12 due to dietary restrictions or health concerns may need to get a natural supplement through B12 injections, thereby bypassing the digestive system and allowing for more effective utilization of this micronutrient. Furthermore, epigenetic mutations affecting MTHFR can also interfere with how our body processes B12. [Keep reading to find out more on this!]

What are some causes of B12 deficiency?

• MTHFR gene mutations [MTHFR = methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene]

• overuse of acid blockers / antacids (especially PPI’s/Proton Pump Inhibitors),

• use of certain medications, including chemotherapy & other treatment protocols,

• vegan or vegetarian diets, or low animal protein dietary patterns,

• gut troubles including gluten intolerance / sensitivity, other food intolerances,

• digestive conditions (examples: IBD/Inflammatory Bowel Disease, gastritis, Crohn’s, Celiacs, diverticulitis/diverticulosis),

• parasitic infections of the gut,

• Diabetes,

• a high sugar diet, high consumption of alcohol,

• some autoimmune conditions, Lyme disease, heavy metal toxicity, mycotoxicosis (toxic mold),

• during and following pregnancy,

• cancer, HIV,

• and inevitably, age & lifestyle.

What are symptoms of B12 deficiency?

• brain fog, memory loss, confusion,

• lethargy, tiredness, fatigue,

• muscular pain, cramps,

• headaches, visual problems,

• nerve pain: numbness & tingling [neuropathies],

• weakness, poor balance,

• gastrointestinal issues,

• anxiety and depression,

• a lack of well-being,

• anemia, or a pale affect,

• dryness,

• red and sore tongue, mouth ulcers and sores.

different types / Forms of vitmain B12:

There are 4 forms of B12:

1. Methylcobalamin (naturally occuring form),

2. Adenosylcobalamin (naturally occuring form),

3. Hydroxycobalamin (naturally occuring form),

4. Cyanocobalamin (*synthetic form).

   *While the first 3 forms are naturally occuring whilc cyanocobalamin is a man-made, synthetic form often found in vitamin supplements and vitamin additives in food.

At Roots Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine LLC, we use the natural hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin forms. While the methyl form is the most bio-available form of Vitamin B12, not every individual may utilize this form fully. If one has genetic/epigenetic mutations in their MTHFR gene, there may be difficulty with methyl-B12 utilization & absorbtion; therefore, hydroxycobalamin becomes a superior choice.

Hydroxocobalamin is a precursor to the other active forms of vitamin B12: adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. In B12 metabolism, the body converts hydroxocobalamin into these other forms, which are then used for various biochemical processes. Hydroxocobalamin is a popular form of vitamin B12 because it is highly bioavailable, binds well to transport molecules in the body allowing it to circulate in the blood for a longer period of time than the other forms thereby allowing the body to better convert, utilize, & absorb B12. Consequently, this proves more effective when a MTHFR mutation is present, for example. Also, Hydroxycobalamin (B12) helps the body convert fat and carbohydrates to energy and may be beneficial as part of a weight loss program.

If you have further questions regarding B12 injections, please contact us!