Vitamin B12 plays an important role in healthy red blood cell production, normal nervous system function and energy metabolism. When levels become too low, symptoms can develop gradually and may initially be easy to overlook. Persistent tiredness, weakness and pins and needles are among the symptoms that can occur, particularly when a deficiency has been present for some time.
At Pure Perfection, Vitamin B12 injections are available for suitable patients where supplementation is appropriate. Because symptoms associated with B12 deficiency can have many other causes, appropriate assessment is important rather than assuming tiredness or low energy is automatically related to vitamin B12.
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin B12 to function normally.
B12 is needed for the formation of healthy red blood cells and helps maintain the nervous system. A deficiency can therefore cause a wide range of symptoms, including persistent tiredness, weakness, pins and needles, a sore or red tongue and problems with memory or concentration.
Some people develop vitamin B12 deficiency because they are not consuming enough through their diet. For others, the problem is poor absorption, meaning the body cannot adequately absorb B12 even when sufficient amounts are being consumed.
What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Poor absorption is an important cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 needs to be absorbed through the digestive system, and conditions affecting the stomach or intestines can interfere with this process.
Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. Certain gastrointestinal conditions or previous stomach or intestinal surgery can also reduce absorption.
Diet can contribute, particularly because vitamin B12 is naturally found primarily in animal-derived foods. People following a vegan or highly restrictive diet may therefore be at greater risk unless they obtain adequate B12 through fortified foods or supplements.
Some medications can also affect B12 absorption, particularly when taken over a prolonged period.
Treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency at Pure Perfection
Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections provide B12 directly into the body without relying on absorption through the digestive system. They may therefore be appropriate for certain people who are deficient or have difficulty absorbing sufficient B12.
Where treatment is appropriate, the frequency and duration of injections will depend on the reason for the deficiency and your individual requirements.
Vitamin B12 injections should not be viewed as a general energy boost when there is no underlying need for supplementation. Persistent tiredness, weakness or neurological symptoms can have many different causes, so unexplained or ongoing symptoms should be appropriately investigated.
Where a diagnosed medical condition is responsible for B12 deficiency, ongoing management with your GP or relevant healthcare professional may also be required.
FAQs
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause persistent tiredness?
Yes. Tiredness and a lack of energy can occur with vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly if the deficiency contributes to anaemia. However, persistent fatigue has many possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to low B12.
Why does poor absorption cause B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 normally needs to be absorbed through the digestive system. Conditions that interfere with this process can prevent the body from obtaining enough B12 from food or oral supplements, even when dietary intake is adequate.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause pins and needles?
Yes. B12 is important for normal nervous system function, and deficiency can cause neurological symptoms including numbness or pins and needles. Persistent or worsening neurological symptoms should be medically assessed.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency make you feel weak?
Yes. Weakness can occur with B12 deficiency, particularly when it affects healthy red blood cell production. Because weakness can have many other causes, appropriate assessment is important.
Why are B12 injections used instead of tablets?
Injections bypass the digestive system, which can make them appropriate when poor absorption is contributing to a deficiency. Whether injections or oral supplementation are suitable depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.