Methylcobalamin B12 injection
Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient for our health. For example, it is the nutrient that works in conjunction with folate to synthesize DNA and red blood cells along with the myelin sheath around nerve cells. As a result, deficiency will effect both red blood cell production and nerve health. Unfortunately, early detection of B12 can be difficult since the body does not waste any vital nutrients. For instance, early phases of deficiency can have normal lab values of B12 itself.
When levels are low patients will exhibit symptoms of anemia (megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia) and nerve disease which includes:
- dementia
- neuropathy
- multiple sclerosis
- and more…
Unfortunately, recent research suggests that B12 deficiency is more common than once thought. [1][2] Our current serum (blood) levels may be too low to detect deficiency. As a consequence, no additional markers for B12 are routinely utilized – such as urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA).[3]
What are the injection benefits?
Why is injecting the vitamin an important therapy for better treatment outcomes for patients?
Injection remains the gold standard for the treatment of deficiency. Overall, there are three main causes that can result in deficiency. A vegan diet can lead to deficiency. Pernicious anemia can result in deficiency because the immune cells attack the absorptive process in the digestive system. Also, patients who regularly use acid suppressing medications, diabetic medications or patients with gastrointestinal allergies / infections are also at risk. In a word, these medications all can cause malabsorption of the vitamin which results in deficiency. The injection bypasses the body’s need to absorb the vitamin. It is a quick and reliable way to get your nutrient levels back up to optimal.
Luckily, above our office we have Onus IV, a hydration IV Bar. They are actually one of my favorite recommendations for patients. But, they are not just an IV Bar. Onus has vitamin injections too! Patients can schedule with Onus IV on their website.
Article Authored by
Dr. Mark VanOtterloo, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Links to useful information used in this post:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12650116
- https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2000/b12-deficiency-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought/
- https://www.amazon.com/Could-Be-B12-Epidemic-Misdiagnoses/dp/1884956467
