Understanding the Importance of Vitamin B12
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Understanding the Importance of Vitamin B12
Fatigue, lack of focus and concentration, memory loss, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and ADHD are common symptoms in patients. After helping many improve their health, energy, and brain function over the years, I have found some common points that seem most helpful.
Understanding the Importance of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin the body needs to regulate various systems. B12 prevents nervous and blood disorders by encouraging healthy red blood cells. It helps regulate energy and mood. People with low B12 levels often struggle with chronic fatigue, headaches, and limb tingling. You can find this vitamin in foods like poultry, dairy, liver, nutritional yeast, and multivitamins.
Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, are common in adults and children. Whether it’s poor nutrition, genetics, or other factors, B12 deficiencies can occur at any age. Symptoms of deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog or lack of concentration
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Memory impairment
- Anxiety and depression
- Muscle weakness
- Hyperactivity
- Psychosis
- Tremors
- Behavioral Disorders
These are some common symptoms of deficiency. Many of these symptoms can mimic other health issues, so it’s essential to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Identifying Vitamin B12 Levels
The best way to identify Vitamin B12 levels is through a blood test. Many patients come into my office with basic or incomplete lab testing. Some patients have not had testing at all.
It’s important to check, among other things, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Ferritin (stored Iron), RBC Magnesium, and Vitamin D levels.
I recently treated a 20-year-old college student with a lack of concentration, fatigue, tremors, and shakiness in her hands. After ordering lab testing, I discovered her vitamin B12 level was 237. I prescribed a B12 supplement, which boosted her levels and reduced her symptoms.
There is a big difference between “normal” and optimal levels of vitamin B12, which depends on many factors. The normal range is typically 200 pg/ml to 1100 pg/ml. So if you are at 201, that’s considered “normal.” But you can have severe symptoms and an actual deficiency at levels under 500. A healthy range is 600 – 1100. But I would certainly recommend staying over 600.
Supplements Can Restore Your Health
Vitamin B12 supplements can help restore your health. Sublingual supplements like B12 Supreme are highly effective in boosting vitamin levels. However, it’s important to know the difference in the quality and absorption of certain supplements and products. Supplements are often more effective than shots and can increase absorption in the body. Click here for a highly absorbable, bioavailable B12 that can restore your health. Check with your doctor to determine if a supplement is right for you.
Contact Us Today For A Consultation
The team at Natural Medicine Clinic is here to help you regulate your B12 levels. You can email us at info@nmcwellness.com or call us at 561-627-5800. You can also join our email list to receive more information on improving your energy, brain function, and overall health.