11630 SE 40th Ave, Suite C, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503.974.9283

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Mon-Thurs 8:30-5:30
Friday 8:30-4:30

This is Your Brain on Vitamin B12

Every Wednesday from 3-5PM, we offer a $15 shot of Vitamin B12 for anyone who wants to come into Flow Natural Health Center. We have many patients who come in every Wednesday for their shot and leave feeling energized and vibrant.

While many people swear by Vitamin B12 shots, the question occasionally comes up, why does the shot give you energy? To answer this, we have to talk about what Vitamin B12 actually is.

What is Vitamin B12?

All of the B Vitamins are considered brain boosters and B12 is no exception. Simply put, Vitamin B12 aids in the basic functions of nerve and red blood cells. It is also a basic building block of DNA – so, it is very clearly an essential part of the healthy function of the human body.

Animal products like meat, fish, milk and eggs are the only place you can get Vitamin B12 in nature. That means that people who have a low-meat, vegetarian or vegan diet may become deficient in Vitamin B12. Signs of deficiency include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Memory loss
  • Numb or tingling sensation in hands and feet
  • Nausea or poor appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Yellow tinge to skin and eyes
  • Depression

 While it doesn’t hurt to take extra B12 if you are experiencing these symptoms, the best way to discover if you are suffering from a B12 deficiency is by getting a blood test.

Why get a B12 shot?

Now that you have the facts and figures regarding B12 and how it affects your body, it’s time to find out… why do we provide Vitamin B12 in a shot? Why not take a vitamin or tell people to eat more meat?

There are many answers to these questions, and we can get into them in-depth when you come into the Clinic. But we will provide some abbreviated answers right here:

Question: Why provide B12 as a shot?

Answer: B12 shots directly absorb into the body. This means that vegans, people with intestinal difficulties, those with long-term illnesses, the elderly, and others who may be deficient in B12 gain the benefits of the vitamin immediately. Additionally, a shot bypasses the gastrointestinal system, which can really help those who have GI problems like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

Question: Why not get B12 naturally through foods?

Answer: Some people don’t eat animal products, so the only way they have access to B12 is through vitamins taken orally or shots.

Additionally, there are autoimmune diseases like pernicious anemia that make it almost impossible to absorb B12. When one is suffering from such a problem, their body will not extract the vitamins they need from their food. So, a B12 shot is necessary to get this essential vitamin into their system.

Do you have questions about B12 shots or are you wondering if you have a deficiency? Contact us today! We treat health issues holistically, providing you with the right solution for your needs.

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