Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt. The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop B12 is a water soluble vitamin that plays an important role in brain function and red blood cell production. Many people are deficient. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day. Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. In fact, it's thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have a deficiency. This is because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. However, vegans and vegetarians are not the only ones who are deficient. Even some meat eaters don't absorb it very well. Unlike other vitamins, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein produced in your stomach, called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, so that you can absorb it into the blood. People who don't produce enough intrinsic factor can become deficient. Deficiency is particularly common in elderly people, because the ability to absorb vitamin. B12 can decrease with age. Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, are also at risk. An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems or pernicious anemia, which occurs when your body doesn't have enough B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor or private therapist and given intramuscularly, or into muscle. Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences In fact, low blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to several health problems such as Brain Function Depression Vitamin B-12 can be taken in the form of injection.

Who needs B-12 shots?

While B-12 supplements and foods fortified with the vitamin are readily available, vitamin B12 shots are only available by prescription, so a clinical diagnosis is always necessary. It is important to note that low levels are rare in most healthy adults because the human liver stores several years' worth of vitamin B-12. However, some groups of people are more at risk of deficiency than others and may wish to discuss the possibility of B-12 shots with their doctor. Always get your client to check with there doctor if they are unsure of anything or have any medical questions unless you are a medic with a medical number .

Some common signs and symptoms include:

Decreased cognitive function, such as issues with memory or understanding

fatigue

lethargy

constipation

feeling faint

depression or irritability

headache

difficulty maintaining balance

sore, swollen tongue, which may be pale yellow or very red

heart palpitations

mouth ulcers

paraesthesia (pins and needles)

vision changes

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