As it does with all essential nutrients, your body needs sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in order to function normally. And while the daily requirement of B12 may seem small, numerous risk factors can make it difficult to meet your needs. Once that happens, you can experience a range of issues, including those that may impact your weight. Turning your low levels around could be just what you need to shift your weight loss goals into effective gear.
Our specialists at Delta Medical Weight Management Center in Southaven, Mississippi, led by Dr. Ulric Duncan, provide medically supervised weight-loss programs that often include injections aimed at complementing conventional strategies to help you burn fat more efficiently. Read on to learn why vitamin B12 is important for weight control, as well as ways that injections may help.
Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency
Most adults need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day, or slightly more while breastfeeding. Factors that can make it difficult to meet your daily need include:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or Graves’ disease
- Certain medications, such as diabetes and heartburn medications
- Conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease
- Eating a diet that severely limits calories or animal products
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 helps your body create red blood cells, maintain a healthy nervous system, and convert food you eat into energy. If you consume too little, your energy can tank, making it difficult to exercise while working to manage your weight.
Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include weakness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, and difficulty walking. You may also experience shortness of breath, depressive moods, and constipation, all of which may interfere with weight control by reducing your motivation or ability to lead an active lifestyle or take good care of yourself.
Vitamin B12 injections and weight loss
If you lack vitamin B12 and are attempting to lose excess pounds, restoring normal levels could make your weight-loss efforts more effective while enhancing your overall health. While foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals contain vitamin B12, your bloodstream absorbs injections more quickly. For that reason, vitamin B12 injections can help reverse a deficiency faster than foods or oral supplements.
We find that patients who benefit from vitamin B12 experience boosted energy levels, stronger motivation, and better weight-loss results. This treatment can be especially important while you’re eating fewer calories than usual in order to slim down.
To learn more about vitamin B12 and weight loss or to get the support you need, call Delta Medical Weight Management Center or message us through our website today.