Vitamin Booster
Vitamin B12 is a vital vitamin that helps to sustain the production of healthy red blood cells, effective DNA synthesis and optimum neurological function.
Consuming a diet containing foods rich in Vitamin B12 will assist in preventing a deficiency, however for many, dietary intake may not be adequate or possible. Therefore the option of an intramuscular injection is available at Youth Lab, performed by one of our Doctors or Registered Nurses.
Suitable for
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Cost
$60
Downtime
Nil
Longevity
Average of 4 weeks
Time
15 minutes
Pregnancy Safe?
No
Vitamin B12 can only be sourced from the diet (mainly animal-based) and a substance called intrinsic factor is necessary for its absorption.
Common sources of Vitamin B12 are red meat, poultry, eggs and milk products. Unfortunately, many people who do not have meat or dairy within their diet can suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin B12.
Those at risk of a deficiency are vegetarians, vegans, pregnant and breast-feeding women, those with autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal diseases.
People who are unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly may have pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia characterised by a lack of intrinsic factor.
Vitamin B12 injections contain high levels of a synthetic form of the vitamin, cyanocobalamin. An injection can quickly boost the Vitamin B12 levels in someone who may be deficient.
Symptoms of low or deficient B12 levels include:
- Depleted energy levels
- Poor memory or ‘foggy brain’
- Headaches
- Mouth Ulcers
- Pale skin and lips
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
FAQs
What does the treatment involve?
The treatment involves a consultation with a Registered Nurse or Doctor to assess your suitability and frequency of treatment. It is recommended that recent blood tests are presented to demonstrate a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Once a plan has been established, your practitioner will prepare the B12 injection.
The injection is placed in your Deltoid muscle (upper arm) to allow adequate absorption. Using a fine needle, the injection is prompt and comfortable to receive. Our injectors utilise distraction techniques for those clients who are uncomfortable undertaking injections.
How long do results last?
For those clients with a known deficiency, we recommend weekly injections for 4 consecutive weeks. This must be reviewed by our doctors and it is recommended those needing frequent treatments keep in contact with their regular GP or specialist.
For those clients wanting to maintain their B12 levels and improve energy, treatments once every 3 months is usually adequate. A consultation prior to treatment will assist you to determine how frequent may be most appropriate for you.
What happens after my treatment?
Once the treatment is undertaken, you are able to resume your daily activities as per usual with no downtime or aftercare required. You may experience a slight heaviness in the arm for a short period of time.
What are the risks of treatment?
There is no treatment we are allowed to deem as ‘safe’, all procedures carry risks. The most common risks for B12 injections include;
- Haematoma (bruising) at the injection site
- Erythema (redness) at the site of injection
- Heaviness to the arm for a short period of time
- Risk of over supplementation of Vitamin B12
What are the costs?
Treatment cost is $60 per injection, plus the initial consultation fee with one of our nurses or doctors.
Please remember that if you are under the care of your GP or specialist you must continue to manage your Vitamin B12 deficiency and its underlying causes under their care. Youth Lab doctors or nurses will not manage chronic deficiency or those with underlying medical conditions.