Welcome to September, whether you have small people to get to school or not, the beginning of September for me always has that back-to-school feeling of a clean slate and a fresh start!
Here at Holistic Health many of our team have been enjoying some time off with family, children, the beautiful sunshine. Now we are back and ready to get you to a good place of health, whether that’s a deep tissue massage to get rid of any tensions, an appointment to have those feet back to their best after a Summer in flip flops and Birkenstocks, or a session with myself or one of our many wellbeing experts about nutrition, weight loss, clean eating or just a reset.
This month I’d like to focus on Vitamin B12 deficiency and what it means for all of us. B12 is only found in animal products and even for the most seasoned of carnivores (like me), you still won’t be getting enough. If you follow a meat free or plant based diet then you will without question be deficient! Let’s get you booked in for a loading dose of Vitamin B12 injections, or your Vitamin B12 boosters, to get you fighting fit for the coming season!
VITAMIN B12 OPTIMUM RANGE
I see a lot of patients who are told by their GP that their latest blood tests show Vitamin B12 levels to be fine or within range. This can be confusing when all your symptoms point to a deficiency in this power-house vitamin, and here’s why…
Throughout Europe and the US (where health care is not free) a blood level of less than 500pg/ml is considered to be low, and supplementation is prescribed. In the UK (where health care is free for treatment), the acceptable level drops to just 170pg/ml. This means that it is clinically acceptable in the UK for those of us who are deficient to be sent away with a clean bill of health.
Studies have shown time and time again that anything below 500pg/ml is low and means that you are Vitamin B12 deficient. NHS constraints simply mean we cannot afford to offer Vitamin B12 injections to all who need it, and we know how much strain our amazing NHS is under already.
SUPPLEMENTING B12
Vitamin B12 is water soluble, meaning that it is completely safe and simply cannot be over-dosed as any excess is excreted by the kidneys.
If you have had blood tests carried out recently, you can view the results in detail on the NHS app. If you haven’t had bloods done recently and have seen any change in how you feel, request a full blood count and then take a look.
Vitamin B12 injections are the gold standard and fastest acting supplement you can take, and I recommend every adult has a B12 injection at least quarterly. You don’t need blood tests, but they are always a useful baseline to have.
Folate (Vitamin B9) is another power house and works hand in hand with Vitamin B12. I always ask patients to supplement with Folate alongside their Vitamin B12 injections.
The symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are many and varied, but here are the most common I see in my clinic:
- Extreme fatigue & not feeling well rested on waking.
- Lack of energy and drive.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of memory.
- Broken sleep.
- Hair loss.
- Brittle nails.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Hayfever that is unmanageable.
- Pins & needles (paraesthesia).
- Disturbed vision, having to wear reading glasses more often.
Book for a course of injections (most popular) £180 or a Vitamin B12 booster shot £50.
info@holistichealthhackney.co.uk
0207 275 8434
Or pop in and see us on Broadway Market, London Fields.