Welcome to the Vitamin B12 Patch blog! Find information on topics related to vitamin B12. This blog is dedicated to providing up to date research, news and resources pertaining to vitamin B12 supplements, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and general health information surrounding the benefits of vitamin B12. Learn from, and contribute to information on B12, conditions caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and other connected subjects. This blog also provides B12 Patch product information and discusses some of the science behind the transdermal absorption method. Feel free to participate in blog discussions and contribute your opinion on the related topics covered in the Vitamin B12 Patch blog.
If you’ve had bariatric surgery (gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery), then you’re at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Weight loss surgery causes B12 vitamin malabsorption, in addition to difficulty absorbing other vitamins and minerals. Learn about B12 deficiency symptoms, and ways to get your B12 levels back to normal.
How many types of bariatric surgery procedures are there?
There are many types of weight loss surgeries, including gastric bypass and lap band surgery, but there are two general categories:
Malabsorptive surgery rearranges and/or removes part of your intestines so that you are unable to absorb vitamins from foods, thus bypassing the digestive process. There are no longer any strictly 100% malabsorptive weight loss surgeries, but many such as the Roux-en-Ygastric bypass include a combination of (mostly) malabsorptive and restrictive techniques.
Restrictive surgery shrinks your stomach, thus causing you to feel full earlier and avoid overeating. Examples are the gastric sleeve and gastric banding (lap band surgery).
Why do I need to take bariatric vitamins and minerals after having bariatric surgery?
If you’ve had weight loss surgery, then you are at a high risk for vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency. There are two reasons for this:
If you’ve had malabsorptive surgery, such as a mini-gastric bypass or duodenal switch, then your body is unable to digest water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B12 from food sources. One of the procedures of malabsorptive bariatric surgery is the removal of the ileum, the part of your small intestine responsible for digesting vitamin B12. The only way for you to receive enough B12 to avoid vitamin deficiency is to put it directly into your bloodstream, either through B12 shots or B12 injections. (Sublingual B12 pills are not your best option for absorbing vitamin B12.)
With restrictive surgery, such as gastric sleeve, your stomach is unable to contain enough food at one time to avoid vitamin deficiency.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, and why should I be worried?
Vitamin B12 supports many important functions in your body- B12 boosts energy and mental clarity, produces red blood cells, maintains your metabolism, protects your nervous system, strengthens cognitive functioning, and reduces your risk of heartattack or stroke.
Vitamin deficiency is one of many possible gastric bypass complications. In one study on diminished B12 absorption after gastric bypass, 30% of gastric bypass patients suffered from B12 deficiency.
The most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are:
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Short-term memory loss
“Brain fog”
Disorientation
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of physical balance
Altered taste perception
Tingling and/or numbing sensation in hands and feet
Blurred vision
Left untreated, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency could escalate into severe neurological damage, pernicious anemia, early-onset dementia, and even premature death.
Read more about weight loss surgery and vitamin B12 deficiency:
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes unexplained bruising, but so do cyanocobalaminvitamin B12 shots. Pernicious anemia symptoms (easy bruising, low blood platelets) are treatable with vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin injections, but (methylcobalamin) B12 shots side effects are painful and inconvenient.
Vitamin B12 benefits
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs to make sufficient red blood cells (hemoglobin) and to keep your nervous system running smoothly. Without sufficient vitamin B12, you might develop B12 deficiency, which causes side effects such as chronic fatigue, “brain fog,” loss of balance, memory loss, depression, altered taste perception, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. (For more information about vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, see B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms.)
Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency often occurs in people who lack intrinsic factor, and are thus unable to digest vitamin B12 in natural food sources, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and milk products. Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency could result in pernicious anemia (a form of megaloblastic anemia), in addition to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and severe damage to your nervous system. Some anemia symptoms include:
If your doctor diagnoses vitamin B12 deficiency, then he will prescribe vitamin B12 supplements, often as a vitamin B12 injection administered on a weekly basis. The B12 shot is inserted through the thick tissue near the thigh, and is usually very painful. Many B12 deficiency patients report profuse bleeding, sore muscles, and bruising as a result of their weekly B1 shot. Some pernicious anemia patients opt to insert their vitamin B12 injection at home for better convenience. (See How to Give Vitamin B12 Injection.) Still, reports of unexplained bruising and soreness from B12 shots continue:
“Vitamin B12 injections can sometimes cause bruising and soreness where the needle was inserted. Other side-effects include feeling sick, headaches, and dizziness, but these are rare.”(Vitamin B12-deficiency Anaemia- BUPA)
Alternatives to vitamin B12 injections
For patients who dread painful intramuscular B12 shots, there are some alternatives. Sublingual vitamin B12 pills that dissolve under your tongue are available, but health experts dispute their effectiveness. An increasingly popular option is to supplement with a weekly vitamin B12 patch, which contains the same dosage of B12 in one week as a single weekly vitamin B12 injection.
Celebrities like Madonna, Kate Perry and musical boy genius Justin Bieber get vitamin B12 injections regularly. Watch the YouTube video of Justin Bieber talking about getting his shot in the you-know-where!
Q: What are B12 shots, and what are their benefits, anyways?
A: Vitamin B12 shots are usually given to people with vitamin B12 deficiency , but stars are also finding that the benefits of vitamin B12 shots include:
Weight loss
Energy
Clear skin
Thick hair
Stress reduction
Not bad, for one water-soluble vitamin. B12 shots are painful, though, and you have to take them in the buttocks. (Ouch!)
I’ll take a B12 patch over a sharp needle in the behind any day. (Note to the uninformed: The B12 patch goes behind the ear, not the rear.)
Here are the top 10 most famous celebrities who rave about their vitamin B12 shots:
#1 & #2- Justin Biebertold Chelsea Handlerin an interview on her E! network show that he was feeling a little wiped out, but wasn’t looking forward to getting a B-12 shot, “in his butt.” (Will somebody send poor Bieber aB12 Patch, please?) The late night comedienne and former Playboy model is also a fan of B12 shots. She once even posted a pic on Twitter of herself getting a B12 shot in her bare behind. What’s the Difference between B12 Patches and B12 Pills, Anyways?
Madonna carries B12 on the go
#3 & #4- Madonna got Justin Timberlake hooked on vitamin B12 injections. Timberlake, when he was asked to speak about Madonna’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, told the audience all about his first B12 experience: Madonna was visiting him in a recording studio, when she whipped a syringe out of her purse, told Justin to drop trou, and proceeded to give him a shot of B12 right on the spot! He’s been taking B12 for increased energy ever since. B12: Celebs Say it’s the New C
#6- Cher Lloyd has raised a lot of eyebrows on the UK show, The X Factor, for bullying the other reality show competitors and acting like a stressed out teenzilla. It’s no wonder that mentor Cheryl Cole advised her to go to a clinic for a vitamin B12 shot, which she explained would help her fight chronic fatigue, nervousness and low immunity. Along with giving Cher more energy, the vitamin B12 supplements have also helped her deal with her stage fright. Got PMS? Let B Vitamins Ease your Pain
#7-Pirates of the Caribbean star, Penelope Cruz, says, “I can’t live without my vitamin B.” She takes vitamin B supplements to help her stick to her diet, resist the urge for sweets and for well-being. It’s National Nutrition Month: Are You Eating Your 5 Colors a Day?
Johnny and Penelope at Pirates opening
#8- Lindsay Lohan- Like Cher Lloyd, Lindsay has also had her share of teen antics, including many all-night parties and club-hopping. To get her back into shape the morning after, Lindsay often demands a dose of B12 for energy, focus and mental balance. 7 Reasons You Have Brain Fog…And What to do About It
#10 Princedidn’t miss the bus on vitamin B12, either. The 58-year-old crooner, once voted “Sexiest Vegetarian” gets his vitamin B12 shots before every concert to give him the stamina he needs to strut his stuff on-stage. 6 Must-Eat Foods for Die-Hard Vegans
Read more about vitamin B12 deficiency and how to prevent it:
No, it’s not a new television show about bonding with your inner child; intrinsic factor is an essential antibody which allows you to bond with vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in many high protein foods, but unless you have intrinsic factor your body isn’t able to grab the B vitamins it needs to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.
“Does my body really need vitamin B12? Aren’t all B vitamins alike?”
No. Many of the B vitamins complement each other, but each has its own specific task. Vitamin B12 has some very important duties which are vital for your survival. If the body doesn’t get sufficient vitamin B12, then it will be unable to perform some of these essential functions. Vitamin B12 is indispensable for:
Maintaining the myelin sheathe which protects nervesensors, such as those in our hands, mouth and feet
Directing brain-to-body communication through neuron activity
Curbing homocysteine levels, which are linked with increased risk for heart attack or stroke
Producing redbloodcells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body and protect the immune system
DNA synthesis
Preventing or delaying dementia caused by loss of brain mass
“Which foods are high in vitamin B12?”
Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in food sources which are high in protein. The foods that have highlevels of B12 are:
Meat, including lean beef chuck, veal and liver.
Poultry, such as boneless chicken or turkey breast
Fish, including salmon, tuna and halibut
Shellfish, particularly crabmeat, clams, oysters and mussels
Dairy products, including Swiss cheese, yogurt and milk.
Eggs
Vegans are urged to take daily vitamin B12 supplements in order to prevent vitamin deficiency, as their diet specifically excludes food sources which are rich in vitamin B12.
“Okay. So, I eat plenty of protein foods. Do I still need to worry about vitamin B12 deficiency?”
Yes. Individuals who lack intrinsic factor are unable to properly digest B12 naturally from foods and risk becoming severely deficient in vitamin B12. Some people don’t realize they have low B12 levels until they start experiencing some the characteristic symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. These include:
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Aggression
Paranoia
Short-term memory loss
Sleep disturbances
Occasional dizziness
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Altered taste perception
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Left unchecked, severe vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to malnourishment, pernicious anemia, irreversible neurological damage, heart attack, or stroke.
“How can I find out if I’m suffering from B12 deficiency?”
The only way to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency is through a blood screening. Some physicians don’t include vitamin B12 blood testing with yearly checkups, so it’s important to ask your doctor to check yourvitamin B12 levels in order to avoid deficiency. Chronic B12 deficiency patients are advised to get their B12 levels checked on a regular basis. Also read: Worried about Low B12 Lab Results?
“Which people are at risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency?”
There are many individuals who must supplement with B12 vitamins, either because they don’t have the intrinsic factor hormone, or because they lack the stomach acids needed to utilize vitamins such as B12; these include gastric bypass patients, people who take regular antacid medication for heartburn or individuals with autoimmune or gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or AIDS. Other individuals who must take regular vitamin B12 supplements are vegans, strict vegetarians and diabetics who take metformin.
“What kinds of vitamin B12 supplements are available?”
There are several forms of vitamin B12 supplementation; these include:
Vitamin B12 injections. For treating chronic B12 deficiency, physicians will often prescribe routine B12 shots. These injections are painful, as they must be inserted in the dense muscular flesh below the buttocks. Some patients are given one round of vitamin B12 shots once per week, for 3-4 weeks, while others with severe vitamin B12 deficiency require a more extended regimen of B12 injections.
Sublingual vitamin B12 tablets. These are dissolvable pills which are placed under the tongue. Physicians might recommend daily B12 pills as a preventative measure against vitamin B12 deficiency. Some questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of B12 pills, and there are reports that sublingual B12 tablets aren’t absorbed efficiently enough to prevent long-term vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 patch. The B12 patch is one of many transdermal medications; people often prefer medical skin patches because they are convenient, gentle, inexpensive and more efficient than pills and injections. The B12 patch releases vitamin B12 directly into the blood stream; the dime-sized flesh-colored patch adheres firmly and discreetly behind the ear or on the wrist. Because the B12 patch only needs to be applied once per week, it’s more likely to be utilized regularly, as opposed to pills which are often forgotten or misplaced.
Read more about the risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency:
Most of us eat about 15 mcg. of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)everyday, which is more than the USRDA of only 2 mcg. Good sources include most meat, fish and dairy products. However, scientists recommend 200 times that amount in order to prevent getting Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Why you need Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy red blood cell reproduction and neurological functioning. A deficiency can have serious consequences which, left untreated, can be life threatening.
Diseases resulting from Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Hematological
Megaloblastic anemia
Pancytopenia
Neurological illness
Peripheral neuropathy
Paresthesia
Combined systems disease
Psychiatric illness
Moodiness
Loss of short-term memory, dementia
Depression
Psychotic behavior
Cardiovascular disease
Increased likelihood for heart attack or stroke
Three Causes for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1) Nutrition
Foods that are highest in Vitamin B12 include shellfish, liver, beef and cheese. Vegans are at high risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency and must take regular vitamin supplements to compensate.
2) Malabsorption syndromes
Some people are unable to utilize the Vitamin B12 found in food products and tend to develop Vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia is an example of an autoimmune disease which results from a low presence of the intrinsic factor antibody, which attaches itself to and aids in the absorption of Vitamin B12.
3) Gastrointestinal causes
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is another common cause of low Vitamin B12 since excess stomach acids make it difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin B12 properly.
Sufferers of Crohn’s disease are at particular risk and must supplement with vitamins in order to avoid severe malnourishment.
Patients who have had gastric bypass or other intestinal surgery are likely to develop B12 deficiency due to bacterial residue.
Treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have Vitamin B12 Deficiency; a simple blood test is all that is required for a diagnosis.
Once Vitamin B12 deficiency is determined your physician will prescribe a regimen of Vitamin B12 supplements, usually in the form of intramuscular injections followed up by sublingual tablets.
An innovative new form of Vitamin B12 which is gaining acceptance these days is comes in a transdermal application. The Vitamin B12 patch is seen by many as a gentler, non-intrusive alternative to the B12 shot. The Vitamin B12 patch is also less expensive than Vitamin B12 injections. The fact that it can be administered at home also makes the Vitamin B12 patch a more convenient option.
Hair loss got you down, as in down the drain? Women’s hair loss, male pattern baldness- it all amounts to the same impairment. But don’t throw in the bath towel just yet; here are a few treatments for hair loss that include changes you can make to your diet right now to put the breaks on that receding hairline and give you shinier, healthier hair.
Wholesome foods are just that- they benefit the body as a whole; what’s good for your digestive system is also good for your hair, skin and nails. Eating a variety of lean proteins, dairy, healthy oils, legumes and fruits and vegetables every day will ensure that your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly inside and out.
Remember, fat is not a four-letter word. “Good” fats are anti-inflammatories which keep your hair shiny and lush. Avoid saturated hydrogenated oils like margarine and opt instead for unsaturated canola. Elect to make one day of the week as “fish dinner” night, as well as supplementing with a daily dose of omega 3 fatty acids for lustrous locks.
Beware of iron deficiency. Particularly, women approaching middle age are at risk of developing anemia, a symptom of which is hair loss. When taking an iron supplement or having an iron-rich meal such as fortified cereal or spinach quiche, remember to include a dose of vitamin c for maximum impact.
Many women who experience premature balding suffer vitamin b12 deficiency, a condition which often leads to pernicious anemia. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, short-term memory loss, tingling in the extremities and nausea. Vitamin b12 deficiency is usually caused by a diet low in eggs, meat and poultry; standard vegan diets do not maintain a sufficient amount of vitamin b12 and are often a factor in vitamin b12 deficiency. A blood test by a physician is necessary to determine a deficiency in vitamin b12, in which a dose of 1000 mcg. of b12 is generally prescribed.
Another b vitamin, biotin, is also essential for a healthy head of hair; not only is biotin the key ingredient for development of hair follicles, it actually regulates all hair, nail and skin functioning. While biotin is found in some food products like egg yolks a 3 mg. supplement is required to get an adequate supply.
Choose silicone-enhanced shampoos and conditioners which coat the follicles with a silky surface for less tugging and strand pulling while combing.
Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that is not known to have toxic effects even when taken in large doses. Patients with anemia have been given 1,000 mcg monthly injections to treat vitamin B12 deficiency without any side effects. However, for healthy individuals, large doses of vitamin B12 are not recommended. Healthy adults get enough of this vitamin from a balanced diet. Healthy adults are recommended to take one multivitamin daily that contains vitamin B12. Those at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include the elderly and vegetarians. The elderly are at risk for atrophic gastritis, and vegetarians often need supplementation because vitamin B12 is found only in foods from animal products. A strict vegetarian diet which prohibits consumption of animal products can result in vitamin B12 deficiency.
Additional Supplementation
Patients with anemia cannot absorb vitamin B12 from food or oral supplements. Therefore, vitamin B12 injections are usually required to correct anemia and to prevent irreversible neurological damage. Patients who have had surgical removal of the stomach lack intrinsic factor which is produced in the stomach, so they cannot absorb vitamin B12 from food or supplements. Patients with resection of the small bowel may not be able to absorb vitamin B12 from food and supplements. Patients with a condition of food allergy to gluten that leads to atrophy of the small bowel lining may also not be able to absorb vitamin B12 from food and supplements. Also, some medications affect the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. For example, medication used to control blood glucose levels with type II diabetes, treatment used to lower blood cholesterol levels, and also some medications used to control unexplained diarrhea have been known to inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12 from food.
Vitamin B12 comes as a solution that can be injected into a muscle or just under the skin. Vitamin B12 is often administered by injection to treat or prevent deficiencies from numerous causes. Vitamin B12 is often administered several times as a test. This is in order to see how well the body undergoes the absorption of vitamin B12. Since vitamin B-12 can be injected straight into the blood stream, it can be used effectively to supply the vitamin in patients who are unable to absorb it through the intestine. In most cases the initial treatment is one injection a day for the first 6 to 7 days. Then, depending upon the absorption rate and the symptoms of the body, the frequency and dosage is increased or reduced accordingly.
Vitamin B12 Injections And Weight Loss
Vitamin B12 has been found to help weight loss by stimulating the thyroid gland. Also, vitamin B12 might sometimes reduce water retention in the body. Therefore, vitamin B12 is often used in weight reducing programs. Many weight loss clinics are providing their clients with vitamin B12 supplementation to increase energy levels, support thyroid function, and to enhance the over-all well being of the entire body.
The human body stores vitamin B12 for long periods, a nutritional deficiency of this vitamin is quite unusual. A deficiency can result from the body being unable to absorb vitamin B12. Inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestine can be caused by a disease known as pernicious anemia. Strict vegetarians who do not take in proper amounts of vitamin B12 by way of supplements are prone to deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause anemia, numbness or tingling in the extremities and other neurological symptoms such as weakness and loss of balance.
Lack Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin needed for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and also aids in the synthesis of DNA. In addition, Vitamin B12 works closely together with folic acid to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron absorption in the body. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 are usually caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a substance produced in the stomach that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12 from the digestive system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nervousness, and numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers and toes. People with pernicious anemia do not produce enough intrinsic factor and must take supplementary doses of vitamin B12 to maintain their health. People who have had stomach surgery are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. They often require vitamin B12 injections after the surgery.
Vitamin B12 injections are only administered when there is no other way of supplementation. Injections are mostly used in cases of diseases caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Injections are usually administered to people who have a medical problem known as pernicious anemia, a condition in which the patient is not capable of absorbing vitamin B12 via the intestine. Injections are also administered to those who suffer from a diseased intestine or have a large part of their stomach or intestines removed. Vitamin B12 injections are only given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. In the United States, injections of vitamin B12 are generally available in two types, cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
Advantages of Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections have been used for a long time, especially by many politicians and famous personalities from the entertainment industry. There are several reasons why. The injection contains 500 times more vitamin B12 than the recommended daily dosage. When injected, vitamin B12 is easily absorbed by the body and then utilized in the formation of red blood cells as well as aiding in the maintenance of a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system. The three major health benefits of vitamin B12 injections are an increase in energy, sleeping better, and a feeling of alertness. However, people often complain of bruises and soreness in the area where the vitamin B12 was injected.
