A lack of vitamin B12 can sometimes cause anaemia. Sometimes, your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12; this is called pernicious anaemia. In the UK, this is the most common reason for a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Contact your IPSA Medical doctor if you are currently suffering from anaemia and you would like to discuss having vitamin B12 injections.
Anaemia: What Are the Symptoms?
The following symptoms may be experienced if you are anaemic, and they are due to the reduced oxygen levels in your body:
- Lethargy
- Feeling faint
- Tiredness
- Breathlessness
There are some less common symptoms, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Altered taste
- Palpitations
- Headaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Pale skin
Treating Vitamin B12 Deficiency at IPSA Medical
The doctors at IPSA Medical will take the time to run through your clinical history. IPSA Medical offers immediate examinations, with your appointment taking place in a clean and quiet environment.
If required, we take immediate blood tests. These tests determine your vitamin B12 levels and the results take 24 hours to come back. These blood-test results help your doctor to provide you with the most effective treatment.
One effective vitamin B12-deficiency treatment involves regular vitamin B12 injections. These last for 3–6 months.
If these injections are found to be the best course of action, your IPSA Medical doctor will recommend that you receive about six injections over a period of weeks to build up your body’s vitamin B12 store.
Your body’s vitamin B12 store can then last for several months. Your IPSA Medical doctor will then usually administer 3-monthly injections to replenish your vitamin B12 levels.
If your symptoms do return prior to the end of the 3-month period, then you might have to be given another injection sooner than planned. This is a rare occurrence; your IPSA Medical doctor will discuss this with you in full when you are at your appointment.
We may suggest some further bloods tests. This very much depends on your clinical symptoms. These tests (if required) are arranged immediately. Your IPSA Medical doctor will discuss your results with you (on a one-to-one basis).
If your diet is the reason for your lack of vitamin B12 (and it is not due to pernicious anaemia), then once you have been given your initial injections, your doctor may follow up your treatment by integrating dietary supplements. Alternatively, twice-yearly injections may be suggested instead.
If you do have pernicious anaemia, then you will require vitamin B12 injections for the rest of your life. There are usually no side effects from these vitamin B12 injections.
To discuss a vitamin B12 deficiency, contact the IPSA Medical clinic or book your same-day appointment with one of our IPSA Medical doctors.
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