Vitamin B12
Deficiency anaemia of Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly referred to as folate) arises when insufficient levels of these vitamins lead to the production of abnormally large red blood cells that are unable to function effectively.
Symptoms of B12 or Folate deficiency
- Extreme fatigue,
- Lack of energy
- Tingling sensations (pins and needles)
- A sore and red tongue or mouth ulcers,
- Muscle weakness, vision issues,
- Psychological symptoms such as mild depression, anxiety, confusion, dementia, as well as problems with memory, understanding, and judgment.
Some of these problems can also happen if you just have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate but do not have anaemia.
See a GP if you're experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.
If your B12 deficiency is cause by diet, you may be asked to take the B12 vitamin tablet every day between meals or change your diet.
Good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- meat
- salmon and cod
- milk and other dairy products
- eggs
If your deficiency is greater than a bad diet, then you will need to start on Vitamin B12 injections.
When you start a course of injections you will need 6 loading doses over a period of approximately 2 weeks. At your first appointment we will show you how to handle the equipment, check the medication and identify suitable injection sites.
By the end of the two weeks, you should:
- Know when to give your injection
- Know how to wash your hands correctly before preparing and giving the injection
- Know how to prepare the injection
- Know how to give the injection and to feel confident when administering
- Know how to dispose of the equipment
- Know what to do if you or someone else has an injury with the needle
