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Vitamin B12 benefits

(10 Posts)
Olly68 Tue 25-Aug-20 18:33:28

Could anyone please tell me if taking a B12 vitamin helps with tiredness...my energy levels have been quite low lately...I have no underlying health issues that I know of...I am 7 months post op from spinal fusion and do suffer with nerve pain to some degree...thank you

fourormore Tue 25-Aug-20 20:02:32

To be honest I don't know anything about B12 supplements but my late mother used to fall asleep while reading and even holding a cup of tea. Finally a blood test revealed she was deficient in B12.
From then on she had a B12 injection every three months and the difference was amazing.
However, this was an on-going thing so be prepared for that! When we getting close to the three months being up we could tell it was due! Almost like batteries running low and being replaced!
I would really advise you ask your GP for a B12 blood test as it made a huge difference to my Mum.
Good luck!

Doodledog Tue 25-Aug-20 20:08:33

I have pernicious anaemia, which is basically a B12 deficiency. Like fourormore’s mum I get injections every 12 weeks. If you have PA your body can’t absorb B12, but otherwise you should get it from a normal diet.

If you suspect a deficiency you should get it checked out, as the injections make a big difference, and tiredness is not the only symptom. The Pernicious Anaemia Society website lists others, as well as more information about the condition.

merlotgran Tue 25-Aug-20 20:19:48

DH has pernicious anaemia so has a B12 injection every three months and also runs out of energy when it's due.

About a month ago I noticed I was getting more and more tired and my muscles ached all the time I kept putting it down to spending a lot of time gardening, the heat, lockdown boredom - just about anything I could think of.

I googled B12 deficiency and I ticked every box so I ordered some high strength tablets. I just take one a day.

The difference is amazing. My energy is back, I no longer fall asleep after meals, my legs have stopped aching and I've shaken off the 'brain fog.'

I'm relieved I won't be going into winter feeling tired and achy.

Franbern Wed 26-Aug-20 10:46:59

Surely, better than self-diagnosing anything via a tick box on the web - the best thing is to ask GP for blood tests to see if there is any vitamin deficiency, or anything else wrong.. If there is, then they will give appropriate medication.
Buying tablets on line could be masking other problems.

ayse Wed 26-Aug-20 10:55:40

Brewer’s yeast can be taken as a supplement. It might be worth a try but information on the net suggests you take medical advice first.

cookiemonster66 Wed 26-Aug-20 10:59:28

Go to Dr to get tested for B12 deficiency BEFORE taking high doses as they can cause strain on your kidneys, be risky for diabetes, cause acne, increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

I am B12 deficient due to my veggie diet for 45+ years and have injections at Dr's every 12 weeks. My hubby can always tell when my next one is due as I am a sleep monster, can even fall asleep typing at the keyboard!

But it has become 'trendy' to get these injections at some tanning salons, and beauty therapy shops to give you a burst of energy.

Only take extra doses of vitamins if you need them as it puts a strain on the body getting rid of them.

Esspee Wed 26-Aug-20 11:03:48

Please make an appointment to see a doctor. It could be caused by anything so the sooner you get a blood test the sooner you will get better.

timetogo2016 Wed 26-Aug-20 11:07:06

Before you try supplements try foods with VB12 in.
IE,fish/lamb/beef/liver have a high VB12/poultry/eggs/milk products/cereals.

paddyanne Wed 26-Aug-20 12:03:05

My gynaecologist says all women over menopause age need extra B vitamins .I already take an Iron supplement ,still have bleeding at 66 ..so he advised buying one with added B vitamins .My energy levels are fine