Are you constantly tired? Feeling like every day is a 3-4 cups of coffee kind of day? If you’re lacking energy on a regular basis, you may need more than just another cup of coffee, your body may be trying to tell you that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12, also known as the “energy vitamin”, plays a key role in turning the food you eat into energy to power your metabolism. Without adequate B12 levels, you can suffer from memory loss, mood swings, and overall energy loss. If left untreated, the side effects can become even more serious resulting in permanent nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 is an extremely important nutrient for the function of the immune system, metabolism and production of healthy skin, nails, and red blood cells. Because B12 absorption occurs in the stomach, people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders (like IBS, Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease) are at a greater risk for B12 deficiency.

Recent studies have suggested that anywhere from 15-40% of the American population today fail to obtain adequate levels of B12 due to their diet, medications and lifestyle. The National Institutes of Health reported that evidence from the Framingham Offspring Study suggests that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in young adults might be greater than previously assumed and individuals who have trouble absorbing B12 from foods, as well as vegetarians who consume no animal foods, might benefit from B12 injections.

According to Dr. Kathleen Janel and Dr. Maegan Knutson of Specialty Natural Medicine, the therapeutic use of B12 achieves a positive benefit regardless of blood levels and is considered to be non-toxic.

The best way to determine whether you’re getting the right amount of B12 is to have your level tested with a simple blood test. With a vitamin as important to basic bodily functions as B12, this test can mean the difference between walking around like a zombie and having the energy to live life to the fullest.

You should always discuss your current medications and medical history with your physician before beginning any form of vitamin supplement.

Any Lab Test Now offers over 8000 lab tests and you can be tested for Vitamin B12 levels and receive B12 injections without a physician prescription. 145 Palm Bay Rd. NE, #102, West Melbourne, 321-586-LABS and opening this spring in Merritt Island.  Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary. Visit our booth at the Healthy Living Expo for more information or your B12 shot.