Vitamin B12: Energy, Nerves & Red Blood Cells
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for red blood cell formation, oxygen delivery, DNA synthesis, and healthy nerve function. When B12 is low, people commonly experience fatigue, numbness/tingling, and cognitive or mood changes.
B12 injections have been shown to support memory, mood, cognition, depression, anxiety, and certain nerve-related pain such as low back pain and post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles).
Who’s at Risk for B12 Deficiency?
- The elderly (reduced absorption)
- Pernicious anemia
- Vegetarians / Vegans (low dietary B12)
- People taking metformin or acid reflux medications (PPIs)
- Post-bariatric or gastric-bypass patients
- Genetic variants in MTRR, MTR, or TCN2
| Common Signs | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Fatigue, weakness | Fewer red blood cells → less oxygen delivery |
| Numbness or tingling | Nerve demyelination |
| Mood / cognition issues | Neurotransmitter and methylation pathways need B12 |
What Has B12 Been Studied For?
Neurological & Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Shingles (Post-Herpetic Neuralgia)
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- ALS (early stage)
Cognition, Mood & Other
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory
- Prevent Neural Tube Defects
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Macular Degeneration
- Hair & Nails
- Fertility
Testing Vitamin B12 Levels
Vitamin B12 testing is typically done via blood work. Our advanced urine hormone panel can also reveal how effectively your body is utilizing B12 by assessing methylation markers.
Ready to Check or Replenish Your B12?
Choose the option that applies to you below.
*New patients require an initial consultation to review health history and ensure appropriate dosing and candidacy.
Selected Literature Supporting B12 Research
- de Groot CP et al., Am J Clin Nutr 1999 – Elderly absorption and dietary adequacy.
- Langan RC & Zawistoski KJ, Am Fam Physician 2011 – Vitamin B12 deficiency overview.
- Sun Y et al., Clin J Pain 2013 – Methylcobalamin for diabetic neuropathy.
- Chiu CK et al., J Neurol Sci 2011 – High-dose methylcobalamin in ALS.
- Li W et al., J Pain Res 2020 – Methylcobalamin for post-herpetic neuralgia meta-analysis.
- Hooshmand B et al., Neurology 2010 – B12 status and brain volume in elderly.
- Chasan-Taber L et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 – Folate, B6, B12 supplementation and AMD risk.
- Herrmann W et al., Osteoporos Int 2009 – B12, homocysteine, and bone health.
- NIH ODS Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin B12 (updated 2024).
Educational only; not a substitute for medical advice.