Iron Deficieny Anaemia and the Importance of B12.
Did 2020 leave you feeling physically and mentally depleted? You’re certainly not alone. As healthcare workers we witnessed a spike in acute mental and physical health in 2020, more than any in previous years. So perhaps it’s time to have some routine blood tests performed to see what’s making you feel so lethargic. A Vitamin B-12 Injection might be the boost you need, and we are here to help!
Vitamin B-12 and Iron: Why They Are Important
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Iron and Vitamin B12 are two of the most important vitamins needed for women during menstruation and in pregnancy. There are actually two forms of iron found in food – haem iron and non-haem iron. Haem iron (abbreviated from haemoglobin) is the more readily absorbed form of iron and makes up about 40 per cent of iron in meat, poultry and fish. Eggs contain iron but it is in the non-haem form, as too are many plant foods. The non-haem form is less well absorbed meaning it is twice as hard for women with diet restrictions (plant based diets or by disorded eating) to receive adequate stores of iron and vitamin B12.
Women who suffer from heavy, prolonged periods (menorrhagia) are also at a greater risk having iron deficiency anaemia due to the heavier blood loss.
Vitamin B-12 Injections
As well as providing IV infusions, our rooms provide Vitamin B-12 injections for our antenatal and gynaecology patients who are suffering from iron and vitamin-B12 deficiency. Both procedures are very simple, non-invasive and incredibly effective. Vitamin B-12 shots are administered intramuscular and most women only require one shot for at least six months.
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If you are feeling:
- run down
- lethargic
- dizzy and light-head
- suffering heavy periods
- are feeling cold more often than usual
- your skin looking a little pale
- irritable with mood swings
- struggling to concentrate
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Book in with your GP for a blood test to check your vitamin B group, iron stores and haemoglobin. If you are a pregnancy patient of Dr Elgey’s we can organise this test for you! If your are abnormal, ask your GP for a referral to Dr Elgey and call our rooms on 3344-1656 to book your consultation. ⠀⠀
