For patients seeking weight loss who request B12 injections, GPs should: Assess for genuine deficiency through appropriate blood tests rather than empirical treatment Provide education about the lack of evidence supporting B12 for weight loss in non-deficient individuals Explore underlying concerns about weight and energy levels, addressing these through appropriate channels Signpost to evidence-based resources such as NHS weight management services according to local pathways Patients should contact their GP if they experience unexplained fatigue, neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, balance problems), or signs of anaemia (pallor, breathlessness, palpitations), as these may indicate B12 deficiency requiring investigation
Health Benefits B12 is an essential vitamin for adrenal health, cognitive functioning, multiple metabolic functions, enzyme production, DNA synthesis, hormonal balance and more
For this reason, people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers are advised not to use these medications
[9] A related cause is reduced stomach acid production with age or from long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors, [10] H 2 blockers, or other antacids, [11] and interaction with metformin