Due to the current issues surrounding Covid-19, we will be suspending all regular injections of vitamin B12. If you are currently receiving regular injections of vitamin B12 your body stores from previous injections should last for a long time and should easily see you through this difficult period.
Stores of vitamin B12 in the body can last around 2 to 4 years without being replenished, so it can take a long time for any problems to develop after a change. (NHS website)
If you are concerned that you are developing symptoms, please contact the surgery for advice.
In the meantime, good dietary sources of vitamin B12 include: (NICECKS)
- Eggs.
- Foods which have been fortified with vitamin B12 (for example some soy products, and some breakfast cereals and breads) are good alternative sources to meat, eggs, and dairy products.
- Meat
- Milk and other dairy products
- Salmon and cod.
You could also consider obtaining oral supplements of vitamin B12 purchased from the internet from reputable sources such as Holland and Barrett or Healthspan.
Holland and Barrett - Vitamin B12
Healthspan - Vitamin B12
You can find further information about vitamin B12 deficiency at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
If you know you have a diagnosis of Pernicious Anaemia, then taking additional dietary B12 may not make any difference as you cannot absorb it properly. Your body stores should be adequate from previous injections, for 3-6 months at least, as mentioned above.
Thank you for your understanding, we hope you find this information useful. As soon as is reasonably possible, we will reschedule Vitamin B12 injections.