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Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Are You at Risk?

By: Vitamin B-12 is often called the “energy vitamin” for good reason. Your body needs this water-soluble vitamin daily to: Produce energy Make new blood cells and DNA Create myelin, the protective sheath around nerves that enables signal transmission If you have been feeling “off” or experiencing chronic symptoms like

Vitamin B-12 deficiency, are you at risk
Picture of Valley Medical Team

Valley Medical Team

Published:

March 8, 2024

Updated:

April 24, 2026

Published:

March 8, 2024

Updated:

April 24, 2026

Vitamin B-12 is often called the “energy vitamin” for good reason. Your body needs this water-soluble vitamin daily to:

  • Produce energy
  • Make new blood cells and DNA
  • Create myelin, the protective sheath around nerves that enables signal transmission

If you have been feeling “off” or experiencing chronic symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, balance issues, memory loss, shortness of breath, or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, you might have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Research shows that one in four American adults has a vitamin B-12 deficiency, and nearly half have blood levels below optimal.

Common risk factors include:

  • Chronic stress: Depletes B-12, and low B-12 can worsen stress – a double-edged sword.
  • Vegetarians and vegans: B-12 is found almost exclusively in animal products like beef, lamb, salmon, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Plant foods typically lack B-12, though many breakfast cereals are fortified.
  • Previous weight loss surgery
  • Advanced age
  • Digestive conditions: Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other issues that impair absorption
  • Heartburn medications: Drugs that reduce stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers) can hinder B-12 absorption

Vitamin B-12 Supplementation

Because B-12 is scarce in many diets and deficiency is common, supplementation is often recommended.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we offer a sublingual B-12 spray that is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the tissue under your tongue. This bypasses the digestive system, which makes it ideal for people with:

  • Absorption issues
  • A history of GI surgery
  • More severe deficiencies

Weekly Mindset & Weight Loss Tips

Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

Benefits of B-12 Spray

Our L.A. Naturals Raspberry-Flavored Liquid B-12 Spray ($17.99 per bottle) is:

  • Gluten, dairy, soy, nut, egg, and shellfish free
  • Free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors
  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Designed so that one bottle lasts about 30 days

B-12 spray may help:

  • Boost energy production*
  • Support metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins*
  • Maintain skin, mucous membranes, eye cornea, and nerve sheaths*
  • Promote normal blood cell formation and DNA repair*
  • Aid brain neurotransmitter function*
  • Reduce cognitive decline risk in older adults*
  • Support healthy eyesight*
  • Contribute to cardiovascular health*

*Always remember that individual results vary.

Who Can Benefit?

B-12 spray may be especially helpful for:

  • People feel fatigued or “run down.”
  • Older adults
  • Those who dislike injections or have trouble swallowing pills
  • Individuals with acid reflux or on long-term acid-reducing medications

Your provider can help you decide if testing and supplementation are appropriate for you.

How to Use B-12 Spray

  • Shake well before use.
  • Spray 3 times under the tongue, twice daily for a total of 6 sprays, delivering 1,000 micrograms of B-12.
  • Hold under the tongue briefly before swallowing to support absorption.

Always consult your doctor before starting supplements and follow their guidance.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions

Most people tolerate B-12 spray well. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your physician immediately.

Certain medications may reduce B-12 effectiveness, including:

  • Antibiotics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-hyperglycemics
  • Corticosteroids
  • Diuretics
  • NSAIDs
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers
  • Statins

Do not combine B-12 spray with these medications without medical advice.

Schedule your appointment today:

Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.

Disclaimer

 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Are You at Risk?

By Dr. Samuel Zuniga, ND
Valley Medical Weight Loss | Chandler, Arizona

Vitamin B-12 is often called the “energy vitamin” for good reason. Your body needs this water-soluble vitamin daily to:

  • Produce energy
  • Make new blood cells and DNA
  • Create myelin, the protective sheath around nerves that enables signal transmission

If you have been feeling “off” or experiencing chronic symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, balance issues, memory loss, shortness of breath, or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, you might have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Research shows that one in four American adults has a vitamin B-12 deficiency, and nearly half have blood levels below optimal.

Common risk factors include:

  • Chronic stress: Depletes B-12, and low B-12 can worsen stress – a double-edged sword.
  • Vegetarians and vegans: B-12 is found almost exclusively in animal products like beef, lamb, salmon, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Plant foods typically lack B-12, though many breakfast cereals are fortified.
  • Previous weight loss surgery
  • Advanced age
  • Digestive conditions: Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other issues that impair absorption
  • Heartburn medications: Drugs that reduce stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers) can hinder B-12 absorption

Vitamin B-12 Supplementation

Because B-12 is scarce in many diets and deficiency is common, supplementation is often recommended.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we offer a sublingual B-12 spray that is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the tissue under your tongue. This bypasses the digestive system, which makes it ideal for people with:

  • Absorption issues
  • A history of GI surgery
  • More severe deficiencies

Weekly Mindset & Weight Loss Tips

Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

Benefits of B-12 Spray

Our L.A. Naturals Raspberry-Flavored Liquid B-12 Spray ($17.99 per bottle) is:

  • Gluten, dairy, soy, nut, egg, and shellfish free
  • Free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors
  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Designed so that one bottle lasts about 30 days

B-12 spray may help:

  • Boost energy production*
  • Support metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins*
  • Maintain skin, mucous membranes, eye cornea, and nerve sheaths*
  • Promote normal blood cell formation and DNA repair*
  • Aid brain neurotransmitter function*
  • Reduce cognitive decline risk in older adults*
  • Support healthy eyesight*
  • Contribute to cardiovascular health*

*Always remember that individual results vary.

Who Can Benefit?

B-12 spray may be especially helpful for:

  • People feel fatigued or “run down.”
  • Older adults
  • Those who dislike injections or have trouble swallowing pills
  • Individuals with acid reflux or on long-term acid-reducing medications

Your provider can help you decide if testing and supplementation are appropriate for you.

How to Use B-12 Spray

  • Shake well before use.
  • Spray 3 times under the tongue, twice daily for a total of 6 sprays, delivering 1,000 micrograms of B-12.
  • Hold under the tongue briefly before swallowing to support absorption.

Always consult your doctor before starting supplements and follow their guidance.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions

Most people tolerate B-12 spray well. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your physician immediately.

Certain medications may reduce B-12 effectiveness, including:

  • Antibiotics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-hyperglycemics
  • Corticosteroids
  • Diuretics
  • NSAIDs
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers
  • Statins

Do not combine B-12 spray with these medications without medical advice.

Schedule your appointment today:

Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.

Disclaimer

 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Desert Inflatables
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I’ve had a great experience working with Valley Medical in Chandler. I have lost 20 pounds so far with the help from Alejandra, she has been very informative on this journey. Everyone here is very friendly and personable. If you are looking to lose weight and have more energy I would highly recommend coming to start your journey!
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Juice Butterfly Tarot
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Love it here ! Friendly, fast and makes me feel motivated ! Christine and Amelia were phenomenal slay queens ! I've lost 5ibs since being here ! I'm ready to keep going 🩵
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Chaz Walker
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Alejandra was fantastic one of the best workers up in the office had a great and uplifting attitude she went above and beyond to help answers all questions efficiently would highly recommend goin here 12 out of 10 ratings great job
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Jimmy Hill
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I highly recommend Valley Medical Weight Loss! Alejandra has been amazing from day one supportive, motivating, and truly invested in my success. In just over 8 weeks, I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds. They genuinely care about your health and make the process feel manageable and personalized. Thank you, Alejandra!
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Antoinette Scott
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Awesome staff, courteous and clean. I’m down 40 lbs in one month. Prices for supplements are better than getting them from Amazon!
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Eira Leyva
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Stephanie muy linda y atenta persona muy buena explicación hacerca del tratamiento
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Alice McLemore
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Happy they have a location in chandler now. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
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Andrea Madrid
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I’ve had a great experience here so far. The staff is absolutely amazing very kind, supportive, and always willing to answer my questions. They truly make you feel comfortable and encouraged throughout the weight-loss process. I’m seeing results and feel well taken care of. Highly recommend!
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Nelly Irias
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Love the new clinic, the space is beautiful and welcoming, and the staff was amazing! Alejandra took great care of me. She was very informative, made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process, and I honestly didn’t even feel my injection. Such a great experience, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!
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