Vitamin Check
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to poor health and wellbeing.
Working with You
Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrient because they perform numerous tasks to support the body from bone health and bolstering the immune system to converting food into energy, and repairing cellular damage.
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential in small amounts for the normal functioning of the body. A varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables usually includes all vitamin needs.
However some people suffer with vitamin deficiencies as a result of a poor diet (or choice of diet such as vegetarians), the ageing process, ill health or even substance abuse. Diseases affecting the gut can also result in vitamin deficiency.
Meyer Clinic supports the medical, nutritional and therapeutic value of vitamin supplementation. Our extensive checks monitor to see if a patient is deficient in vitamins including Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and Beta Carotene, with findings used to recommend treatment if and when required.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt. The vitamin can be stored in the liver at length, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop
Many people are deficient in B12
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day. However, there are many people who suffer which B12 deficiency especially those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery and those suffering with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease.
B12 Injections
At Meyer Clinic, we offer Vitamin B12 injections. This is the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. Under the direction of Dr Annelize Meyer, B12 shots are given intramuscularly. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.
Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body. It assists in promoting healthy bones and teeth; supporting immune, brain, and nervous system health; regulating insulin levels and supporting diabetes management; supporting lung function and cardiovascular health and influencing the expression of genes involved in cancer development.
Deficiencies
Although the body can create vitamin D, a deficiency can occur for many reasons. We absorb vitamin D from sun exposure when this is limited it reduces the body’s ability to absorb the ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) rays from the sun. Infants who exclusively breastfeed may also need a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have dark skin or have minimal sun exposure.
At Meyer Clinic, a consultation with Dr Annelize Meyer and/or Nutritional Therapist Dominique Ludwig can work with you on any deficiencies you may have.
Vitamin K refers to a family of fat-soluble vitamins that the body needs to produce a protein called prothrombin, which promotes blood clotting and regulates bone metabolism. The vitamin comes in two main forms:
- Vitamin K-1, or phylloquinone, occurs naturally in dark leafy green vegetables and is the main dietary source of vitamin K.
- Vitamin K-2, or menaquinone, is present in small quantities in organ meats and fermented foods. Gut bacteria also produce vitamin K-2.
Deficiency Symptoms
People with certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as coeliac disease and ulcerative colitis, have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency. A severe deficiency increases the time it takes for the blood to clot, making a person more prone to bruising and bleeding and increasing the risk of haemorrhage. A deficiency of the vitamin can also reduce bone mineralisation, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Certain medications can also affect vitamin K levels in the body. For example, long courses of antibiotics can kill the gut bacteria that produce vitamin K. Some cholesterol-lowering medications can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin K.
A Meyer Clinic Vitamin Check can test for any deficiencies.
The human body converts beta carotene into vitamin A (retinol). We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision. Beta carotene in itself is not an essential nutrient, but vitamin A is.
Sources of Vitamin A
Vitamin A can be sourced from the food we eat, through beta carotene, for example, or in supplement form. The advantage of dietary beta carotene is that the body only converts as much as it needs.
Excess vitamin A is toxic. Toxic vitamin A levels can occur if you consume too many supplements.
A Vitamin Check at Meyer Clinic can help you create and restore balance to your system.
Vitamin nutrition IV treatments are an excellent way for our patients to boost their immune system and health in order to keep up with the demands of their busy lives.
PERSONALISED TREATMENT
Our treatments are personally created for the individual, with nutrition that is packed with key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which provide a boost of energy to the body. By having this cocktail of nutrients directly delivered by IV drip, we can address deficiencies quicker to get our patients feeling back on top of their game.