In a special Valentine's Day edition of The Dose, registered dietitian Anar Allidina breaks down which kind of chocolate is the healthiest, and some common health misconceptions around the delicious dessert
Dietary optimisation represents the first-line approach for maintaining adequate B12 status: Encourage consumption of B12-rich foods: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products For vegetarians and vegans, recommend fortified foods (cereals, plant-based milk alternatives) or supplementation Address any gastrointestinal symptoms that may be limiting dietary intake Supplementation strategies depend on the severity of deficiency and absorption capacity, following British Society of Haematology and BNF guidance: Oral B12 supplementation may be appropriate for mild deficiency or prevention in at-risk individuals with intact absorption, with dosing according to local protocols Intramuscular hydroxocobalamin injections are indicated for confirmed deficiency: With neurological involvement: 1 mg on alternate days until no further improvement, then 1 mg every 2 months Without neurological involvement: 1 mg three times a week for 2 weeks, then 1 mg every 3 months Patient safety advice includes: Contact your GP if you develop persistent tingling, numbness, unusual fatigue, memory problems, or mood changes Inform healthcare providers of all medications, including over-the-counter supplements Attend scheduled blood test appointments for diabetes and nutritional monitoring Do not stop prescribed medications without medical advice Report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app) Healthcare professionals should adopt an individualised approach , considering the patient's complete medication profile, dietary habits, symptom burden, and laboratory findings
Temporary discomfort following viscosupplementation is one of the most common concerns patients bring to us at Joint Relief Institute, and understanding what to expect can help ease your worry
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Common Questions and Answers
