Question 1

How Many Amino Acids Are There?

Accepted Answer

There are 22 different amino acids found in nature, and 20 of them are present in the human body. These 20 amino acids are divided into two groups: essential and non-essential. The key difference is that non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body, while essential amino acids must be obtained through your diet.

There are 9 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. All of these are included in Vitamin Clinics’ Amino Acids formula, a blend of 18 amino acids. You can add Amino Acids as an IV Extra, or find them in our Energy Drip, Anti-Ageing Drip, and Hair Health Drip.

Question 2

What Are Amino Acids?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are small organic molecules that join together to form proteins, which are the building blocks of life. Every cell in your body uses amino acids to build the proteins needed to survive, with these proteins playing many important roles throughout your system. Each protein is made up of anywhere from 50 to 2,000 amino acids, linked together in a specific sequence based on your genetic code.

Proteins like hormones, enzymes, nutrient transporters, and structural components are all made from amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids in the human body, and 9 of them are considered ‘essential,’ meaning you can only get them through your diet. Foods rich in essential amino acids include meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, and soya products.

If you don’t get enough of these essential amino acids, it can affect everything from brain function to the immune system and other organs.

Question 3

What Does Vitamin B Do?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B isn’t just one vitamin—it’s a group of essential nutrients that play vital roles in keeping your body healthy. At Vitamin Clinics, we offer 7 different B vitamins: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), and B12 (Cobalamin). Each of these B vitamins is important for different aspects of your health.

B vitamins support many key functions, including energy production, nerve function, eyesight, muscle strength, brain health, digestion, immunity, cardiovascular health, and skin maintenance. They also help with red blood cell formation and keep your hormones balanced.

Foods rich in B vitamins include meat (especially organ meats), fish, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. This is why people following a mostly plant-based diet are more likely to have a Vitamin B deficiency. Other risk factors for deficiency include certain medications, digestive issues, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Signs you may be lacking in B vitamins include feeling fatigued or low in energy, frequent illness, cracked lips, anaemia, irritability, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nausea, digestive problems, or poor skin health. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your GP for a blood test.

Question 4

What Does Vitamin B12 Do?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in many of your body’s key functions and offers a wide range of health benefits. It’s especially important for keeping your energy levels up, supporting your immune system, and helping you manage stress. B12 contributes to the production of red blood cells and helps convert the food you eat into energy.

It’s also vital for the normal functioning of your nervous system and immune system, and it helps your body absorb other important nutrients like iron and folic acid. This all works together to reduce tiredness and fatigue.

If you’re low in Vitamin B12, you might experience extreme fatigue, weakness, or even feelings of depression.

Question 5

What is Vitamin B12?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble B vitamin that’s essential for keeping your energy levels up and supporting overall health. It helps your body convert food into glucose, which gives you energy, and plays a crucial role in red blood cell production, normal cell division, and the healthy functioning of your nervous and immune systems. B12 also helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Since your body can’t produce Vitamin B12, it has to come from your diet or supplements. Your body can only store a small amount of B12 in the liver, so it’s important to maintain healthy levels. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, which means vegans and vegetarians are more at risk of deficiency. Older adults, people with digestive issues, and those taking certain medications (like metformin) are also more likely to be low in B12.

The richest sources of Vitamin B12 include meat (especially organ meats like liver), fish, dairy, and eggs. Some breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast are also fortified with B12. Signs of B12 deficiency can include weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of appetite or weight loss. While most symptoms can be reversed with diet or supplements, some can become permanent, especially when it comes to nerve damage.

Question 6

How can I increase my energy levels?

Accepted Answer

If you're feeling low on energy, there are several vitamins and minerals that can help boost your energy and reduce fatigue. Key nutrients include Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9), and B12 (Cobalamin), along with Vitamin D, Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin C. A deficiency in any of these can leave you feeling sluggish, so it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and take supplements if needed to keep your energy levels up.

Beyond nutrients, small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference. Getting enough sleep is an obvious one, but it’s crucial—aim for 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep each night to support your energy and overall health. Staying active can also reduce fatigue, so adding a bit more movement into your day can help.

Hydration is key too. Make sure you're drinking enough water, as dehydration can have a big impact on your mood, brain function, and energy levels. If you’re a coffee lover, balance out your caffeine intake with plenty of water, since caffeine can dehydrate you.

Question 7

What Is Vitamin B Good For?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B is actually a group of essential nutrients that play a vital role in keeping you healthy. At Vitamin Clinics, we offer 7 different B vitamins: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), and B12 (Cobalamin). Each one has its own important job, from supporting your energy levels and nerve function to maintaining healthy skin, muscles, and eyesight.

B vitamins also help with brain function, digestion, immunity, cardiovascular health, and red blood cell production. They’re even involved in regulating hormones and keeping your cells healthy.

If you're not getting enough B vitamins, you might notice signs like tiredness, low energy, frequent illness, cracked lips, anaemia, irritability, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, nausea, constipation, or poor skin health. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to see your GP for a blood test.

Question 8

How can I ease a migraine?

Accepted Answer

If you're suffering from a migraine, there are several things you can try to help ease the pain. One of the first steps is to lie down in a dark, quiet room, as bright lights and noise can often make things worse. Some people find that having something to eat helps, while others feel better after being sick if they’ve been feeling nauseous.

Research suggests that certain vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin B2, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and CoQ10, may help prevent migraines. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can also be helpful, but be careful not to take them too often, as this can lead to medication overuse headaches.

If these painkillers don’t help, your GP can prescribe other treatments, such as triptans or anti-sickness medication, which can be more effective in managing migraine symptoms.

Question 9

Is Vitamin B12 good for you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in many important functions in your body, so it’s important to keep your levels topped up through your diet or supplements. B12 supports energy production, red blood cell formation, and the health of your nervous system.

If you’re not getting enough, it can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia and other health issues, so maintaining a healthy level of B12 is really beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

Question 10

What is Vitamin B12 used for?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 supplements are popular because your body can’t produce B12 on its own, and it can only store a small amount in the liver. This means you need to get B12 regularly through your diet or supplements, whether that’s in the form of oral tablets, IV drips, or injections. For many people, it can be difficult to get enough B12 from food alone.

B12 is naturally found in animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, so vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of deficiency. Older adults, people with digestive issues, and those taking certain medications (like metformin) may also struggle to get enough B12.

Signs of a B12 deficiency can include weakness, tiredness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and nerve issues like numbness or tingling. You may also experience muscle weakness, loss of appetite, or weight loss. While most symptoms can be reversed by increasing your B12 intake, some—especially neurological damage—can become permanent.

Taking Vitamin B12 supplements is a great way to prevent deficiency and its related symptoms.

Question 11

What is Vitamin B?

Accepted Answer

B Vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play vital roles in your body. There are 7 key B vitamins, including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9), and B12 (Cobalamin).

These vitamins are essential for many functions, like producing healthy red blood cells and helping your body convert food into energy. Keeping your B vitamin levels healthy is crucial for maintaining strong cells and overall wellbeing.

Question 12

Are Vitamin B12 injections safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Vitamin B12 injections and infusions are completely safe. Our doses and frequency are carefully set by our Chief Medical Officer to ensure you receive the right amount, avoiding any risk of having too much B12 in your system.

Our IV drips and booster injections are administered by a highly qualified team of medical professionals, including NMC Registered Nurses and GMC Registered Doctors, with over 100 years of combined experience in the NHS. We are also fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure the highest standards of care.

Question 13

How many essential amino acids are there?

Accepted Answer

There are 9 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These amino acids are called "essential" because your body cannot produce them on its own, so they must be obtained through your diet.

At Vitamin Clinics, all of these essential amino acids are included in our Amino Acids formula, a blend of 18 different amino acids. You can add this as an IV Extra, or find it in our Energy Drip, Anti-Ageing Drip, and Hair Health Drip.

Question 14

What are amino acids made of?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are small organic molecules made up of a central carbon atom connected to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain. There are 20 different amino acids that make up all the proteins in the human body, and while they all share the same basic structure, it’s the side chain that makes each one different.

When amino acids link together in various combinations, they form proteins through bonds called peptide bonds.

Question 15

What Are Amino Acids Used For?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are the building blocks of your body and are used to make things like hormones, enzymes, nutrient transporters, and structural proteins. Since they play such a vital role, it’s important to get enough amino acids through your diet or supplements.

The best sources of amino acids are animal products like meat, poultry, and eggs. Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are known as complete proteins.

Question 16

What are essential amino acids?

Accepted Answer

There are 9 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. They’re called "essential" because your body can't produce them on its own—you need to get them through your diet.

Good sources of essential amino acids include meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, and soya products.

Question 17

Can B12 deficiency cause weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a loss of appetite, which may result in weight loss if it’s not addressed. On the other hand, while B12 deficiency doesn’t directly cause weight gain, it can leave you feeling fatigued and low on energy, making it harder to stay active and manage your weight effectively.

Question 18

How are amino acids made?

Accepted Answer

Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body. As a result, they must come from food and supplementation.

Question 19

What is Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) good for?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B2, otherwise known as Riboflavin, contributes to normal: energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system function, normal skin and mucous membrane maintenance, red blood cell maintenance, skin health, vision, metabolism of iron, protection of cells from oxidative stress, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Question 20

Can you take too much Vitamin B12?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to have too much Vitamin B12 in your system. Your body is generally very efficient at excreting excess B12 through your urine. However, taking more than the recommended amount of B12 can cause unwanted side effects. Our doses and frequency of administration are meticulously set by our CMO so that Get A Drip can help you supplement your diet in a safe way, free from risk of overdosing/having too much B12 in your system. If you have B12 Booster Shots with us, you will not need to supplement via other means in between doses. This applies to our HydroxyCobalamin, MethylCobalamin and Triple B12 services.

Question 21

Where can I buy Vitamin B12?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase Vitamin B12 supplements from pharmacies, supermarkets and health food shops. These come as tablets, capsules, mouth sprays and drops. They come in different strengths from 10 to 1,000 micrograms (μg). However, the bioavailablity of these oral supplements tend to be poor, particularly if you are older in age, experience malabsorption or digestive issues, or take certain medications (e.g. metformin). Intramuscular (IM) injections of Vitamin B12 are much more effective because they are 100% bioavailable: since IM injections bypass the entire digestive tract, it makes 100% of the micronutrient available for your body to use. You can book a Vitamin B12 Booster Shot Injection at Vitamin Clinics.

Question 22

How is Vitamin B12 made?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 is made by microorganisms living in soil and water. Animals then absorb these microbes into their systems via the food they eat. Neither plants nor animals can produce their own supply of Vitamin B12. Humans can only obtain Vitamin B12 via diet and supplementation. B12 is synthesised in laboratories by allowing bacterial cultures to ferment and naturally produce the Vitamin. This is then harvested and sent off to be used as a key ingredient in dietary supplements.

Question 23

How do I overcome tiredness?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous reasons you might be feeling tired. These include causes that are: psychological, e.g. stress, anxiety, depression; physical, e.g. hypothyroidism, anaemia, sleep apnoea; and lifestyle-related, e.g. night shifts, alcohol consumption, and getting too little or too much exercise. Many Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause tiredness and fatigue. If you are feeling tired all the time (TATT), it is well worth speaking to your GP and having a set of blood tests done. Get A Drip also offers a range of Blood Testing Profiles for diagnostic purposes. Low levels of Vitamin B12, other B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Iron and overall hydration can especially wreak havoc on your energy levels.

Question 24

How many amino acids are in a protein?

Accepted Answer

Each protein consists of between 50 and 2,000 amino acids that are connected together in a specific sequence according to genetic instructions.

Question 25

What is L-Arginine?

Accepted Answer

L-Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that your body needs to make protein. It is involved in a number of different functions within the body, including circulation and energy production.

Question 26

What is Cobalamin?

Accepted Answer

Cobalamin is another word for Vitamin B12. It exists in various different forms, including: cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, cobalamin (Vitamin B12) cannot be produced by your body, so it must be obtained via diet and supplementation.

Question 27

What do amino acids do?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are small organic molecules that combine to form proteins: the building blocks of life itself. Amino acids are used in every single cell of your body to build all the different proteins you need to survive, all of which play a huge range of roles within your system. Each protein consists of between 50 and 2,000 amino acids that are connected together in a specific sequence according to genetic instructions. For instance, hormones, enzymes, nutrient transporters, and structural proteins are all made of amino acids.

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