Vitamin B12 is an important component of a healthy diet, contributing to the functioning of the brain, nerves, and blood cells. While everyone requires this vitamin for healthy functioning, pregnant women and nursing mothers require somewhat more than average. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in many foods, including fish, seafood, liver, beef, and dairy products, and is added as a supplement to foods like cereals, to help ensure proper nutrition.
The vitamin, which may also be produced in the laboratory, is usually injected into the muscle of the thigh, upper arm or hip when necessary. Dosage and frequency of injections varies depending on the patient's condition.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood cells and DNA production. A deficiency leads to anemia and nerve damage. Most adults need about two micrograms per day. However, some people may need up to 4 mg daily and decide to get booster shots.
Some people cannot absorb vitamin B12 because of stomach problems such as ulcers, inflammation, or infections. In addition, certain medications can cause vitamin B12 absorption issues.
People with autoimmune atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis may need vitamin B12 injections.
Reasons for Vitamin B12 Injections
There are many reasons vitamin B12 injections may be prescribed or recommended. In some cases, patients may be deficient in the vitamin and suffering symptoms, while in others, B12 may be considered potentially helpful in preventing or treating certain conditions.
Vitamin B12 shots: Uses, benefits, and side effects
A vitamin B12 shot is a simple treatment option for people who experience symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
One of our practitioners injects vitamin B12 directly into the bloodstream through a needle, usually once every three months. This helps the body absorb vitamin B12 better than taking it orally.
There are some rare risks associated with receiving a vitamin B12 injection. These include bruising at the site of the injection, pain at the shot, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reaction. Other risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Vitamin B12 is necessary for patients with a low serum level of vitamin B12 because they take particular medications or because they suffer from:
- Pernicious anemia
- Gastrointestinal or autoimmune disorders
- Alcoholism
Patients may also have low levels of vitamin B12 if they have had bariatric surgery, are strict vegetarians, or have used antacids or proton pump inhibitors for a prolonged period. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also more frequently found in individuals of advanced age.
Conditions Vitamin B12 Prevents or Improves
Vitamin B12 is believed to be helpful in preventing or improving the following conditions:
- Memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia
- Fatigue or lack of concentration
- Weakened immune system
- Heart, kidney and liver disease
- Infertility
- Osteoporosis
- Allergies or asthma
- Tinnitus
- Skin disorders
- Lyme disease
As an alternative to being injected with vitamin B12 for these conditions, patients are sometimes offered B12 supplements to be taken orally or applied as nasal gels. In many cases, though, patients' disorders prevent them from absorbing the B12 unless it is administered by injection.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency results in symptoms common to a variety of disorders, so blood work and other diagnostic testing may be necessary to rule out other problems. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Anemia
- Intestinal disorders and weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Depression or dementia
- Rapid heartbeat and respiration
- Mouth or tongue soreness or bleeding
- Excessive bruising
Injections are the most effective means of administration of vitamin B12 since they do not depend on the body's ability to absorb the substance through the gastrointestinal tract. Although vitamin B12 injections can increase energy and improve quality of life for individuals with a deficiency, patients whose vitamin B12 levels are normal will not have improved health from this treatment.
