Vitamin B12 injections
Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 treatment
Vitamin B12 injections, Kings Hill, Kent
Vitamin B-12 shots are injections that can be prescribed to treat a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to an array of health problems, ranging from fatigue to permanent neurological changes.
Read below for the importance of maintaining adequate B-12 levels and outlines the benefits and risks associated with B-12 shots.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B-12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many functions in the body, including:
- energy production
- nerve cell health
- red blood cell formation
- neurological function
B-12 is present in many food sources (mainly animal-based), where it is bound to the protein molecules in that food.
Vitamin B-12 is separated from the protein during digestion and is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Adequate stomach acid is required to release the vitamin from the protein, and a substance called intrinsic factor is necessary to ensure its absorption.
People who are unable to absorb vitamin B-12 properly may have pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor.
The average daily intake of vitamin B-12, as recommended by the Office of Dietary Supplements, is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for men and women over 14. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require slightly more, at 2.6 mcg and 2.8 mcg, respectively.
B-12 shots: Synthetic vitamin B-12
In addition to getting B-12 from food sources, it is possible to acquire B-12 through a man-made version of the nutrient, known as cyanocobalamin.
Vitamin B-12 shots are injections containing high levels of cyanocobalamin. These shots, which can be self-administered or given by a doctor, can quickly boost B-12 levels in someone who is deficient.
Cyanocobalamin is available in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. Certain foods, such as cereals and non-dairy milk and yogurts, may be fortified with the man-made form of vitamin B-12.
Who needs B-12 injections?
While B-12 supplements and foods fortified with the vitamin are readily available, vitamin B-12 shots are only available by prescription, so a clinical diagnosis is always necessary.
It is important to note that low levels are rare in most healthy adults because the human liver stores several years’ worth of vitamin B-12.
However, some groups of people are more at risk of deficiency than others and may wish to discuss the possibility of B-12 shots with their doctor. These at-risk groups include:
People with signs and symptoms of B-12 deficiency
Anyone who is displaying any of the signs and symptoms of a B-12 deficiency or pernicious anemia should consult their doctor immediately.
Some common signs and symptoms include:
- decreased cognitive function, such as issues with memory or understanding
- fatigue
- lethargy
- constipation
- feeling faint
- depression or irritability
- headache
- difficulty maintaining balance
- sore, swollen tongue, which may be pale yellow or very red
- heart palpitations
- mouth ulcers
- paraesthesia (pins and needles)
- vision changes
People with gastrointestinal issues
A gastrointestinal tract that does not function normally may inhibit vitamin B-12 release or absorption. For this reason, people with disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease may be at higher risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Individuals who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery, may have less of the cells necessary to secrete stomach acid and intrinsic factor. As a result, they may struggle to absorb B-12.
Vitamin B-12 shots, rather than oral supplements, may be particularly helpful for people who have gastrointestinal issues because injections tend to bypass these areas.
Older Adults
Research suggests that vitamin B-12 deficiency affects a greater number of older adults than those under the age of 65.
Older adults can be affected by conditions that are linked to a decrease in stomach acid production, including inflammation in the stomach (atrophic gastritis).
Furthermore, lower levels of stomach acid can encourage the growth of certain bacteria in the gut that use B-12, reducing the amount of the vitamin available to the body.
The Institute of Medicine recommend that adults over 50 meet their vitamin B-12 needs with fortified foods, B-12 shots, or other supplements, as these man-made forms appear to be more readily absorbed than naturally occurring B-12.
Vegetarians and Vegans
As vitamin B-12 is found mainly in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy, people who do not consume these foods are at risk of B-12 deficiency and may benefit from regular B-12 shots or other supplements.
Research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that vegans and some strict vegetarians have low levels of vitamin B-12.
Of 232 vegans studied, over half were classed as being deficient in vitamin B-12. The deficiency was observed in just 7 percent of the vegetarians studied, and in only one of the omnivores.
Vegetarian or vegan women who are pregnant will need to be especially careful about supplementing or consuming fortified foods, as vitamin B-12 transfers to the baby via the placenta and breast milk.
Infants who have vitamin B-12 deficiency can experience permanent and severe neurological issues.
Benefits
There are several reasons to consider getting a B-12 shot, including:
Reduced risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency and associated complications
The most obvious benefit of receiving vitamin B-12 shots is treating a vitamin B-12 deficiency and avoiding its associated symptoms.
In addition, B-12 shots reduce the risk of some serious complications associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency including:
- heart disease
- neurocognitive disorders
- coordination problems (ataxia)
- peripheral neuropathy
- vision loss
- infertility (although this usually resolves with B-12 treatment)
- neural tube defects in the babies of women with B-12 deficiency
High levels of assimilation by the body
B-12 shots bypass the stomach and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Therefore, they are a better option than oral supplements for those who have gastrointestinal issues, including older adults who have low levels of stomach acid or intrinsic factor.
Risks
There is no upper limit for the intake of vitamin B-12 because the risk of toxicity or overdose is extremely low.
However, B-12 shots may have other side effects.
Mild side effects and potential risks, which should be referred to a doctor if they persist or worsen, include:
- pain, redness, or itching at the site of the injection
- mild diarrhea
- swelling sensation in the body
- More serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, include:
- muscle cramps
- irregular heartbeat
- unusual weakness or tiredness
- swelling of the ankles or feet
Severe reactions are very rare but require emergency intervention. These include:
- itching and swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
- breathing difficulties
- severe dizziness
- sudden vision changes
- slurred speech
Drug interactions
Vitamin B-12 may interact with certain medications. People must always inform their doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs they are taking before receiving a B-12 shot.
Some commonly prescribed medications that may interact with B-12 include:
- Aspirin
- antibiotics
- H2 receptor antagonists
- metformin
- oral contraceptives
- proton pump inhibitors
Allergy and medical conditions
Those who have allergies or medical conditions should always inform their doctor before receiving a B-12 shot.
Examples of allergies or conditions that may interact with B-12 shots include:
- allergy to cyanocobalamin or cobalt
- hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- kidney disease
- polycythemia vera (a rare blood disorder)
- Leber’s disease (an eye disease)
- deficiencies in other nutrients, particularly folic acid and iron