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. The most common signs and symptoms of a B-12 deficiency can be: Fatigue, decreased cognitive function, general lethargy, constipation, feeling faint, anxiety, and depression or irritability.
Important risk factors to know about for developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency, and to speak with your doctor with if you feel that they could apply to you, include increased alcohol use, smoking, thyroid or diabetes prescriptions, diet such as vegan or vegetarian, and as we age, deficiencies of all hormone production decrease, including B12.
Why B12 Shots Over Oral or Other Forms?
Since Methylcobalamin is the methyl form from the cobalamin obtained from hydroxycobalamin, one of two ways – by chemical manipulation in labs or naturally by the body. Naturally the body absorbs Vitamin B12 from proteins such as fish, meat, poultry, and poultry products such as eggs and milk.
Dosing for B12 varies per regiment via an intramuscular injection, usually between 100-200 mcg every 7-10 days to 1000 mcg monthly. It can also be taken orally by a capsule. Vitamin B12 injections are the most common and effective route to preventing or treating a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly, or into muscle. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency, as well as for patients who have gastrointestinal issues, as oral routes don’t subject the body to affected areas.
