Safety And Side Effects
Vitamin B12 injections are generally considered to be very safe. They have no major side effects.
However, in very rare cases, some people can experience side effects caused by allergic reactions or sensitivity (
If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor.
Bottom Line:
Vitamin B12 injections are very safe. In rare cases, the injections may cause allergic reactions.
What Is Vitamin B12 And What Does It Do
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin.
It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt.
The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop .
Bottom Line:
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in brain function and red blood cell production.
Many People Are Deficient
The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day.
Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In fact, its thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have a deficiency .
This is because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods.
However, vegans and vegetarians are not the only ones who are deficient. Even some meat eaters dont absorb it very well .
Unlike other vitamins, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein produced in your stomach, called intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, so that you can absorb it into the blood. People who dont produce enough intrinsic factor can become deficient.
Deficiency is particularly common in elderly people, because the ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age .
Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohns disease or celiac disease, are also at risk .
Bottom Line:
Those at greatest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans and vegetarians, who get little to no B12 from the diet. Deficiency can also be caused by poor absorption.
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Is There A Maximum Amount And Frequency Of Vitamin B12 Injections
While you should be careful how much vitamin B12 you inject and should discuss appropriate dosage and frequency for you with a trusted healthcare professional, it is practically impossible to have too much B12. There is no recommended maximum. Vitamin B12 is a very safe supplement that can be injected as frequent as once a day, although you may want to take more or less depending on you, your health, your age, and your lifestyle.
Other Ways To Get Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, as well as some fortified foods that have added B12.
Fortified foods vary from country to country, but often include milk alternatives or breakfast cereals.
Some especially good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Liver: 1/3 cup provides 881% of the RDI.
- Beef kidney: 1/3 cup provides 311% of the RDI.
- Trout: 1/3 cup provides 61% of the RDI.
- Canned salmon: 1/3 cup provides 61% of the RDI.
- Ground beef: 1/3 cup provides 40% of the RDI.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs provide 25% of the RDI.
- Milk: 1 cup provides 20% of the RDI.
- Chicken: 1/3 cup provides 3% of the RDI.
It can be difficult for some people to meet their vitamin B12 requirements. This is particularly true for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In these situations, its usually recommended that you supplement your diet with either a B12 shot or oral supplement.
Fortunately, there is increasing evidence that oral B12 supplements are just as good as injections for raising blood levels in most people .
Vegetarians and vegans are usually advised to take at least 10 mcg per day, or at least 2,000 mcg once per week.
However, some doctors still prefer the use of injections.
Bottom Line:
Many animal foods are high in vitamin B12. Oral supplements have also been shown to be effective at raising blood levels.
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Why Do We Need To Get Vitamin B12 Shots
Untreated vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to neurological issues or pernicious anemia which can occur when your body does not have enough vitamin B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs.
Vitamin B12 injections are the most common and effective way to prevent and treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a medical provider and given intramuscularly, or into the muscle.
Injections are very effective at raising blood levels of vitamin B12 and preventing or reversing a B12 deficiency. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Tecumseh OK, Norman OK, Norman OK, Edmond OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Bethany OK.
Combining B12 With Lipotropic Nutrients
There are several vitamin B12 injection sites and a few different types of vitamin B12 injections. Most injections just contain vitamin B12, though more and more people are choosing to buy lipotropic injections to supplement weight-loss programs. Lipotropic injections contain amino acids in addition to B12, which work in tandem to speed up the metabolism and thus assist in weight-loss efforts.
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Effects Of B12 On Metabolism And Fat
Despite the limited research on B12 in human beings, many studies suggest that vitamin B12 could affect metabolism and body fat.
B12 plays a crucial role in fat metabolism. A deficiency could be associated with obesity and heightened fat accumulation. An animal study revealed that severe vitamin B12 deficiency led to a considerable increase in cholesterol levels and body fat percentage in pregnant mice.
Another study found that giving B12 vitamins to rats with a high-fat diet lowered weight gain and boosted levels of different enzymes that affect metabolism.
Interestingly, different studies have revealed that an adequate vitamin B12 level is associated with lower risks of obesity and weight gain. Based on research done on 9,075 people, having higher vitamin B12 levels was linked to lower risks of obesity.
Similarly, a study on 256 children showed that those with lower B12 levels tended to have a bigger BMI , which measures body size based on weight and height.
However, remember that while these studies reveal a link between body weight and vitamin B12 status, no other potentially contributing factors are considered. Thus, its impossible to assume that B12 leads to weight loss. Further research needs to be done to ascertain that B12 affects BMI or body weight.
Are There Any Side Effects Of A Vitamin B12 Shot
Generally, side effects are rare, although there are a few mild side effects that you may experience with the B12 shots, including pain, bruising or redness at the B12 injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or swelling. While these symptoms are usually nothing to worry about, if they persist or worsen, you are advised to contact your health care professional.
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Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Some side effects of cyanocobalamin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
Do not use intravenously.A sensitivity history should be obtained from the patient prior to administration of vitamin B12. An intradermal test dose is recommended before vitamin B12 is administered to patients who may be sensitive to cobalamins.Hypokalaemia and cardiac arrest have been reported when megaloblastic anaemia is treated intensively.Serum potassium is to be carefully monitored during the initial phase of treatment in pernicious anaemia.Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency should be confirmed by laboratory investigation before institution of hydroxocobalamin therapy. Do not use hydroxocobalamin until diagnosis is fully established, as it may mask symptoms of subacute degeneration of the spinal cord, or of the true diagnosis of pernicious anaemia. Folic acid may potentiate the neurological complications of vitamin B12 deficiency, so should not be administered to patients with pernicious anaemia .Regular blood tests to determine vitamin B12 levels are advisable during treatment.Administration of hydroxocobalamin doses in excess of 10 microgram daily may improve folate deficient megaloblastic anaemia and obscure the true diagnosis.The therapeutic response to hydroxocobalamin may be impaired by concurrent infection, uraemia, folic acid or iron deficiency, or by drugs with bone marrow suppressing effects, such as chloramphenicol .Treatment with hydroxocobalamin may unmask polycythaemia vera, because vitamin B12 deficiency may suppress the symptoms of this condition.
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Is A Vitamin B12 Injection Worth It
It depends, of course! Again, chat with your healthcare provider or doctor. Get a blood test drawn. Its important to have data before getting an injection. While excess vitamin B12 isnt necessarily harmful , these injections can interact with other medications. Always consult your doctor beforehand. If you arent truly deficient in vitamin B12, an injection is a nice to have, not a must-have.
Benefits Of Vitamin B
B-12 injections can boost our bodys essential functions, benefiting our health. Since B-12 is a necessary vitamin for many body processes, getting vitamin injections has numerous different benefits. On the other hand, it is also essential to receive that maximum boost needed from these injections. Here are some of the benefits you may get from B-12 injections.
1. It balances or increases our metabolism.
Metabolism sustains life through groups of chemical reactions in our cells. Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in our metabolism. Efficient metabolism can be noticeable in how quickly we burn the food we eat. These reactions usually dont occur at slower rates. If so, our body functions become slower, too. This slow down can result in weight gain and fatigue. A balanced B-12 level can boost our metabolism, helping our bodies function better.
2. It prevents anemia by increasing red blood cells.
B-12 injections provide the critical vitamin our body needs in creating new red blood cells. Red blood cells are in-charge in transporting oxygen and other nutrients throughout the other cells of the body. Having a low count of red blood cells can make you experience anemia that causes our bodies to feel fatigued. Additionally, B-12 deficiency may also result in lightheadedness and dizziness. Ample amounts of vitamin B-12 prevent anemia and help our bodies have enough red blood cell production, causing that needed boost in our energy.
3. It keeps the brain healthy.
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How Else Can I Get Vitamin B12
The best way to naturally get B12 is to eat foods that are rich with vitamin B. These include:
- Shellfish
- Meat and poultry
- Milk and milk products
While a well-rounded diet is an ideal way to ensure you’re getting enough B12, those on a vegan diet can look to certain plant milk with B12 as well as nutritional yeast and fortified cereals. B12 supplements in pill form are also an option, the dosage of which your doctor can recommend.
Are B12 Injections Safe
Our service provides safe access to premium vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin. A toxic vitamin B12 overdose could not occur as the body will absorb what it needs from the B12 injected and excrete any excess in the urine.
Intramuscular injection of B12 carries a very low risk of side effects and offers an accessible wellness boost to optimise energy release, metabolism and support mental wellbeing. Our B12 Self-Injection Kits include step by step instructions to ensure safe, intramuscular injection of vitamin B12.
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Benefits Of Vitamin B12 Injections
A vitamin B12 injection can bring on immediate health benefits. It increases energy levels and concentration, may improve metabolism, boosts the immune system, and aids in restful sleep. Since this vitamin is essential for DNA synthesis, nerve cell health, red blood cell formation, and neurological function, a vitamin B12 injection really is a no-brainer.
Whats All The Buzz About Vitamin B12 Shots
In the more recent months, youve probably heard of adding things to your diet like kombucha and vinegarsand lets not forget how hot avocados are right now. There are also vitamins and supplements that are getting their time to shine, too, like probiotics, collagen, and turmeric. One of the newest star vitamins currently is vitamin Bspecifically vitamin B12, in the form of an injection.
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. The amount of vitamin B12 your body needs depends on your age. Most people can get enough vitamin B12 in foods they eat already, such as fish, meat poultry, eggs, dairy products, and foods that are fortified with B12 . However, according to the National Institutes of Health, upwards of 15% of people are deficient in vitamin B12and some studies indicate that number may be higher. People may be deficient in vitamin B12 if they dont eat animal products, or if their body does not absorb it well naturally.
- Increase energy levels and combat fatigue
- Speed up metabolism
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If You Receive Too Much
Vita-B12 Injection is given to you under the supervision of your doctor it is very unlikely that you will receive too much.
However, if you experience severe side effects, immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose may include the side effects listed in the ‘Side effects’ section, but are usually of a more severe nature.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Vitamin B12 Shots Are Very Effective
An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems or pernicious anemia, which occurs when your body doesnt have enough B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs .
Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly, or into muscle.
Injections are usually given as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.
Bottom Line:
If you are deficient in vitamin B12, then the injections are very effective at raising your blood levels.
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Treating Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.
There are 2 types of vitamin B12 injections:
- hydroxocobalamin
- cyanocobalamin
Hydroxocobalamin is usually the recommended option as it stays in the body for longer.
At first, you’ll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving.
Your GP or nurse will give the injections.
After this initial period, your treatment will depend on whether the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency is related to your diet or whether the deficiency is causing any neurological problems, such as problems with thinking, memory and behaviour.
The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia, which is not related to your diet.
Where Should I Keep My Medicine
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Vitamin B12 Injections Every Thing You Have To Know
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How Is Vitamin B
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Vitamin B-12 is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving Vitamin B-12 to a child. Your child’s dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.
For pernicious anemia, you may have to use Vitamin B-12 for the rest of your life. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia or irreversible nerve damage.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. Folic acid alone will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all medications as directed.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Vitamin B-12 can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Vitamin B-12.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
- Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
- Accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies.
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