Is A Vitamin B12 Injection Right For You?

Vitamin B12 is necessary as a building block of DNA and protein and for the formation of red blood cells. Some individuals do not get enough of this essential nutrient. Early signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and headaches. Depending on the reason for the deficiency, a person may need vitamin B12 injections administered by a doctor to supplement.



Vitamin B12 is found naturally in the highest quantities in animal products including red meat, fish, shellfish and liver. Vegetarians and strict vegans are estimated to get only about half of what they need of this essential nutrient in their daily diet and should supplement the vitamin. Some people also lack a stomach acid called intrinsic factor that allows vitamin B12 to be broken down and assimilated into the body. For these individuals vitamin B12 injections may be necessary because an oral vitamin supplement will not be broken down.



B12 injections may be administered by a doctor or clinician and may give a person a boost of energy, as the nutrient regulates oxygen intake in the red blood cells. People who have consumed alcohol or stomach acid reducing drugs for long periods of time may also lack the intrinsic factor and benefit from B12 shots. A blood test can be performed by a doctor to check the levels of B12 in a person’s body.



Certain medications may also affect the ability of the body to naturally break down vitamin B12. These include anti-cancer medications, antibiotics, birth control pills, cholesterol lowering drugs and anti-psychotics. No upper limit has been found for vitamin B12, meaning that a person cannot overdose even if their levels are already sufficient. B12 injections may be prescribed for people on certain types of medications.



Depending on the reason for the B12 deficiency some doctors may prescribe vitamin B12 injection kits. These can also be ordered off of the Internet as cyanocobalamin injections, which is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 shots may also be called cobal, cyanoject, cyomin, or viba. People with cancer or certain types of long term stomach or digestive problems may also need to take vitamin B12 injections routinely.



B12 shot side effects include those associated with any type of injection such as swelling and redness at the injection site. Some people report mild diarrhea or itching following a B12 injection. An excess of B12 in the body may cause a person’s blood to clot too quickly as the nutrient is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 shots may also lead to low levels of potassium in the blood, a condition called hypokalemia.



In rare cases vitamin B12 injections can cause serious side effects such as muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and weakness. Some individuals are allergic to the synthetic form of B12 or inactive ingredients in the shot and could also notice swelling. People are advised to report any side effects to their doctor.