B12 Injections

B12 Injections

B12 Facts:

  • B12 injections are typically used as a treatment for a certain type of anemia (pernicious anemia). In this type of anemia, people lack intrinsic factor in the stomach which is necessary for the absorption of the vitamin.
  • Vegetarians (especially vegans) are also given shots of B12 since their diet is low in animal products, the primary source of B12.
  • People with chronic fatigue or anemia require weekly to monthly infections of vitamin B12 usually because the oral form is not dependable.
  • Vitamin B12 shots are most effective when taken at regular intervals (we recommend loading the dose for first 4-6 weeks, one per week, thereafter, weekly or bi monthly is sufficient). A regular schedule to receive the injections can be customised to each individual.
  • The body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 is reduced with increasing age. Older people are often detected to have a more portent vitamin B12 deficiency, even in cases where they do not suffer from pernicious anemia.
  • Methlycobalamin (Methyl B12) is a unique form of vitamin B12, which is more readily converted into the coenzyme forms than conventional cyanocobalamin. Methlycobalamin also readily binds body stores of cyanide. This is the most effective form of B12
  • Deficiently of vitamin B12 can lead to abnormal neurologic and psychiatric symptoms including ataxia (shaky movements and unsteady gait), muscle weakness, spasticity, incontinence, hypotension, vision problems, dementia,  flat mood,  low energy, poor sleep, lack of concentration.

Benefits of B12:

  • More energy, mental alertness
  • Increased  stamina for everyday tasks
  • Healthier immune systems
  • Improves sleep
  • Increased metabolism, thereby aiding in weight loss
  • Reduces  stress and depression
  • Improves mood stabilisation

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications of B12:

  • A vitamin B12 shot is safe and generally has no side effects, even in higher doses.
  • Some redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. This should start to get better with-in forty-eight (48) hours.
  • In rare cases, B12 can causes diarrhoea, peripheral vascular thrombosis, itching, transitory exanthema, urticaria, feelings of swelling of the whole body.
  • Sensitivity to cobalt and/or cobalamin is a contraindication.
  • People with chronic liver and /or kidney dysfunction should not take frequent B12 injections; therefore, we ask that you please provide us with a recent copy of lab work, which reflects liver and kidney function. This lab work is usually referred to as a metabolic panel. If you have not checked your lab work recently, we ask that you get a complete blood workup as soon as possible.
  • Drugs that decrease or reduce absorption of B12: antibiotics, cobalt irradiation, colchicine, colestipol, H2-blockers, metformin, nicotine, birth control pills, potassium chloride, proton pump inhibitors.
  • B12 is contraindicated in Leber’s Disease (a hereditary optic nerve atrophic condition), clients with chronic liver and/or kidney dysfunction, or abnormal red blood cells (megaloblastic anemia).