If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.
Normal/High B12 level (>200 pg/ml)
Stop long-term Vitamin B12 injections. Monitor B12 level every 6 months for 3 years.
The usual frequency for intramuscular doses of B12 shots is every 10 days, followed by maintenance doses at varying intervals. After this period, injections can be administered once per month, which this frequency is enough to reverse the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.
For patients who are naturally B12 deficient, more frequent injections about once a month may be ideal. For other patients, an injection every three to four months may suffice. We will help you determine the best frequency to get the results you want.
There is no upper limit for the intake of vitamin B12 because the risk of toxicity or overdose is low. However, vitamin B12 shots may have other side effects.
People who are deficient in vitamin B12 are often prescribed B12 shots. This method is a very effective way of reversing or preventing a deficiency because it allows for 100% absorption directly into the tissues. These days, vitamin B12 shots have even become popular in people without the vitamin deficiency.
FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING, AS WELL AS THE LONGEVITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR TREATMENT, PLEASE FOLLOW THE AFTERCARE ADVICE FULLY, Avoid alcohol for 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after your treatment.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
There are certain foods that also need a cut-down in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. “Some foods and drinks can interfere with vitamin B complex intake like alcohol, caffeine and processed foods, etc should be avoided completely,” Shah added.
GPs will normally give their patients B12 injections every 12 weeks, but normally the effects will wear off before this time. As a result the patient is left feeling sluggish and run down.
What should I avoid while using Vitamin B12? Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is available over the counter in the form of tablets (100, 500, 1,000, or 5,000 mcg) and lozenges (50, 100, 250, or 500 mcg).
Inadequate dietary intake
A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B12; however, strict vegans and people with a poor diet are at higher risk of developing a deficiency. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: Meat. Fish.
Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12.
You may feel tired and weak. High amounts of vitamin B12 can also cause you to feel like your hands and feet are tingling. Some studies suggest that taking 25 mcg or more per day might increase your risk of bone fractures. Vitamin B12 injections should only be used to treat severe deficiencies.
To see how well it's working, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy. They will also give you regular blood tests to monitor the vitamin B12 levels in your blood.
Pain/redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Some researchers have studied vitamin B-12 to find out if it can raise energy and endurance during exercise. But there isn't evidence to prove this. And unless you have low vitamin B-12 levels in your body, vitamin B-12 shots aren't likely to give you more energy or improve your performance.
Orally-swallowed B12 tablets are just as effective as injections in the vast majority of patients, except those with digestive issues that may hamper absorption. However, the rate at which the B12 is released can be a little slower meaning that if you need B12 quickly, injections will be the better option.
The cost of a B12 shot can vary based on your insurance. Typically, they cost about $50-80.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.