B12 injections are absorbed much better by the body because they are administered intramuscularly (into the muscle), and therefore directly into the blood. B12 tablets must pass through the digestive system, which leads to much poorer absorption rates.
Simply put, how long the B12 shot will last is different for everyone. Though it differs a bit from one person to another, the effects of B12 vitamins usually last around 48 hours to 72 hours after the initial injection.
Methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.
Doctors are more likely to give vitamin B12 using injections into the muscle (intramuscular injection) because they may be unaware of the option to use oral vitamin B12 or uncertain about how well it works.
The treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia depends on what's causing the condition. Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
There is no clinical evidence to say injections work better than tablets. Current evidence suggests the tablet will work just as well within the body, which will continue to absorb the B12 just as it does from the injection.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Vitamin B-12 or cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease (an inherited form of vision loss). This medicine can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.
If a person has low vitamin B12 levels due to a health condition, a doctor may recommend oral supplementation or injections of the vitamin. Injections are usually for people with bodies that have problems absorbing vitamin B12 and those who have undergone gastric surgery.
Health care providers commonly prescribe vitamin B-12 shots to help prevent or treat pernicious anemia and B-12 deficiency.
Though this vitamin is naturally produced in your body, the injection of additional B12 may cause some internal side effects you should know about. It is common to experience headaches, dizziness, and weakness immediately after the injection. These should fade fairly quickly.
THERE ARE TWO MAIN TYPES OF VITAMIN B12 MOST COMMONLY USED IN INJECTIONS: CYANOCOBALAMIN AND METHYLCOBALAMIN. This is the most useable and active form in the human body. It converts homocysteine into methionine, which helps protect the cardiovascular system.
There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.
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.
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 the majority of people, I recommend once weekly for 4 weeks. Then B12 shots can be helpful monthly as maintenance. If we are treating autoimmunity or pernicious anemia, you will receive B12 weekly or twice weekly for 6-12 weeks.
Vitamin B12 Shots Are Very Effective
An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems or pernicious anemia, which occurs when your body doesn't have enough B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs ( 16 ). Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency.
Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment.
B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, depression, pale or yellow skin, mental impairment, and pain and inflammation in the mouth and tongue. Many of the symptoms caused by low B12 levels are not specific to B12 deficiency, which can cause the condition to go undetected.
B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
Vitamin B12 is delivered by injection by our specially trained pharmacists just like the flu jab, for the purpose of protecting and maintaining health! This is a service for everyone but can be especially beneficial for those that follow a plant-based diet such as vegans and vegetarians.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.
In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.