If a person experiences the following, or if these issues persist or worsen, they should seek medical advice:. There may also be a risk of :. If anyone experiences difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling, they need emergency medical help.
They may be experiencing anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. Vitamin B12 may interact with certain medications. People must always inform a doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs they are taking before receiving a vitamin B12 shot. Those who have allergies or medical conditions should always inform a doctor before receiving a vitamin B12 shot.
Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet, but some people have a deficiency. This can be due to having low levels of intrinsic factor in the digestive system, having a digestive condition, or following a plant-based diet. The — Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend meeting the need for vitamin B12 and other nutrients through diet first and foremost. If dietary sources are insufficient, however, a doctor may recommend supplementation through pills or injections, depending on the cause of the deficiency.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, but it can be difficult for people to know if they are getting the right amount. Some people will be able to get…. Vegetarians and vegans must take particular care to consume enough vitamin B, as it is mainly found in meat, eggs, and dairy.
Learn what foods to…. Vitamins and nutrients are essential for good health. Some people supplement vitamins, but is there an ideal time of day to take them? In this article,. Vitamin A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. This article looks at some dietary sources of each and the role they play in the body. Vitamin B6 plays a key role in metabolism and brain function. It also may help to protect against air pollution.
Who needs vitamin B12 shots and why? What is vitamin B12? How much do I need? What are vitamin B12 shots? Who needs them? Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery.
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. 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. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, then the injections are very effective at raising your blood levels. Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences. Two recent reviews found that there may be a link between low blood levels and the development of dementia 17 , Nevertheless, it was suggested that taking the vitamin on a long-term basis could help prevent a relapse into depression Currently, there is a lack of quality research in this area.
Higher quality studies are needed to find out if there is a link between vitamin B12 and depression Osteoporosis is a disease in which the loss of bone mass results in weaker bones and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been linked with reduced bone mass However, studies have provided mixed results 25 , 26 , Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that causes you to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes. In people aged 50 and over, adequate consumption of vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration.
In one large study, 5, women received 1, mcg of vitamin B12 daily, as well as other B vitamins and folic acid Advocates of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood. Ensuring that you have enough vitamin B12 is important for brain function and mental, bone and eye health.
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 29 , But if you need replacement tablets of vitamin B12, these will usually be in the form of cyanocobalamin.
To treat folate deficiency anaemia, your GP will usually prescribe daily folic acid tablets to build up your folate levels. Most people need to take folic acid tablets for about 4 months. But if the underlying cause of your folate deficiency anaemia continues, you may have to take folic acid tablets for longer, possibly for life. Before you start taking folic acid, your GP will check your vitamin B12 levels to make sure they're normal.
This is because folic acid treatment can sometimes improve your symptoms so much that it masks an underlying vitamin B12 deficiency. To ensure your treatment is working, you may need to have further blood tests. A blood test is often carried out around 10 to 14 days after starting treatment to assess whether treatment is working.
This is to check your haemoglobin level and the number of the immature red blood cells reticulocytes in your blood. Another blood test may also be carried out after approximately 8 weeks to confirm your treatment has been successful. If you have been taking folic acid tablets, you may be tested again once the treatment has finished usually after 4 months. Most people who have had a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency will not need further monitoring unless their symptoms return or their treatment is ineffective.
If your GP feels it's necessary, you may have to return for an annual blood test to see whether your condition has returned. Page last reviewed: 23 May Next review due: 23 May
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