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B12 Injections: What You Need to Know

  • Writer: Amira I. Quarles – AIQU
    Amira I. Quarles – AIQU
  • Aug 18, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 21, 2024

Introduction: B12 is a vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells, keep your nerves healthy, and give you energy. Sometimes, people don't get enough B12 from their diet or their body can't absorb it properly. In these cases, B12 injections can be a great way to boost your B12 levels and help you feel better (Stabler, 2013).


What Are B12 Injections?

B12 injections are shots that give you a strong dose of vitamin B12. This vitamin is important for your body to work properly. It helps with things like making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body, and keeping your nerves healthy (Green, 2017).


Why Do People Get B12 Injections?

People might get B12 injections for several reasons:

  • B12 Deficiency: Some people don't get enough B12 from food, which can make them feel tired or weak (Stabler, 2013).

  • Pernicious Anemia: This is a condition where your body can't absorb B12 from food, so you need injections to get enough (Andres et al., 2004).

  • Low Energy: B12 can help boost energy levels, especially if you're feeling tired all the time (Green, 2017).

  • Memory and Mood: Some people use B12 to help with memory, concentration, and mood (Allen, 2008).


What Are the Benefits of B12 Injections?

B12 injections can help you feel better in several ways:

  • More Energy: If you're low on B12, injections can help you feel more energetic (Stabler, 2013).

  • Better Mood: B12 can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of sadness or anxiety (Andres et al., 2004).

  • Improved Memory: Some people notice better focus and memory after getting B12 injections (Green, 2017).

  • Healthy Nerves: B12 is important for keeping your nerves working properly (Allen, 2008).


How Are B12 Injections Given?

B12 injections are usually given in the upper arm or thigh. The shot is quick, and most people say it doesn't hurt too much. You might need to get injections regularly, depending on why you're getting them (Stabler, 2013).


Possible Side Effects

Most people don't have any problems with B12 injections, but some possible side effects include:

  • Soreness at the Injection Site: You might feel a little sore where you got the shot.

  • Mild Diarrhea: Some people experience a slight upset stomach.

  • Itching or Rash: Rarely, people might have an allergic reaction to the injection (Andres et al., 2004).


Who Shouldn’t Get B12 Injections?

B12 injections are safe for most people, but there are some exceptions:

  • Allergies: If you're allergic to B12 or cobalt, you shouldn't get B12 injections (Green, 2017).

  • Certain Health Conditions: If you have certain conditions like Leber's disease (an eye condition), talk to your doctor before getting B12 injections (Stabler, 2013).


Monitoring Your Health

To make sure B12 injections are working, your doctor will do some blood tests:

  • B12 Levels: This checks how much B12 is in your blood.

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test looks at your red blood cells to make sure they're healthy (Stabler, 2013).

  • Methylmalonic Acid (MMA): This test shows if your body is getting enough B12 (Allen, 2008).

Your doctor will decide how often you need these tests, but it's usually a few weeks after starting injections, then every few months (Green, 2017).


Conclusion

B12 injections can be a simple and effective way to boost your health, especially if you're low on B12. They can help with energy, mood, memory, and nerve health. Always talk to your doctor to see if B12 injections are right for you, and make sure to follow up with any recommended tests to monitor your progress (Stabler, 2013).


 

Reference List:

  1. Allen, L. H. (2008). Causes of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 29(2_suppl1), S20-S34. https://doi.org/10.1177/15648265080292S105

  2. Andres, E., Loukili, N. H., Noel, E., Kaltenbach, G., Abdelgheni, M. B., Perrin, A. E., ... & Blicklé, J. F. (2004). Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients. CMAJ, 171(3), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1031155

  3. Green, R. (2017). Vitamin B12 deficiency from the perspective of a practicing hematologist. Blood, 129(19), 2603-2611. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2016-10-569186

  4. Stabler, S. P. (2013). Clinical practice. Vitamin B12 deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(2), 149-160. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1113996



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Content Information by Amira I. Quarles, CRNP-MSN a practicing Nurse Practitioner, based in Pittsburgh and additionally licensed to treat and prescribe in South Dakota.

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