B12 vitamin shots are also known as cyanocobalamin injections. A healthy diet can provide a person's daily requirement for B-12, but supplemental injections may be required for certain medical conditions. B-12 vitamin shots can benefit health, but are also associated with side effects and in most instances should not be used as a replacement for a healthy diet.
Food and Function
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that gets stored in the liver. According to Medline Plus, vitamin B-12 is important for metabolism, formation of red blood cells and normal nervous system function. It is in foods such as meat, eggs, poultry, shellfish, milk and dairy products.
Uses
Medline Plus says B-12 vitamin shots are used to treat and prevent B-12 deficiencies caused by pernicious anemia, certain diseases, infections, medications and vegan diets. Shots may also be used to test how well a person absorbs B-12 and are given to people who are unable to absorb B-12 through the intestines. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, neurological changes, tingling in the extremities, difficulty balancing, depression and mouth or tongue sores. Infants who are deficient in B-12 may have movement disorders, developmental delays and suffer from failure to thrive, a condition that can lead to death.
Regimen
According to Medline Plus, B-12 vitamin shots are liquid solutions that get injected into the muscles or just under the skin by a health care provider. When treatment commences, injections will usually be given once a day for six to seven days, then every other day for the following two weeks. After the first three weeks, injections will be administered every three to four days for two to three weeks. Once symptoms of a deficiency have subsided and medical conditions have been resolved, patients may receive an injection once a month to prevent a recurring deficiency. Individuals who cannot absorb B-12 or are unable to get enough dietary B-12 may be required to take lifelong B-12 injections. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) a day for adults, but dietary supplements and injections often provide 25 to 100 mcg.
Side Effects
Common side effects of B-12 vitamin shots include swelling and diarrhea. According to Medline Plus, serious side effects include muscle weakness, cramps and pain, increased thirst and urination, confusion, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, increased heart rate, headache, dizziness, red skin, hives, rash, itching and difficulty breathing or swallowing. The ODS says vitamin B-12 can interact with prescription medications used to treat acid reflux disease, ulcers and diabetes.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, male infertility, asthma, Parkinson’s and sickle cell disease may benefit from B-12 vitamin shots, but research remains ongoing. The healthiest way to get vitamin B-12 is through diet. B-12 vitamin shots should only be taken under medical supervision.
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