Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which is essential to your body. Your body needs B12 for cellular and tissue repair, DNA production and the creation of red blood cells. Mayo Clinic explains that because your body does not create B12, you must consume foods rich in B12 such as meat, poultry and shellfish. A long-term B12 deficiency can lead to a disorder called B12 deficiency anemia. Physicians often prescribe B12 injections for treatment of B12 deficiencies, especially when a person suffers from a type of malabsorption disorder.
Symptoms
When your body suffers from a deficiency of B12, it lacks the ability to perform vital functions, such as create red blood cells and perform necessary cellular repairs. A lack of red blood cells can create a lack of oxygen within the body causing shortness of breath, fatigue, paleness and bleeding gums. B12 deficiencies can also damage nerves leading to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy can cause people to experience pain, burning, numbness and tingling in the arms, hands, legs and feet. Physicians will often prescribe injections to jump start treatments and avoid long-term damage to your body.
Why Injections
There are several reasons why your physician may opt to treat with a B12 injection instead of an oral supplement or dietary change alone. While eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements are effective ways of preventing a B12 deficiency, when your body is already deficient of B12, it can take up to a year for the body to recover with diet and supplementation alone. The National Institutes of Health explains that B12 deficiency that occurs due to malabsorption from Crohn's disease, alcoholism or celiac disease is best treated with injections because your body does not properly absorb B12.
Injection Schedule
Physicians often start people on a schedule of B12 injections in the beginning, weaning them off over time as B12 levels improve. When first diagnosed, physicians will often prescribe daily B12 injections. Physicians will either ask you to come into the office to receive the injections or inject the B12 yourself at home. After a week or two, shots will titrate weekly and then monthly, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Side Effects
B12 injections consist of a man-made synthetic B12 known as cyanocobalamin and side effects may occur. The Drugs website explains that injection side effects can include headache, dizziness, weakness, numbness or tingling, fever, joint pain, itching, rash and digestive upset. You may experience pain, redness or irritation at the site of injection as well. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or unusual redness, pain or warmth in an arm or leg you should alert your physician immediately.
Prognosis
Treatment for a Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually effective, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, some nerve damage may be permanent if treatment does not begin within six months of the onset of symptoms.
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