Vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy blood and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 also is important for the production of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and in the maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Deficiency in the vitamin leads to pernicious anemia and neurological problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated using shots and pills.
Administration
Vitamin B12 shots are administered as deep intramuscular injections, while B12 pills are taken by mouth or under the tongue, according to Drugs.com. B12 shots are administered at the doctor's office and used to treat severe symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 pills may be obtained over the counter. Sublingual vitamin B12 pills are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly into the bloodstream. Oral B12 pills are swallowed with a full glass of water.
Absorption
Vitamin B12 shots are absorbed faster because they are administered directly into the bloodstream, according to Drugs.com. Vitamin B12 oral pills take longer to be absorbed because they undergo digestion. The absorption of oral B12 vitamins also depends on the availability of intrinsic factor. Patients with problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients might not absorb vitamin B12 pills. Vitamin B12 shots are used to treat severe symptoms because they are absorbed fully and begin to relive symptoms immediately.
Side Effects
Vitamin B12 shots cause common side effects such as pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site, according to Drugs.com. Patients also might develop immediate allergic reactions because the vitamin is administered directly into the bloodstream. Sublingual B12 pills might irritate the tongue, and oral B12 supplements can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Pernicous Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Vitamin B12 is important in the formation of healthy red blood cells, and deficiency in the vitamin leads to pernicious anemia. Patients with pernicious anemia can't absorb enough vitamin B12 from food because of a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein that helps the body absorb the vitamin from foods. Pernicious anemia is treated with vitamin B12 shots in order to ensure maximum absorption.
Member Comments