If you are older, vitamin B shots, specifically B12 shots, may treat and/or prevent serious conditions such as pernicious anemia, an illness that may lead to mental and physical problems. Your ability to absorb B12 from food diminishes as you age. So B12, in the form of injections or oral supplements, is often recommended for anyone over 50. There are some indications that B12 shots, the most reliable way to get B12 into your system, might improve your health even if your B12 blood level seems adequate.
Deficiencies
B vitamins help you convert food into fuel in the form of glucose. You also need B vitamins to metabolize fats and proteins and protect your central nervous system. B vitamins are water-soluble, so they are not stored in the body. Elderly people are susceptible to B12 deficiencies if they eat poor diets or if they lack enough stomach acid to absorb it in adequate levels. Symptoms of B12 deficiencies include fatigue, diarrhea, anxiety, forgetfulness, confusion and depression. Folate, vitamin B9, can also be lacking in older people, so it is sometimes recommended as a supplement along with B12.
Benefits of Shots
Elderly people -- and anyone else who is deficient in B12 -- can prevent a number of potential diseases and illnesses by getting B12 injections. In addition to pernicious anemia, you may be able to reduce your chances of heart disease by lowering your blood level of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart attacks and strokes. Low levels of B12 have also been linked with breast cancer and cognitive impairment, although the cause and effect relationship is unclear, as of March 2011.
Shots vs. Oral Supplements
Injections of B12 are considered safe and effective. B12 itself causes few if any side effects and is non-toxic. Oral supplements, on the other hand, may not be as effective, depending on the type of B12 that you take and the way you take it. Methycobalamin, one form of B12, is absorbed much better than cyanocobalamin, the other type. There is some research that indicates taking sublingual methycobalamin is as effective as getting B12 shots.
Considerations
In addition to the elderly, there are other groups of people who might benefit from B12 shots. These include strict vegetarians or vegans of any age, who likely are not getting an adequate supply of B12 from a diet lacking in dairy, eggs and meat; people with malabsorption conditions; people with eating disorders; and people with HIV. Older people who are depressed or begin showing signs of cognitive impairment should be checked for B12 deficiencies. If the deficiency is corrected in a timely manner, those conditions may be reversed. See your health care provider if you are considering B12 shots or supplements or if you have symptoms of B12 deficiencies.
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