Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is one of the eight B vitamins that are usually referred to as B complex. As the University of Maryland explains, B vitamins help convert carbohydrate into glucose, the fuel that produces energy. B vitamins also help you metabolize fats and proteins, aid the the functioning of the nervous system and produce healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. Vitamin B12 is particularly important for maintaining healthy nerve cells. Primary sources of B12 are meat, fish and dairy. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 can lead to a host of health problems, and certain populations are particularly at risk. In such cases, injections of vitamin B12 can speed its delivery and avoid any absorption problems.
Treatment for B12 Deficiencies
Although your body stores vitamin B12, it can be hard to absorb. Groups that may be deficient in B12 include: vegans, vegetarians who don't eat dairy or eggs in addition to meat; people with malabsorption syndrome; people with eating disorders; people with HIV; and the elderly, since your ability to absorb B12 decreases as you age. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include muscle weakness, low blood pressure, vision problems, dementia, psychosis and mood disturbances. Fortunately, shots can remedy a B12 deficiency.
Treatment for Anemia
Vitamin B12 shots are a recommended course of treatment for two forms of anemia. In megaloblastic anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency causes enlarged red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is another blood abnormality that is caused by an absence of a protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor. B12 must bind with intrinsic factor in order to be absorbed by your body. B12 shots can reverse the effects of both types of anemia. People with pernicious anemia may require B12 shots or supplements for life.
Fatigue
Using B12 shots to treat fatigue is commonplace, but studies proving its efficiency are still preliminary. As the University of Maryland Medical Center notes, one small research study indicated that B12 might help increase energy in some people who are not B12-deficient, which would mean B12 shots could be useful for the general population. Another study found that B12 shots seem to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. More research is needed to confirm either of these preliminary findings.
Other Conditions
B12 has been suggested as a treatment for a number of other conditions, ranging from breast cancer to cognitive impairment. Older women with low levels of B12 showed an increased risk for breast cancer in one study, and people with Parkinson's disease had lower levels of B12 in another study. But cause and effect are still uncertain, so it is too soon to know whether B12 shots might help prevent or help remedy these conditions. B12 shots are even touted for weight loss, although Katherine Zeratsky, nutritionist at MayoClinic.com, says there is no evidence that B12 in any form, including shots, will help you lose weight.
Precautions
Talk with your doctor before trying B12 shots. Although B12 is generally safe, taking an excess amount of B12 in relation to the amount of other B vitamins you are consuming can be risky. In addition, B12 can interact with a number of prescription medications.
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