Receiving a B-12 deficiency diagnosis may be scary; however, the deficiency is generally easy to correct. Your doctor will typically administer daily B-12 injections for about a week. After that, one monthly injection is usually enough to prevent deficiency. Cyanocobalamin is the most common B-12 form used, but there is a precaution you should be aware of if you have impaired kidney function.
Significance
Vitamin B-12 plays a crucial role in your health as one of the primary nutrients needed to make healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B-12, along with folate, helps your body produce the red blood cells needed to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Vitamin B-12 promotes health along with seven other B vitamins known as the B complex. B vitamins act as catalysts helping over 100 enzymes do their jobs.
Aluminum
Normal aluminum exposure is not generally harmful. However, aluminum can cause serious adverse side effects if it accumulates in your body. You are most at risk for aluminum toxicity if you are an older adult or if you have diminished kidney function. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, fatigue, muscle weakness, central nervous system disturbances and seizures.
Precaution
B-12 deficiency is commonly treated with intramuscular injections. This means B-12 is injected directly into your muscle to replenish your levels quickly. Some cyanocobalamin preparations contain aluminum, according to Drugs.com. During the initial phase of treatment, you will typically receive daily injections. This practice can cause aluminum to accumulate in your body if you have lowered kidney function, which increases your toxicity risk.
Alternatives
You should tell your doctor if you have kidney impairment and are diagnosed with a B-12 deficiency. Your doctor can obtain an aluminum-free cyanocobalamin preparation. Your doctor can also use other forms of B-12. B-12 is available in a variety of forms, including methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic B-12 form and is the most affordable choice. However, the other B-12 forms are more bioavailable. This means your body can readily use them. Your body must convert cyanocobalamin before using it.
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