A healthcare provider may prescribe vitamin B-12 injections to treat a vitamin B-12 deficiency. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a variety of health issues, from lack of energy to permanent neurological issues. Vitamin B-12 injections allow the body to more easily absorb this essential vitamin without passing through the digestive system. Keep reading to learn more about what vitamin B-12 is and how these injections can help you feel your best.
What Is Vitamin B-12?
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that contributes to many of the body’s important functions, such as the production and function of red blood cells, nerve cells, and DNA. If you do not have enough vitamin B-12, you may develop megaloblastic anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue. Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in a lot of dietary sources, including fish, meat, eggs, dairy, nutritional yeast, and fortified foods. If your body can’t absorb enough of this vitamin from food alone, you may require vitamin B-12 injections. These shots contain cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of vitamin B-12 that is injected into the muscle.
Who Needs Vitamin B-12 Injections?
Vitamin B-12 injections are typically prescribed for patients who have low levels of vitamin B-12. Deficiency is common, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Some individuals are at an increased risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency if they do not produce enough stomach acid or if they have autoimmune atrophic gastritis. If you’ve had gastrointestinal surgery, your digestive system may not be able to efficiently absorb vitamin B-12, which can lead to a need for vitamin B-12 injections. Signs of a vitamin B-12 deficiency may include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty thinking or memory problems
- Heart palpitations
- Weight loss
- Pale skin
- Numbness and tingling in extremities
- Infertility
Benefits of Vitamin B-12 Injections
Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in the body. A deficiency in this essential vitamin can have serious health consequences that can affect your brain function, mental health, bone density, eyesight, and energy levels. Getting vitamin B-12 injections can help you avoid these health issues and gain additional benefits. Some potential benefits of vitamin B-12 injections may include:
- Prevention of anemia
- Anxiety relief
- Improved sleep
- Energy boost
- Improved brain function
- Heart health support
- Reduced risk of birth defects in pregnant women
- Reduced morning sickness for pregnant women
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- Reduced risk of macular degeneration
- Immunity boost
- Weight loss support
- Prevention of hair loss
- Enhanced skin health and appearance
Side Effects of Vitamin B-12 Injections
Generally, vitamin B-12 injections are considered very safe. There are no major side effects that you should expect. The risk of toxicity or overdose is very low. In rare cases, some patients may experience side effects as the result of allergic reactions or sensitivity. Vitamin B-12 injections may also interact with certain medications, so make sure you inform your healthcare provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking before receiving a shot.
Ask Phipps Pharmacy About Vitamin B-12 Injections
If you have a difficult time staying energized and focused, you may benefit from vitamin B-12 injections. Not only do these shots treat deficiency and anemia, but they can also help improve energy levels, mood, and concentration. Here at Phipps Pharmacy, our experienced pharmacy doctors are equipped to administer vitamin B-12 injections. If you are interested in learning more about this type of vitamin B-12 supplementation, please reach out to us to find out how you may benefit from vitamin B-12 injections and how to get started!
