VITAMIN B-12 INJECTIONS

everything you need to know

KEY POINTS:

  • B-12 injections are typically used as a treatment for a certain type of anemia (pernicious anemia). In this type of anemia, people lack intrinsic factor in the stomach which is necessary for the absorption of the vitamin.

  • Vegetarians (especially vegans)are also given shots of B-12 since their diet is low in animal products, the primary source of B-12.

  • People with chronic fatigue or anemia require weekly to monthly injections of vitamin B-12 usually because the oral form is not dependable.

  • Vitamin B-12 shots are most effective when taken at regular intervals (usually weekly or monthly). A regular schedule to receive the injections can be customized to each individual.

  • The body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 is reduced with increasing age. Older people are often detected to have a more potent vitamin B-12 deficiency, even in cases where they do not suffer from pernicious anaemia.

  • Methylcobalamin (Methyl B-12) is a unique form of vitamin B-12, which is more readily converted into the coenzyme forms than conventional cyanocobalamin. Mehtylcobalamin also readily binds body stores of cyanide.

  • Deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to abnormal neurologic and psychiatric symptoms including ataxia (shaky movements and unsteady gait), muscle weakness, spasticity, incontinence, hypotension, vision problems, dementia, psychoses, and mood disturbances.

Benefits of B-12:

  • More energy, mental alertness and stamina for everyday tasks

  • Healthier immune systems

  • Improves sleep

  • Increases metabolism, thereby aiding in weight loss

  • Reduces allergies, stress and depression

  • Improves mood stabilization

  • Lessens frequency and severity of migraines and headaches

  • Helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby reducing the probability of heart diseases and strokes

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications of B-12:

  • A vitamin B-12 shot is safe and generally has no side effects, even in higher doses.

  • Some redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. This should start to get better within forty-eight (48) hours.

  • In rare cases, B-12 can cause diarrhea, peripheral vascular thrombosis, itching, transitory exanthema, urticaria, feelings of swelling of the whole body.

  • Sensitivity to cobalt and/or cobalamin is a contraindication.

  • People with chronic liver and/or kidney dysfunction should not take frequent B-12 injections; therefore we ask that you please provide us with a recent copy of lab work, which reflects liver and kidney function. This lab work is usually referred to as a metabolic panel. If you have not checked your lab work recently, we ask that you get a complete blood workup as soon as possible.

  • Interactions with drugs: Chloramphenicol can impede on the red blood cell producing properties of B-12

  • Other drugs that decrease or reduce absorption of B-12: antibiotics, cobalt irradiation, colchicine, colestipol, H2-blockers, metformin, nicotine, birth control pills, potassium chloride, proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid, Losec, Aciphex, Pantaloc, and Zidovudine.

  • B-12 is contraindicated in Leber’s disease, a hereditary optic nerve atrophic condition

Possible complications of injection therapy are minor bruising and bleeding at injected sites, dizziness, headaches and possible fainting from the site of blood. There may be a slight chance for sensitivities and reactions to the B-12 solution. Venustas Immortalis is not responsible for any unforeseen reactions.