Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is to the human body what gasoline is to a car; without it, you’re not getting anywhere. If your diet includes meat, fish, and dairy products, you can get natural sources of B12, but these foods often come with a hefty toxic load. Vegetarians and vegans, as well as meat eaters, can suffer from B12 deficiency. This makes it a common issue for many people, who often turn to supplementation or B12 injections for help.
What is a Vitamin B12 Shot?
A vitamin B12 shot delivers a high dose of therapeutic B12, typically in the form of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. If you’re not a fan of needles, oral supplements containing the active forms of B12—methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin—can be just as effective.
Some people can’t digest or absorb B12 properly due to genetic factors or damage to their stomach and small intestine. For them, sublingual supplements aren’t enough. In cases requiring a high dose, or when injections are the only viable option, B12 shots are used. Sometimes, these shots are also administered as an energy booster since B12 is crucial for cellular energy production.
Reasons for a B12 Shot
B12 deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms like depression, mood disorders, fatigue, memory failure, anemia, low blood pressure, and high homocysteine levels. While B12 shots address these deficiencies, they are also prescribed to boost energy, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functions. Researchers are even looking into their potential benefits for treating bipolar disorder, shaky leg syndrome, and autism.
Getting the B12 Shot
Before receiving a B12 shot, inform your doctor about any allergies, nutritional supplements you’re taking, or recent heavy alcohol consumption. During the appointment, a healthcare professional administers the shot directly into a muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
B-12 Shot Side Effects
The dosage and type of B12 used can influence side effects. Common side effects of vitamin intake include flushing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Here’s what you might experience with the two common types of B12 shots:
Hydroxocobalamin
This form of B12 is naturally found in food. When used in a shot, mild side effects may include soreness at the injection site, itching, diarrhea, and swelling. Hydroxocobalamin is a natural form of the vitamin that your body utilizes more slowly, providing continuous support and easily converting to methylcobalamin in the body.
Cyanocobalamin
This is the synthetic version of vitamin B12 used in supplements and shots. Mild side effects can include diarrhea and swelling. More serious side effects might involve muscle weakness, extreme thirst, confusion, shortness of breath, headache, exhaustion, skin reddening, and irregular heartbeat. Though rare, very severe reactions such as chest pain and breathing difficulties require immediate medical attention. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction like itching, swelling, severe dizziness, rash, or trouble breathing after the shot, contact your doctor right away.
The best way to avoid side effects is through open communication. Ensure your doctor is aware of all the medications and supplements you’re taking, including alcohol. Sharing your family’s medical history can also be beneficial.
