How much B12 do I really need?
Your B12 needs depend largely on your age and whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who are 14 years old and up generally need about 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day, according to the NIH. If...
Which route is better to administer B12 injections?
- Weakness: A lack of strength when lifting or engaging in activities that usually would require no excessive exertion
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness
- Tingling or numbness: Particularly in the hands and feet
- Pale skin: A loss of color in the skin, which can also appear faintly yellow
- Fast heartbeat: Inability to maintain a normal heartbeat despite resting
What are the side effects of a B12 injection?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- bleeding from the gums or nose
- blue lips and fingernails
- chest pain
- cough
- coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
- decreased urine output
- difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
- difficulty with swallowing
- dilated neck veins
What are the dangers of B12 injections?
including pernicious anaemia and the effects of certain medications. But, while uncommon, it could be down to a poor diet, or a vegan diet that lacks B12 supplements or fortified foods. The NHS says that for injections, hydroxocobalamin is preferred to ...
What to do when you talk to your doctor about your prescription?
How does the body absorb nutrients?
What is the name of the medicine that is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia?
What are the symptoms of low B12 levels?
What happens if you are low on B12?
What is the B12 family?
How long does it take to return to the lab after taking vitamin B12?
See more
How much B12 do you inject?
B12 may be injected into a muscle or beneath the skin at 100 mcg every day or alternate days for 7 days, and then every 3 or 4 days for a month. Afterward, 100 mcg must be injected continuously throughout your life for the best results.
Is 1000 units of B12 too much?
Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it's generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity.
Can you take too much B12 by injection?
There is no upper limit for the intake of vitamin B12 because the risk of toxicity or overdose is low. However, vitamin B12 shots may have other side effects.
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 injection a day?
The most common treatment for pernicious anemia is lifelong vitamin B12 injections, but small amounts of vitamin B12 are absorbed without intrinsic factor. One review concluded that taking 1,000 mcg daily is an effective alternative to injections ( 42 ).
What happens if your B12 is too high?
In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.
How soon do you feel less tired after a B12 injection?
Key facts. Hydroxocabalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your symptoms start to improve and you feel better. At first, you may need to have the injection a few times a week to boost your levels of vitamin B12.
How much B12 should you take a day?
The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.
How quickly do B12 injections work?
Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment.
How long does a B12 injection last?
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.
Is it better to take B12 shots or pills?
Low B12 can cause anemia and fatigue. For many people with low B12 levels, a daily supplement in the form of a pill is as effective as taking a monthly muscle injection.
Why do I feel tired after B12 injection?
B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.
Is B12 level of 1500 too high?
There is no consensus on the definition of high or elevated B12. Previous studies have chosen a variety of levels to represent high or very high B12 (pmol/l) levels. Some examples include: 664.219; 5131; 700 (high) and 1500 (very high)11; and 601 (high) and 1000 (very high)10.
How many mL of vitamin b12 should I inject?
Weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. They occur because your body doesn't have enough vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body. As a result, you are unable to efficiently transport oxygen to your body's cells, making you feel tired and weak.
Vitamin B-12 injections for weight loss: Do they work? - Mayo Clinic
Some weight-loss clinics offer vitamin B-12 injections as part of their weight-loss programs. Proponents of vitamin B-12 injections say the shots give you more energy and boost your metabolism, helping you shed unwanted pounds.
Vitamin B12 Injections Dosage - Health Hearty
# The dose for children may vary according to their age, as prescribed by the pediatrician. The dosage may range between 0.4 mcg and 1.8 mcg on a daily basis.For children above 14 years of age, the dose is 2.4 mcg. # Vitamin B12 shots are administered intramuscularly or under the skin, known as subcutaneous injections. The normal dosage as recommended by doctors is approximately 6-70 mg, every ...
What should I avoid while using Vitamin B12 injection?
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with Vitamin B12 injection.
How to use vitamin B12?
Use Vitamin B12 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Vitamin B12 injection is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Why is B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis. Vitamin B12 is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
How to store vitamin B12 injections?
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container.
What are the side effects of low potassium?
low potassium level - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling. Common Vitamin B12 side effects may include: diarrhea; or. swelling anywhere in your body. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
What are the conditions that affect bone marrow?
eye problems or Leber's disease (in you or a family member); kidney or liver disease; iron or folic acid deficiency; any type of infection; or. if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What causes shortness of breath?
heart problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; fluid build-up in or around the lungs - pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats; or.
What is a B12 Injection?
Have you heard about the benefits of B12 supplements? Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that our bodies require for proper function of the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B12 injections can be used as a treatment for various ailments or symptoms, and the benefits can help improve anyone’s life. Effective, fast, and relatively painless, the only question left to ask about vitamin B12 injections how often you can take them.
How Often Should You Inject a B12 Shot?
Some doctors recommend that anyone can use B12 injections, with a frequency of up to one shot weekly for 4 weeks. If you are using for non-medical reasons, you can make your own choices to determine how often to use B12 injections. If you are searching for an immune boost, athletic preparation, or recovery, some doctors suggest you can get a few vitamin B12 injections throughout the year. Of course, this all depends on the dosage prescribed by a doctor, which are typically administered in doses of 1000 mcg. How often you should take doses of B12 injections will depend on your body’s ability to store vitamin B12 – once your B12 levels in your blood stabilize, the injections can be administered far less frequently. When you begin with B12 injections, frequent medical and blood tests will determine future dosage and frequency.
How to administer vitamin B12 injection?
When administering a vitamin B12 injection intramuscularly, hold it at a 90-degree angle and withdraw the needle at the same angle in a quick and controlled manner. To ensure that the needle is in the muscle and not in a blood vessel, upon initial insertion, slightly pull pack on the plunger of the syringe. If there is blood, remove the needle and start the process over with a clean, new needle. If there is no blood in the syringe, you will know you are in the muscle for an effective B12 injection site. After you successfully inject the vitamin B12, apply pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or a bandage. Dispose of any injection waste and the used needle in an appropriate biohazard approved receptacle. To activate the B12, you can rub the injection site in a circular motion. This will also help ease any irritation.
How to inject vitamin B12 into skin?
Insert the needle into the container and release the air from the syringe into the vial. Slowly pull on the syringe plunger to withdraw the appropriate dosage amount of vitamin B12. Remove the needle from the vial and prepare the skin for injection.
How to take B12 in a vial?
Pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to fill it with air until it reaches your suggested dosage. Insert the needle into the container and release the air from the syringe into the vial.
What is the best place to start taking vitamin B12?
When deciding where to begin your journey to better health using vitamin B12 injections, the best place to begin is with Invigor Medical. Invigor Medical offers many benefits, which include: Meeting or exceeding rigorous national standards. Highly qualified and credentialed staff.
How to manage vitamin B12 levels?
In order to reduce symptoms and manage a stable level of vitamin B12, it is suggested to take B12 injections daily until the user’s symptoms are reduced or non-existent. A blood test can provide an accurate measure of if there are sufficient B12 levels in the blood stream, and if there are, then you must maintain those levels by taking weekly injections for at least a month. Once the body stabilizes and returns to a fully functioning state, you can take monthly injections to maintain vitamin B12 levels and avoid future deficiencies.
What is the best vitamin for macular degeneration?
In people aged 50 and over, adequate consumption of vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration.
What diseases are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, are also at risk ( 12. ). Those at greatest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans and vegetarians, who get little to no B12 from the diet. Deficiency can also be caused by poor absorption.
Why are vitamin supplements so popular?
Vitamin supplements are very popular. People often believe they’ll act as a safety net and help to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Supplementing with vitamin B12 is particularly common, because deficiency is widespread. In fact, many people regularly get injections with vitamin B12. These are claimed to help with energy levels, ...
How much B12 should I take daily?
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day. Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. In fact, it’s thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have a deficiency ( 2. Trusted Source.
What is the role of B12 in the body?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt. ).
What is the best source of vitamin B12?
Fortified foods vary from country to country, but often include milk alternatives or breakfast cereals. Some especially good sources of vitamin B12 include: Liver: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 881% of the RDI. Beef kidney: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 311% of the RDI. Trout: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 61% of the RDI.
Why is it important to take B12?
Ensuring that you have enough vitamin B12 is important for brain function and mental, bone and eye health. Injections are probably useless if you don’t have a deficiency.
How much B12 should vegans take?
However, one study suggests that doses up to 6 mcg of vitamin B12 per day may be appropriate for vegans ( 16 ).
How many vegetarians have low B12 levels?
In a review of 40 studies on vitamin B12 in vegetarians, up to 86.5% of vegetarian adults — including older adults — were found to have low levels of vitamin B12 ( 15 ).
How much vitamin B12 should I take?
For people over 14, the RDI for vitamin B12 is 2.4 m cg ( 1 ).
What age group is most susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Adults over age 50. Older people are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. While relatively few younger adults are deficient in B12, up to 62% of adults over the age of 65 have less than optimal blood levels of this nutrient ( 8. Trusted Source.
How much B12 does the body absorb?
Note that the percent of vitamin B12 your body can absorb from supplements is not very high — it’s estimated that your body only absorbs 10 mcg of a 500-mcg B12 supplement ( 7 ).
What happens if you don't take enough B12?
Over time, B12 deficiency can lead to complications like anemia, nerve damage, and fatigue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by not getting enough of this vitamin through your diet, problems with absorbing it, or taking a medication that interferes with its absorption ( 4. Trusted Source.
Why is stomach acid important?
Stomach acid is necessary to access the vitamin B12 found naturally in food, and intrinsic factor is required for its absorption.
How to inject vitamin B12 into muscle?
Intramuscular: These injections are more common, as they tend to have better results. The needle will be inserted at a 90 degree angle, which will put the needle deep into the muscular tissue. Once the needle is in the muscle, the plunger should be pulled back slightly to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel; if no blood is aspirated, then the medication can be pushed through slowly. When the vitamin B12 is pushed through the needle, it will absorbed by the surrounding muscle right away. This will ensure all of the B12 is absorbed into your body.
How to give B12 injections?
To give a B12 injection, start by cleaning the injection site, such as the upper arm or thigh, with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to sterilize the area. While the site dries, pull the plunger back on your syringe to your desired measurement. Then, turn the B12 solution upside down and insert the needle into the bottom of the vial. Once it’s in, push the plunger to let the air out of the syringe, then pull it back the same amount to fill the barrel with the solution. After you’ve withdrawn the syringe, use your thumb and forefinger to keep the skin around the injection site taut. Insert the needle at 90 degrees if you’re injecting into the muscle. Or, if you’re injecting subcutaneously, insert it into the skin at a 45 degree angle. Whichever type of injection you perform, hold the needle steady while you push the plunger to administer the solution. When you’ve fully depressed the plunger, carefully withdraw the needle. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to safely dispose of your needle after injecting B12, read on!
How does B12 injection work?
When the vitamin B12 is pushed through the needle, it will absorbed by the surrounding muscle right away. This will ensure all of the B12 is absorbed into your body. Subcutaneous: These injections are less common. The needle will be inserted at a 45 degree angle, just below your skin, as opposed to deep in your muscle.
How to inject B12 into yourself?
If you are injecting the vitamin B12 into yourself, use your free hand to hold the skin of the injection site taunt. Relax your muscles and inject the needle at a right angle. Check that there is no blood in the syringe and then inject the rest of the supplement if there is no blood.
Why is vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is important for cell reproduction, blood formation, brain development, and bone growth. Individuals suffering from the symptoms of low vitamin B12 (or pernicious anemia), such as depression, exhaustion, anemia, and poor memory, may ask their doctor about vitamin B12 injections.
How many testimonials does wikihow have?
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 17 testimonials and 92% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
How to clean a person's skin after an injection?
Then, dip a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol. Clean the person’s skin using the cotton ball in a circular motion.
How to draw B12 from a vial?
Draw B12 from the vial into your syringe of choice (for our B12 vials we like 0.3ml insulin syringes). You may need to push and pull the plunger back and forth a couple of times, in a pumping motion. Avoid touching the needle on the glass bottom of the vial, because it might dull its sharpness.
How to store vitamin B12?
Either way, when you give yourself vitamin B12 injections at home, store the vial in the fridge or any cool environment of 5-25°C / 41-77°F degrees.
How to prevent infection from B12 injection?
To prevent infection, wash your hands before giving a B12 shot. The skin is the body’s first defense against infection, so wash the injection site too (with an alcohol swab or soap). Wait until the area dries. Draw B12 from the vial into your syringe of choice (for our B12 vials we like 0.3ml insulin syringes).
How long does it take to dissolve B12?
* Dissolving our 40mg methyl B12 vial in 10ml of saline (the required amount) takes up to two hours.
Why is SQ good for B12?
SQ is great, because it’s painless and has a long history of efficient B12 delivery. So, how to self inject B12? Very Important: B12 in liquid form is extremely light sensitive (meaning, it undergoes photolysis, or destruction by light).
How to inject fat into skin?
Then thrust the needle in, as if you’re throwing a dart. You’ll normally do it at a 90° angle. If you have too little fat under your skin, use 45°. Inject slowly.
How to get air out of a syringe?
Hold the syringe upside down and check for trapped air. If you see an air bubble, flick the side of the syringe. You may need to flick it several times, until all air has risen to the top. Then push the plunger a little, just enough to push out the air.
What to do when you talk to your doctor about your prescription?
When you speak with your doctor about your prescription, you want to make sure your vitamin B12 injection dosage comes from a trusted source.
How does the body absorb nutrients?
The first acid manufactured in the stomach, called hydrochloric acid, detaches vitamin B12 from the protein. Second, a stomach-produced protein called intrinsic factor binds with vitamin B12, making it absorbable by the rest of the body.
What is the name of the medicine that is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia?
aminosalicylic acid (non-specific mild reaction) arsenic trioxide. Used to treat a type of cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia, this medicine could cause irregular heart rhythm that might become serious and potentially life-threatening. Vitamin B12 injection dosage might increase the risk of this occurrence.
What are the symptoms of low B12 levels?
Neurological indicators of low vitamin B12 levels include tingling or numbness in hands and/or feet, dizziness, balance problems, dementia, confusion, memory loss, mouth and tongue soreness, and depression. These neurological issues can occur without anemia and can become permanent if not rectified promptly (NIH, n.d.)
What happens if you are low on B12?
There could be a possible connection between your lower energy levels and low levels of vitamin B12. Prompt attention to these symptoms could improve your quality of life. If you are among the growing community of those who have been diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency, you will want to discuss what form of vitamin B12 supplements would be best for you and in what amounts. Doctors often prescribe a B12 injection dosage because of the ease of absorption.
What is the B12 family?
Vitamin B12, alternatively known as cyanocobalamin, is a member of the B vitamin family. The B vitamin family consists of eight essential nutrients. Each member of this family of vitamins performs specific and necessary tasks. Vitamin B12 is needed for proper red blood cell formation and aids nerve function.
How long does it take to return to the lab after taking vitamin B12?
• After receiving the vitamin B12 injection, the patient is sent home and instructed to return in 24 hours after collecting a 24-hour urine sample.
