Vitamin B12 shots are given to prevent or treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, is a vital nutrient that helps make DNA and hemoglobin. It keeps your nerves and brain healthy and plays an important role in improving concentration and preventing age-related memory loss. Vitamin B12 shot may be prescribed to prevent or treat the following:
- Pernicious anemia (a condition in which there are low red blood cell counts due to an abnormality in B12 absorption by the intestines)
- Megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia in which there are very large red blood cells called megaloblasts)
- Cognitive disorders, such as dementia (a disorder characterized by problems with memory, problem-solving abilities, language, etc.)
- Disorders that affect B12 absorption, such as pancreatic diseases, intestinal infections, Crohn’s disease, and tropical sprue
- Cardiovascular disease risk (by lowering blood homocysteine levels, which is a compound associated with an increased risk of heart problems)
- Multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Bell’s palsy recovery
- B12 deficiencies related to:
- Weight loss
- Vegan or restrictive diets
- Surgery to remove the part of the stomach or the ileum (the last part of the small intestine)
- Energy and endurance
What are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency signs may include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Pale skin
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Palpitations
- Numbness and tingling
- Poor concentration
- Infertility
- Depression
- Memory impairment
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Disturbed sleep
- Frequent infections
What are the side effects of a B12 shot?
Vitamin B12 injections are generally safe. If side effects do occur, they are generally mild and may include:
- Pain, discomfort, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
Serious side effects are rare and may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
- Extreme thirst
- Facial flushing
- Frequent urination
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or noisy breathing (wheezing)
- Extreme pain, swelling, warmth or tenderness in one leg
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rash
- Itching over the body
If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor right away.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerWhat precautions should you take with vitamin B12 shots?
While taking vitamin B12 shots as energy boosters at health spas has become a rising trend, it’s important to exercise caution. Vitamin B12 shots should be taken only in prescribed doses and administered by a licensed medical practitioner.
Before taking a B12 shot, tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to B12, cobalt or any multivitamin combinations
- Have vision issues or Leber’s disease (a genetic condition that causes vision loss)
- Have any infections
- Have been diagnosed with folic acid deficiency or iron deficiency
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant
- Are taking any supplements, including herbal supplements
- Are taking any medications, such as folic acid, methotrexate, chloramphenicol, colchicine, para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), or pyrimethamine
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have a drinking problem
Health News
- Almost 10 Million Pounds of Meat Recalled Due to Listeria Danger
- Could Certain Genes Help You Slim Down?
- About 6% of Adults Have ADHD, Drug Shortages Are Affecting Treatment
- All Those Head Spins By Breakdancers Could Be Harming Them
- Injected 'Nanodiscs' Could Bring Brain Stimulation Therapy Without Implants
More Health News »
References
Harvard Health Publishing. Ask the Doctor: B12 Shots vs. Pills. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/ask-the-doctor-b12-shots-vs-pills
RxList. Cyanocobalamin. https://www.rxlist.com/cyanocobalamin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
RxList. Cyanocobalamin. https://www.rxlist.com/cyanocobalamin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Top What Does a B12 Shot Do for You Related Articles
cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)
Oral cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is prescribed to prevent or treat vitamin B12 deficiency and to treat hyperhomocysteinemia. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to taking this product.cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamine (Nascobal, Vitamin B12, VitaMelts Energy Bitamin B-12) is a supplement used to treat vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption associated with conditions like pernicious anemia, folic acid deficiency, pancreatic and bowel cancer, and tape worm infestation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.folic acid
Folic acid, folate, vitamin B9 is used for the treatment of folate deficiency and its complications, and for the treatment of folic acid deficiency associated with liver disease, kidney dialysis, ulcerative colitis, and alcoholism. Folic acid supplements also are taken by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to prevent birth defects (neural tube defects such as spina bifida) and miscarriage. Rare cases of allergic or anaphylactoid reactions have occurred with taking folic acid. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.iron/vitamin c/vitamin b12/intrinsic factor - oral, Foltrin
iron/vitamin c/vitamin b12/folic acid - oral, Chromagen Forte, Niferex-150 F
19 Key Vitamins and Minerals
Minerals and vitamins are key nutrients your body needs to thrive. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, niacin, and riboflavin are just a few of these nutrients. Some vitamins act as antioxidants. Minerals serve many vital roles.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.pyridoxine - oral, Neuro-K, Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B: Are You Getting Enough of All Kinds?
You may have heard of vitamin B12 and folic acid. But did you know there are other important B vitamins? Find out more from this WebMD slideshow.vitamin b-12/folic acid/vitamin b-6 - oral, Folgard, Folgard RX 2.2, Foltx
Vitamin B6
B6 is a hard-working vitamin that affects everything from your mood to appetite to skin condition. Here are signs you may not have enough.
Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting. Check out the center below for more medical references on vitamins and calcium supplements, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
Vitamins Quiz
Take the Vitamins & Supplements Quiz to learn just how many essential vitamins your body needs to function!
Signs You’re Low on Vitamin B12
Your body needs vitamin B12 to keep blood cells healthy and to make your nerves work right. But what happens when you run low?