How many b12 injections

Injections of vitamin B12 are usually given daily or every other day for a couple of weeks, followed by once-a-month shots.

You may need to get vitamin B12 shots if you are deficient in vitamin B12, especially if you have a condition such as pernicious anemia, which makes your body unable to absorb vitamin B12 from food. You may need monthly injections for the rest of your life, or you may be able to switch to oral supplements. There is no scientific evidence that taking supplements of vitamin B12, or supplements of any si What is vitamin B12 used for? However, low levels are rare in most healthy adults because the human liver stores vitamin B12 over time.

That said, some people have a higher risk of deficiency and may benefit from vitamin B12 shots or tablets. Anyone who has signs and symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia should consult a doctor. The following risk factors can increase the chance of developing vitamin B12 deficiency:. These include :. Individuals who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery, may have fewer of the cells necessary to secrete stomach acid and intrinsic factor.

This can also affect vitamin B12 absorption. Research from suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency is more likely to affect those aged over 60 years and that some people may benefit from vitamin B12 injections. The scientists found that older adults have a higher risk of conditions linked to reduced stomach acid production, including gastric atrophy.

Low stomach acid also enables certain bacteria to grow, and these can use up vitamin B12 stores. Vitamin B12 mainly occurs in animal foods, so people who follow a plant-based diet have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Research from looked at data from men and found higher rates of vitamin B12 deficiency in those who consumed a plant-based diet. Vegetarian or vegan people who are pregnant may need to take supplements or consume fortified foods, as vitamin B12 transfers to the baby via the placenta and breast milk. If the infant is entirely breastfed, they may not consume enough vitamin B This can lead to permanent and severe neurological issues.

In rare cases, a doctor may recommend injections, but research suggests that taking additional vitamin B12 by mouth can be as effective as receiving an injection in a muscle. It is also less costly. A doctor may recommend vitamin B12 shots for people who are at risk of a deficiency or its complications. 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. If a person experiences the following, or if these issues persist or worsen, they should seek medical advice:. There may also be a risk of :. If anyone experiences difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling, they need emergency medical help. They may be experiencing anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction.

Vitamin B12 may interact with certain medications. People must always inform a doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs they are taking before receiving a vitamin B12 shot. However, vegans and vegetarians are not the only ones who are deficient.

Unlike other vitamins, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein produced in your stomach, called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, so that you can absorb it into the blood. Deficiency is particularly common in elderly people, because the ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery.

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. Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency.

The injections are prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly, or into muscle. Injections are usually given as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, then the injections are very effective at raising your blood levels. Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences. Two recent reviews found that there may be a link between low blood levels and the development of dementia 17 , Nevertheless, it was suggested that taking the vitamin on a long-term basis could help prevent a relapse into depression Currently, there is a lack of quality research in this area.

Higher quality studies are needed to find out if there is a link between vitamin B12 and depression Osteoporosis is a disease in which the loss of bone mass results in weaker bones and an increased risk of bone fractures. Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been linked with reduced bone mass However, studies have provided mixed results 25 , 26 , Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that causes you to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes.

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. In one large study, 5, women received 1, mcg of vitamin B12 daily, as well as other B vitamins and folic acid Advocates of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood.