Vitamin B12 Injection: Good or Bad?

It is generally believed that vitamin supplements are safe and help ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. Vitamin B12 supplements are quite popular, as the number of people who are deficient in it is very large. In fact, many people regularly inject vitamin B12. This article looks at whether B12 injections are completely fine.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. It plays an important role in brain function, DNA and red blood cell production. Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in several different forms, but they all contain the mineral cobalt. Vitamins can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it can take several years for signs of a deficiency to develop.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 (RDI) is 6 micrograms per day. B12 deficiency is quite common, especially in people following a vegetarian diet. In fact, it's thought that up to 90% of people who follow this diet are vitamin B12 deficient. This is because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. However, vegetarians are not the only ones missing. Even some meat eaters who don't absorb it well 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 the body can absorb it into the bloodstream. Those who do not produce enough intrinsic factor may become deficient. Deficiencies are especially common in the elderly, as the ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age.
Others at risk of deficiency include people who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. People with conditions that affect the gut, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, are also at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve problems or pernicious anemia. It occurs when the body does not have enough B12 to make the required amount of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 injections are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor and are given intramuscularly, or into a muscle.
Vitamin B12 injection is usually given as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. These are very effective in increasing blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.

Given the important role vitamin B12 plays in the body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences. In fact, low blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to a number of health problems.

Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to impaired brain function. Two recent reviews suggest that there may be a link between low blood levels and the development of dementia.

It has been suggested that there may be a link between low vitamin B12 levels and depression. However, one review found that treating depression with vitamin B12 did not reduce the severity of symptoms. However, it has been suggested that long-term vitamin use may help prevent relapses of depression.

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to weaker bones and an increased risk of fractures. Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 are associated with reduced bone mass. Therefore, it has been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that causes the eyes to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes. In people 50 years of age and older, consuming enough vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration. In a large study of 5,200 women supplemented with 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 per day, as well as other B vitamins and folic acid. Seven years later, the study found a 35 percent lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in women who took the supplement. While the reduction in risk has not been attributed solely to vitamin B12, it does suggest that getting enough may be important.
Recently, vitamin B12 injections and infusions have become common in healthy individuals. Proponents of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and aid weight loss and improve mood. However, there is little or no evidence to support these claims.

Vitamin B12 injections are generally considered very safe. They have no major side effects. However, in very rare cases, some people may experience side effects caused by an allergic reaction or sensitivity to vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, as well as some fortified foods with added B12.
Fortified foods often include milk substitutes or breakfast cereals. Some particularly good sources of vitamin B12 include:
Liver: 75 g provides 881% of the RDI. Bovine kidney: 75 g provides 311% of the RDI. Salmon: 75 g provides 61% of the RDI. Canned salmon: 75 g provides 61% of the RDI. Ground beef: 75 g provides 40% of the RDI. Eggs: 2 large eggs provide 25% of the RDI. Milk: 250 ml provides 20% of the RDI. Chicken: 75 g provides 3% of the RDI. It may be difficult for some people to meet their vitamin B12 needs. This is especially true for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. In these situations, you should supplement your diet with B12 injections or oral supplements. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that taking B12 supplements by mouth is as good as injections for increasing blood levels in most people. Vegetarians are generally advised to take at least 10 mcg per day, or at least 2,000 mcg once a week. However, some doctors still prefer to use injections.

If you eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B12, it's likely that you won't need a B12 supplement.
For most people, food sources provide everything needed. However, those at risk of deficiency will likely need to take a supplement. In these cases, oral supplements can be just as effective as injections for many people. Some experts point out that regular injections should only be used as a last resort if supplementing.
If you are concerned about whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, talk to your doctor or dietitian about your options.
Supplementing vitamin B12 for the body needs to be very cautious and must absolutely follow the doctor's instructions, when detecting signs of vitamin B12 poisoning, it is necessary to quickly go to the nearest medical facility for emergency. and prompt treatment.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
Reference source: healthline.com

See more:
Harm of vitamin B12 excess or deficiency Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Brain anemia should eat what? Advice from Dr. Vinmec