Vitamin B12 is to the human body what gasoline is to a car; without it, you’re not getting anywhere. A diet that includes meat, fish, and dairy products can provide natural sources of B12; however, these foods typically carry a heavy toxic load. Vegetarians and vegans can suffer from B12 deficiency, so can meat eaters, making B12 deficiency a common problem many people solve with supplementation or a B12 injection. For those who don’t care for a shot, dietary supplementation like VeganSafe™ B12, with the two active forms of B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, may be as effective as a B12 shot. The shot delivers a high dose of therapeutic B12, usually in the form of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. For those who don’t care for a shot, oral supplementation with the two active forms of B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, may be as effective as a B12 shot. Those who cannot digest or absorb B12 as a result of inherited genetics or damage to the stomach and small intestine require more than can be absorbed from sublingual supplementation.
In situations where a high dose is needed, or where injection is the only option, the B12 shot is used. In some cases, B12 shots are used as an energy booster, since B12 plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include depression and mood disorders, fatigue, memory failure, anemia, low blood pressure, and high homocysteine levels. While the shot addresses B12 deficiency, it may also be prescribed to boost energy, as a therapy for depression, or to drive cognitive function. Researchers are also exploring its potential as a therapy for bipolar disorders, shaky leg syndrome, and autism. Before getting the shot, make sure to inform your doctor of any allergies, nutritional supplements you may be taking, or if you’ve recently consumed large amounts of alcohol. At the appointment, the doctor or healthcare professional delivers the shot directly into muscle, usually into the thigh or upper arm, for easy absorption into the bloodstream. The dosage amount and the type of B12 used appears to have some control over side effects.
As a note, the common side effects of excess vitamin intake include flushing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Here are the side effects you might experience from the two common B12 shots: This form of B12 is the one we find in our food. When delivered as a B12 shot, mild side effects may include soreness at the injection site, itching, diarrhea, and swelling. Serious side effects include muscle cramping, weakness, or an irregular heartbeat. Although rare, some very serious side effects are chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, and weakness on one side of the body. You should always contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these reactions. This is the synthetic version of vitamin B12 used in supplements and in the B12 shot. Mild side effects of diarrhea and swelling can occur. Serious side effects include muscle weakness, extreme thirst, confusion, shortness of breath, headache, exhaustion, reddening of the skin, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Very serious side effects such as chest pain and difficulty breathing are rare. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction such as itching, swelling, severe dizziness, rash, or difficulty breathing after receiving a B12 shot. The best way to protect against side effects is communication. Make sure your doctor knows all the medications and drugs (including alcohol) you may have taken prior to getting the shot. Information on your family’s medical history also helps. Do you get B12 shots? What has your experience been? Watch an In-Depth Video on Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B-12Video Length:Adverse reactions following a vitamin B12 injection may occur. Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is a nutrient the body needs for important functions such as making DNA in cells and forming red blood cells. Animal products, such as meat, milk and eggs contain vital vitamin B12. Most individuals get enough vitamin B12 with a balanced diet.
People who do not absorb vitamin B12 correctly through the gastrointestinal tract may require supplement injections. Although vitamin B12 injections are generally safe, some adverse reactions may occur. Always consult a medical professional if adverse reactions occur after receiving medications. Swelling and Skin Reactions A possible reaction to a cyanocobalamin injection is swelling. The swelling may occur in the arms, legs, hands, ankles and feet. Some people may also feel like their entire body is swollen, according to MedlinePlus. Rapid weight gain may also occur. Skin reactions that may occur following a vitamin B12 shot include flushing of the skin, especially the face, hives, rash and itching. Gastrointestinal Reactions Some people may experience reactions in the gastrointestinal tract after getting a vitamin B12 shot. Nervous System Reactions After getting a vitamin B12 injection some people may experience a disturbance to the nervous system. These symptoms may include dizziness, difficulty walking normally, nervousness, anxiety, weakness and uncoordinated movements.
Additional Reactions Generalized pain, including arthritis, back pain and muscle pain may occur after a vitamin B12 injection. Infections may also occur. An abnormal increase in red blood cells, a runny nose, chest pain, a swollen tongue and fever are additional adverse reactions that may occur after the injection. An unusual warmth, pain or redness in the arm or leg is a serious potential side effect. These symptoms indicate a potential blood clot and require medical attention. Allergic Reactions Although it is a rare occurrence, an allergic reaction may occur following a vitamin B12 injection. If a reaction occurs it is usually within several weeks after the first injection. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and airway and hives. : : Suggest a CorrectionVitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a synthetic form of vitamin B12. , vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis. This essential vitamin is found in fish, shellfish, meat and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare because the body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12, but it can occur in people with pernicious anemia or other medical conditions. The Mayo Clinic reports that vitamin B12 injections are effective in treating dietary vitamin B12 deficiency. As with all medications, you should be aware of the possible side effects of vitamin B12 injections before receiving them. Serious side effects can occur when taking vitamin B12, including chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, unusual warmth, and redness or pain in an arm or leg. These side effects may occur because your dosage is too high, or your body is sensitive to the effects of vitamin B12. Always call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment if you are experiencing these serious side effects, especially chest pain or shortness of breath. , less serious side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, numbness, tingling, pain or irritation at the injection point, fever, joint pain, itching or rash.
These effects may improve as your body adapts to repeated injections. Always tell your doctor of unusual or irregular effects from the injections. The Mayo Clinic reports that patients undergoing heart stent placement should not take vitamin B12 injections with folic acid and vitamin B6. This combination of vitamins can increase the rate in which the heart stent can become blocked. Therefore, alert your doctor if you are taking any of these additional supplements. The Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Lipotropic Injections Ingredients of Vitamin B12 Injections How to Inject B12 Via the Buttocks Chronic Gastritis & B-12 Deficiency Vitamin B12 Test Range Vitamin B12 Drug Side Effects How is a B12 Injection Given? Vitamin B12 by Subcutaneous Injection Vitamin Deficiencies and Cracked Tongues Why Are the B12 Injections Not Working? Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Insomnia? Adverse Reactions to Vitamin B12 Shots Can a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Cause Vertigo?