Vitamin b12 injections
Vitamin B12 injections are typically given to patients who are diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency and/or have medical conditions that prevent them from absorbing B12 into their bodies. They are also given to patients who have diseased intestines or have had portions of their stomachs or intestines removed due to conditions such as cancer or other diseases.
There are several benefits to having Vitamin B12 injections. The injections contain approximately 500 times more of this essential vitamin that the recommended dosage for daily consumption. When a patient receives an injection, the vitamin is absorbed quickly and easily into the body and used in the formation of red blood cells. In addition, injections of Vitamin B12 also aid in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular and nervous system. The three most noted Vitamin B12 injection benefits are better and more rested sleep, increased energy and more alertness.
Vitamin B12 is a vital, water-soluble vitamin that the human body needs to promote normal and healthy cell activity. It is one of several B complex vitamins that are crucial for healthy metabolic processes. Although this vitamin is found readily in some foods such as fish, many meats and dairy products, liver and shellfish, deficiencies of the vitamin are very common.
As with any supplemental medication, there is always the possibility of side effects with Vitamin B12 injections. Although they are very mild and most patients show no adverse reactions, there are a few commonly reported Vitamin B12 side effects that you should note. The most commonly reported problems include bruising and soreness around the injection site as well as mild anxiety and/or panic attacks, diarrhea, insomnia, heart palpitations and slight breathing problems. When Vitamin B12 is taken in oral supplement form, the side effects are virtually obsolete. However, injecting any medication into the bloodstream causes it to get into your system much more quickly than by taking oral medication. Large doses of Vitamin B12 in an injection can cause uncomfortable adverse effects. Should you notice any side effects that seem bothersome, you should report these to your doctor.
While slight breathing difficulties are noted in many patients, moderate to severe cases of breathing difficulties could signal a life-threatening reaction. Should you notice any difficulty in breathing, chest pains or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, rash or itching/swelling of the skin you should seek emergency medical treatment right away.
Many doctors feel that these effects are not due to the actual vitamin but the injection formula itself. The preservatives used in creating the vitamin for injection could cause side effects and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions may be experienced by those who have a sensitivity to cobalamin and/or cobalt. If you know that you have an allergy to these ingredients be certain to tell your doctor before beginning B12 injections or supplements of any kind. In addition, those who have been diagnosed with Leber’s Disease should also avoid B12 injections as the vitamin can increase the atrophy of the optic nerve. This can result in a significant and very rapid loss of central vision capabilities. Patients who have had heart surgeries or who currently have coronary stents are also at higher risks when receiving Vitamin B12 injections as this can cause the arteries to narrow. Pregnant women and those who are currently breastfeeding can take B12 in supplemental form, although the injections should be discussed with your doctor. Depending on your need for the vitamin, your doctor may prefer to wait until you are no longer breastfeeding to begin the treatment.
Vitamin B12 injections benefits and side effects should be thoroughly discussed with your physician before you begin. While the vitamin itself is relatively safe, there is always the risk of adverse reactions and side effects. It is important to note however that there are many more problems associated with a deficiency in B12 than there are in the injections of the vitamin.
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