B12 is a vitamin that helps produce red blood cells and is needed for healthy nerves. It is found in meat and dairy products. B12 shots are given to patients who need to battle a deficiency. People who have chronic medical conditions such as pernicious anemia, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress and skin problems need B12 shots at times. Strict vegetarians, older adults with atrophic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and infants of malnourished pregnant mothers or strict vegetarians may require B12 supplements. Vitamin B12 has also become a fad supplement for dieters and people who are seeking energy boosts.
Significance
Vitamin B12 injections are needed to help patients gain the needed vitamin absorption to fight deficiency. B12 shots must be injected into the large muscle of the upper arm. They should be given at a doctor's office. A doctor can decide to have a nurse train the patient to give self-injections. A B12 self-injection can be awkward until the patient learns control the arm muscle and the syringe.
B12 Deficiency Symptoms
B12 and vitamin deficiency anemia symptoms can include muscle weakness, loss of balance manifested in unsteady movements and falls that can result in serious injury. Other possible symptoms are fatigue, memory loss, constipation, loss of appetite, irritability, sore tongue or mouth, pale or yellowing skin, numb or tingling feet or hands. Several diseases, conditions such as a lack of intrinsic factor or a tapeworm can cause a B12 deficiency. Intrinsic factor, a much-needed protein, goes from the stomach to the intestine, partnering with B12, enabling it to travel into the bloodstream. B12 requires intrinsic factor to be able to move into the bloodstream.
Function
The patient that requires vitamin B12 shots will either have appointments to see the nurse once a month or more frequently to receive the injection. The patient who can self-administer B12 shots will meet with the doctor who will write a prescription for syringes and small vials or bottles of liquid B12. The patient will open a single dose bottle and withdraw the B12 with the needle at home. Alcohol pads are needed to sterilize the upper arm to prevent bacteria from entering the injection site. Needles must be disposed of as they are a biohazard. Request a container to do so if you are prescribed B12 shots.
Untreated Deficiency
If a patient neglects to follow the doctor's orders and receive B12 injections or shots, there are serious repercussions. The patient's health may deteriorate further. Permanent nerve damage can take place when the body has a B12 deficiency. Falls due to loss of balance can result in broken bones, injury and possible hospitalization.
Warning
B12 can have interactions with prescribed drugs. Acid is needed in the stomach for the body to absorb vitamin B12. Use of H2 receptors can cause less B12 to be absorbed in to the blood stream. H2 receptors are products such as Zantac and Tagamet. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also cause problems with B12 absorption. PPIs are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. The PPI slows down the acid, which helps B12 absorb into the body. The diabetic drug Metformin may interfere with B12 injections. B12 needs calcium in the absorption process and Metformin can change calcium metabolism. These treatments are needed for the serious conditions for which they are prescribed. It is important to keep in contact with the doctor, nurse or physician's assistant to monitor the B12 absorption and overall health.
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