Vitamin B12 is part of the vitamin B complex and can be found naturally in foods such as meat, milk, cheese, fish, lobster, crab and oysters. Vitamin B12 creates stores of energy in the body that can be used for several years. However, deficiencies can cause a person to require vitamin B12 shots.
Candidates
It is rare for a person to be deficient in vitamin B12. However, if you are vegetarian and don't eat meat, you are at a higher risk of suffering from this condition. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk as well and may require vitamin B12 shots. Patients diagnosed with anemia who cannot absorb vitamin B12 from the intestines will also be deficient.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If a person is deficient in vitamin B12, she may suffer a range of symptoms. A patient may feel shaky at times and find it hard to walk steadily due to muscle weakness. Mood disturbances are also common for individuals who do not get enough vitamin B12. Additional reported symptoms include altered vision, low blood pressure and bladder problems. Supplementation through vitamin B12 injections may be recommended to alleviate these symptoms.
Misconceptions
Vitamin B12 shots are often indicated for certain conditions that the supplement may not have a significant effect on. According to the MayoClinic, more research is needed in order to substantiate claims that vitamin B12 injections can successfully treat fatigue, sickle cell disease, circadian rhythm disorder or shaky leg syndrome. There is also no proof that vitamin B12 shots help a person lose weight.
Dosing
Vitamin B12 injections must only be given by a qualified healthcare provider. Prior to scheduling the injections, the doctor may attempt to adjust the patient's vitamin B12 levels by recommending a supplement be taken by mouth. Doctors have used between 25 to 100 micrograms of B12 to treat the deficiency.
Warning
Certain online pharmacies retail vitamin B12 in the injectable form. Do not purchase these supplements and attempt to use the shots without being under the care of a physician.
Tags: deficient vitamin, higher risk, person deficient, person deficient vitamin, require vitamin