You can get a B12 injection without a diagnosed deficiency, as some wellness clinics offer them for energy, but most doctors recommend them only for confirmed deficiencies or absorption issues, as evidence for benefits in healthy people is weak and oral supplements are often sufficient if levels are just low. While generally safe, high doses without need may be a waste of money and could mask other issues, so a blood test by a GP is the best first step to see if you truly need injections, which are medically prescribed for deficiency treatment.
Vitamin B12 shots are openly advertised as a quick fix option to boost energy and metabolism, and in some cases claim to help you to shed weight. Unless you have a B12 deficiency, however, the additional injection is unlikely to give you an energy boost, and there is no evidence to suggest it can aid weight loss.
No direct, significant interactions are widely reported between Vitamin B12 and amlodipine, but it's crucial to consult your doctor because general vitamin supplements (especially multivitamins with minerals) can affect blood pressure medications, potentially reducing amlodipine's effectiveness, and your healthcare provider knows your full health picture. Always discuss all supplements with your doctor before combining them with amlodipine.
Yes, Vitamin B12 can help with vertigo, especially if a deficiency is the underlying cause, as low B12 levels can lead to neurological problems, anemia, poor nerve function, and reduced blood flow to the brain, all contributing to dizziness and imbalance, with supplementation showing promise in improving symptoms.
Generally safe. Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet. But older adults and people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may find it helpful to take vitamin B-12 supplements.
If you feel constantly tired and your levels of B12 are low, bringing them up to normal may give you more energy, studies show. But B12 supplements don't seem to have any effect on people already at normal levels.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin. Not having enough (vitamin B12 deficiency) can cause serious or even permanent health issues. Taking in too much vitamin B12 usually won't harm you. It takes extremely high doses for this vitamin to cause toxic effects.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) has been linked with low vitamin D levels for many years. While BPPV typically occurs without a known cause, decreased levels of vitamin D in the blood has been associated with increased recurrence of BPPV (1).
While Vitamin B12 is generally safe, potential disadvantages (side effects) can occur, especially with high doses or injections, including headaches, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, skin issues (rash, itching), and rarely, more serious heart or allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis), though toxicity from oral intake is rare as excess is usually excreted. Conversely, a deficiency can cause serious problems like irreversible nerve damage, memory loss, fatigue, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers, making proper intake crucial.
At present, B vitamins have been observed to positively impact the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension [16]. Higher intakes of vitamin B6, B12, and folate reduce the risk of hypertension and blood pressure in patients with hypertension [17], [18], [19].
Common side effects
CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS
Examples include; amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine, diltiazem and verapamil. Nutrients that can be depleted by these medicines are potassium, calcium, vitamin D and possibly Co-Enzyme Q10.
Vitamin B-12 is added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement. Health care providers commonly prescribe vitamin B-12 shots to help prevent or treat pernicious anemia and B-12 deficiency.
If you have had neurological symptoms that affect your nervous system, such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you'll be referred to a haematologist and may need to have injections every 2 months.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale/yellow skin, numbness/tingling (pins and needles), cognitive issues (memory fog, confusion), mood changes (depression/irritability), and a sore, red tongue, alongside potential shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and balance problems, as symptoms develop slowly and can worsen over time. It's crucial to see a GP, as early treatment prevents potentially irreversible neurological damage, say NHS, Cleveland Clinic, and WebMD.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Organ meats and shellfish are the richest dietary sources, with a 3-ounce (85 g) serving of cooked clams providing approximately 84.1 µg, while beef liver contains about 70.7 µg. Fatty fish, such as trout and salmon, supply 5.4 µg and 4.8 µg per 3-ounce serving, respectively.
Some people pursue vitamin B12 shots because they believe that doing so will increase their energy levels. If you have low B12, this is likely true — but if you don't have low B12, don't count on it. “Taking additional B12 hasn't been found to be of benefit,” Dr. Goodman clarifies.
Disturbed or blurred vision can also occur as a result of a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Active B12 is generally considered to be the best form of B12 for seniors for several reasons. Metabolically active forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin and adenocobalamin require no further conversion in the body.