It takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks for B12 levels to rise and symptoms to improve, depending on the deficiency's severity and treatment method (injections work faster than oral supplements), with energy boosts often felt in days but full recovery taking months, especially for neurological symptoms. Injections can show energy improvements within days, while tablets might take 2-4 weeks for noticeable changes, with blood levels normalizing in weeks to months, and severe nerve issues taking even longer.
It may take at least a few weeks after starting supplementation before you notice your symptoms start to change or for your vitamin B12 levels to improve on a blood test.
Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache. Nausea. Diarrhea.
Hydroxocobalamin and pregnancy
Hydroxocobalamin can be used during pregnancy. It's important that a vitamin B12 deficiency is correctly treated to make sure that you and your baby are healthy.
An increase of one unit in vitamin B12 was associated with a 1.04% decrease in hemorrhoid occurrence. Conclusion: This study suggests that evaluating homocysteine, copper, folate, and vitamin B12 levels may be valuable in patients with or at risk of hemorrhoidal disease.
Additionally, supplementing vitamin C can support the formation and maintenance of healthy blood vessels, which is very good for hemorrhoid patients. Moreover, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects, effectively healing damaged tissues and reducing hemorrhoid clusters.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms develop gradually and include extreme fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, and nerve issues like numbness or tingling in hands/feet, plus cognitive problems such as memory loss and confusion, often linked to anemia but also affecting nerves and brain function, requiring medical diagnosis and treatment.
Not diet-related
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.
Who may not be able to have hydroxocobalamin
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms can include: Feeling very tired or weak. Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
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.
In fact, some studies have even suggested the opposite. For instance, one study noted that individuals who regularly took vitamin B12 supplements gained between 2.5 to 17 fewer pounds (1.2 to 7.7 kg) over a decade than those who didn't supplement.
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.
If the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency is down to a lack of B12 in your diet, then you can gradually remedy this by eating more food with B12 in it. Through this method, it can take up 6 months to a year to fully recover from a B12 deficiency. The best food groups for B12 levels are meat, fish, and dairy.
The average cost of Vitamin B12 injections typically ranges from $20 to $80 per injection, depending on dosage and frequency. Our experienced medical professionals create personalized plans to ensure optimal results based on your specific health needs.
B12 is essential for cell reproduction and renewal. It supports the production of new, healthy skin cells, which helps maintain a smooth, youthful complexion. By aiding in DNA synthesis, B12 ensures that skin cells regenerate efficiently, reducing the appearance of dullness and uneven texture.
Neurological changes
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.
Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment. People with severe deficiencies may require a few injections to start feeling the benefits and will be overseen by a medical professional to ensure accurate dosage to optimise results.
The foods highest in Vitamin B12 are animal products, with clams and liver (beef, lamb) being exceptionally rich sources, often providing several hundred percent of the daily value in a single serving, alongside seafood like mussels, sardines, and salmon, dairy, eggs, and fortified cereals and nutritional yeast for vegans.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.
Eating foods that are high in fiber can make stools softer and easier to pass and can help treat and prevent hemorrhoids. Drinking water and other liquids, such as fruit juices and clear soups, can help the fiber in your diet work better.