Yes, weekly B12 shots can be safe and are often recommended initially to correct a deficiency, but the frequency should be determined by a doctor based on your specific needs, with many people transitioning to less frequent shots (monthly or every few months) for maintenance, as B12 is water-soluble and excess is excreted. While generally safe, it's crucial to have professional guidance to ensure the correct dosage and schedule for your health, especially as high doses might have rare risks, and a doctor can monitor your levels and needs.
If your body is unable to absorb and store vitamin B12, your healthcare professional may prescribe frequent injections, which can vary from weekly shots to one every four weeks. It may take some adjusting to develop a schedule of injections that best supports your needs.
Your doctor likely stopped B12 injections due to following standard guidelines suggesting oral supplements or for reasons like cost/logistics (especially during the pandemic), but this can be risky; the main reasons are often a perceived 'normal' blood test (which doesn't always reflect cell levels) or a guideline shift, but you may still need injections for neurological symptoms or poor absorption, so discuss your symptoms urgently with your doctor and ask for clear evidence for the change.
Around 50% to 98% of vitamin B12 is excreted from the body 48 hours after injection. Research shows that vitamin B12 has a half-life of 6 days in the blood, making it six days before the administered amount gets excreted from your body.
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.
The worst symptoms of B12 deficiency involve severe nerve damage and cognitive issues, including tingling/numbness in hands and feet, trouble walking, memory loss, confusion, depression, and even dementia in severe, untreated cases, alongside severe fatigue, pale skin, and heart palpitations from anemia. These neurological and mental problems can become irreversible if the deficiency isn't treated promptly.
Side effects of hydroxocobalamin Brand names: Cobalin-H, Neo-Cytamen
Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause:
High B12 levels typically indicate kidney dysfunction rather than causing kidney damage directly. Research suggests B12 may actually protect kidneys from injury, particularly in high doses according to mouse studies. Elevated B12 serves as a biomarker for kidney problems but is not considered toxic to kidney tissue.
Conclusion. Oral vitamin B12 replacement at 1000 μg daily is an adequate alternative to IM B12 injections. Close monitoring with clinical review and repeat vitamin B12 levels are required on a monthly basis to review symptoms and ensure normalization of B12 deficiency.
If you feel dizzy after having it, do not drive, cycle or use any machinery or tools until you feel OK again. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Vitamin B12 is abundant in animal products like meat (especially liver), fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), poultry, eggs, and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), with fortified foods such as cereals, nutritional yeast, and plant milks offering options for vegetarians and vegans, as plants don't naturally contain B12.
Orally-swallowed B12 tablets are just as effective as injections in the vast majority of patients, except those with digestive issues that may hamper absorption. However, the rate at which the B12 is released can be a little slower meaning that if you need B12 quickly, injections will be the better option.
Neurological changes
The injection site will be about halfway down the outer part of your thigh. A good way to find the right spot is to rest the palm of your hand on your hip bone. The injection point should be where your fingers end.
Conclusion. B12 deficiency should be systematically considered as a potential cause of thrombotic events, especially in the context of a patient with risk factors for endothelial dysfunction.
Digestive disturbances: Symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Headaches, rashes, and itching. Numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, and facial muscles. Cardiovascular complications: These may include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Has Nothing To Do With Weight Gain
There is very little evidence to suggest that vitamin B12 affects the process of gaining or losing weight, despite the numerous techniques involved. Most of the evidence supporting this claim comes from a few observational studies.
To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before having hydroxocobalamin if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicine. have an allergy to cobalt. have been told you have low levels of potassium.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in hair growth. When the body lacks this essential nutrient, it can disrupt normal follicle function and cause excessive shedding. The good news is that recognising the symptoms of B12 deficiency early and treating it properly can help get your hair back on track.
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.
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.
Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency