Is B12 shot better than pill?

Which is better—the B12 pill or the shot? A. Low B12 can cause anemia and fatigue. For many people with low B12 levels, a daily supplement in the form of a pill is as effective as taking a monthly muscle injection.

Which is better B12 injection or pills?

B12 injections can be more effective than the pills in certain patients who have trouble absorbing vitamin B12. In the majority of patients the pills are just as good as the injections.

Is oral B12 as effective as injections?

In both studies, high-dose oral B₁₂ was as effective as intramuscular injection at achieving neurologic and hematologic response. Vitamin B₁₂ is available over the counter in the form of tablets (100, 500, 1,000, or 5,000 mcg) and lozenges (50, 100, 250, or 500 mcg).

How long does a B12 injection last?

Generally, the results of vitamin B12 injections can last about one week, but it is vital to have this administered by a healthcare provider. Also, the healthcare provider will determine the appropriate B12 dosage, depending on the current medical condition and diet.

What is the best version of B12 to take?

For prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanocobalamin in chewable, sublingual, or liquid forms (rather than in a multivitamin) is best under most circumstances.

Vitamin B12 Injections Put to the Test

How soon do you feel less tired after a B12 injection?

Key facts. Hydroxocabalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your symptoms start to improve and you feel better. At first, you may need to have the injection a few times a week to boost your levels of vitamin B12.

What's the best way to absorb vitamin B12?

In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Supplements and fortified foods contain B12 in its free form, so they may be more easily absorbed.

Are B12 pills the same as B12 shots?

Low B12 can cause anemia and fatigue. For many people with low B12 levels, a daily supplement in the form of a pill is as effective as taking a monthly muscle injection. The choice of shot or pill depends on the reason for the deficiency.

How long does it take for a B12 shot to kick in?

Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment.

Why do I feel worse after my B12 injection?

B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.

Can B12 tablets replace injections?

Oral vitamin B12 can provide an effective alternative to intramuscular injections, so giving patients a choice and reducing costs in primary care.

How many B12 vitamins equal a shot?

B12 shots contain about 100 micrograms of B12, which is roughly 40 times the recommended daily value for an average healthy adult (2.4 micrograms). But these high doses are necessary to help treat people with a deficiency.

Can you take B12 tablets with B12 injections?

If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you how long you need to take cyanocobalamin tablets.

Do B12 injections help with weight loss?

There's no solid evidence that vitamin B-12 injections aid weight loss. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 is also added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.

What are the symptoms of low B12?

What are the side effects of B12 injections?

Pain/redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the benefits of getting a B12 shot?

Can anxiety cause low B12?

The sad fact is that most western primary care providers treat the labs, not the person in front of them. This is changing, slowly, but it's the sad norm. This often means that B12 deficiencies go untreated, even in folks with long standing depression and anxiety, often for years.

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12?

The most common treatment for pernicious anemia is lifelong vitamin B12 injections, but small amounts of vitamin B12 are absorbed without intrinsic factor. One review concluded that taking 1,000 mcg daily is an effective alternative to injections ( 42 ).

Is 5000 mcg of vitamin B12 too much to take?

Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it's generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity.

What is the fastest way to increase B12?

How long it will take to recover from B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.

Does B12 help with Covid fatigue?

A clinical study conducted in Singapore showed that COVID-19 patients who were given vitamin B₁₂ supplements (500 μg), vitamin D (1000 IU) and magnesium had reduced COVID-19 symptom severity and supplements significantly reduced the need for oxygen and intensive care support [33].

What medications should not be taken with B12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers ...

When is the best time to inject B12?

Our shots do not contain any stimulants, but it's generally best to experience a shot earlier in the day (we recommend before 5:00 PM).