Prevention/Solution
B12 injections are a solution of B12 that is injected into the muscle or into the blood stream. Because the vitamin is injected into the bloodstream, it does not have to be absorbed by the intestine and can be used to treat people who have difficulty absorbing B12.
Injections are often given daily for the first week of treatment, every other day for the second two weeks of treatment and then twice per week for two or three weeks. Often, after active treatment has stopped and the deficiency has been treated, a maintenance injection is given once per month to prevent the deficiency from reoccurring.
Injections are often given daily for the first week of treatment, every other day for the second two weeks of treatment and then twice per week for two or three weeks. Often, after active treatment has stopped and the deficiency has been treated, a maintenance injection is given once per month to prevent the deficiency from reoccurring.
Causes
B12 deficiency can be caused by several things, including a lack of B12 in the diet. Strict vegetarians or vegans are highly at risk for this type of deficiency, since there are no good vegetable sources of B12. Lack of a chemical called "intrinsic factor," which helps B12 be absorbed in the body, can lead to B12 absorption problems and deficiency. This lack of intrinsic factor and difficulty absorbing B12 is referred to as "pernicious anemia." Some diseases, medications or infections may also cause a deficiency of B12.
Definition
Vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalmin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is primarily found in meats, fish, shellfish and dairy products.
Symptoms
Deficiency of B12 is rare because the body is able to store several years' worth of the vitamin. When deficiency does occur, there are often symptoms of anemia, or lack of sufficient numbers of red blood cells. More severe deficiency can lead to nerve damage such as tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes and balance problems. Other symptoms involve the digestive tract and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and loss of appetite.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods including meats, fish and dairy products. It is an essential vitamin, and deficiency can cause a number of health issues. Injections may be given to prevent or treat deficiencies of vitamin B12.
