Which is better the B12 pill or the shot?

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.


Is it better to take a B12 shot or pill?

B12 injections are absorbed much better by the body because they are administered intramuscularly (into the muscle), and therefore directly into the blood. B12 tablets must pass through the digestive system, which leads to much poorer absorption rates.

What is the difference between oral B12 and injectable B12?

Evidence suggests that high dose oral supplementation at 1000mcg is an effective strategy to increase vitamin B12 in those with deficiency. In addition, oral supplementation is associated with significant cost saving, no side effects and increased compliance, compared to intramuscular injections. 2.


What form of vitamin B12 is best?

Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.

Can you take B12 tablets instead of injections?

You'll usually take cyanocobalamin tablets every day to prevent or treat vitamin B12 deficiency. However, you may also need vitamin B12 injections at first to boost your levels. It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.


Are Vitamin B12 Injections Worth Your Money?



How long does a B12 shot last?

Simply put, how long the B12 shot will last is different for everyone. Though it differs a bit from one person to another, the effects of B12 vitamins usually last around 48 hours to 72 hours after the initial injection.

How long can you stay on B12 injections?

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.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.


What is the healthiest way to get vitamin B12?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:
  1. Beef, liver, and chicken.
  2. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
  3. Fortified breakfast cereal.
  4. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
  5. Eggs.


How much B12 should you take a day?

While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.

When do doctors recommend B12 injections?

If a person has low vitamin B12 levels due to a health condition, a doctor may recommend oral supplementation or injections of the vitamin. Injections are usually for people with bodies that have problems absorbing vitamin B12 and those who have undergone gastric surgery.


How long does it take for vitamin B12 injections to start working?

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.

Can you feel better after one B12 injection?

B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.

What are the cons of vitamin B12 shots?

Even though vitamin B12 shots can be very helpful, there's also a chance that they'll have a few drawbacks.
...
But you might experience drawbacks including but not limited to:
  • Minor swelling or itching at the injection site.
  • Mild diarrhea.
  • Headaches and dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Low potassium levels.
  • Skin rashes.


Do B12 pills give you energy?

So does vitamin B12 give you energy? While B12 doesn't directly provide energy, it does give the body the tools it needs to convert food molecules into energy. Getting the recommended daily amount of B12 can therefore help ensure that the body is able to make the energy it needs to do everything you need it to do.

How many times a week can you get a B12 shot?

For the majority of people, I recommend once weekly for 4 weeks. Then B12 shots can be helpful monthly as maintenance. If we are treating autoimmunity or pernicious anemia, you will receive B12 weekly or twice weekly for 6-12 weeks.

What is the fastest way to cure B12 deficiency?

How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.


What are the symptoms of low B12?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
  • a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
  • a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
  • mouth ulcers.
  • pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  • changes in the way that you walk and move around.
  • disturbed vision.
  • irritability.
  • depression.


What happens if your B12 is too high?

In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.

How much B12 should a woman take daily?

Most women get the recommended daily amount — 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for most adults, 2.6 mcg for pregnant women, and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding — in their diets.


How often can you take a 1000 mcg B12 shot?

How Often Do You Need a Vitamin B12 Injection? The usual frequency for intramuscular doses of B12 shots is every 10 days, followed by maintenance doses at varying intervals. After this period, injections can be administered once per month, which this frequency is enough to reverse the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

What happens when you stop getting B12 injections?

If your anemia goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to heart failure. That's because your heart has to work harder. B12-related anemia may also raise the chances you'll have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem.

Why am I still tired after B12 injections?

More Serious Effects

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.


How much does a B12 shot cost?

The cost of a B12 shot can vary based on your insurance. Typically, they cost about $50-80.