Did you know a certain vitamin deficiency can improve symptoms like blurred vision, depression, difficulty walking, dizziness, irritability, and many more? This vitamin is vitamin B12. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Without it, you are more prone to the above-mentioned symptoms. To manage it, doctors may prescribe supplements or B12 shots to boost your levels efficiently. Learn who needs vitamin B12 shots and the reasons for B12 shots in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

What are vitamin B12 shots?

Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It helps the body to produce red blood cells and DNA. It’s also essential for healthy brain function and keeping your energy levels high.

However, if you have a low B12 level or a vitamin B12 deficiency, it can cause physical, neurological, and psychological problems. If that is the case, your doctor may recommend supplementation to increase your level to the normal range.

Doctors prescribe vitamin B12 shots or B12 pills to increase your vitamin B12 levels particularly if you have severely low levels of vitamin B12 or B12 deficiency. These shots are injected directly into your muscles or deeply under your skin, usually in an area like your upper arm or thigh. For starters, you may need to take them every day or every other day. But as your B12 level rises, you won’t need them more frequently.

Your B12 injection depends on the underlying cause, some people only need it until their levels get back to normal. While some people need them in the long term. Your doctor recommends it based on your B12 level, age, diet, and overall health.

Who needs it?

Vitamin B12 shots are used to undo the symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels you experience. However, it is extremely hard to tell whether your B12 levels are low, to begin with. Doctors also don’t check B12 levels during routine blood work as most of the time it’s stored in the liver with years of stock, or its symptoms may get confused with the symptoms of other conditions.

Mostly non-vegetarians who eat certain animal products like beef, fish, and chicken get vitamin B12 from them. Only vegans and vegetarians are more prone to vitamin B12 levels. Other than that, low vitamin B12 levels are more common in those who are:

• Older than 65 years of age.
• Had weight loss surgery.
• Have a gastrointestinal condition like gastritis or Crohn’s disease.
• Taking certain medications like heartburn medicine.

If you’re experiencing troubling symptoms or believe you’re at risk for a deficiency, then you should consult with your doctor and get tested to see your vitamin B12 levels.

Indications for B12 shots

Most people have enough of this nutrient. However, if you’re not sure, you should ask your doctor to take a blood test to check your vitamin B12 level. Besides age, certain indications can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency if you have it:

• Atrophic gastritis is a condition when your stomach lining is thin.
• Pernicious anemia is a condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12.
• Conditions that affect your small intestine such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.
• Excessive alcohol use also makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients or prevent you from eating enough calories. One sign that you lack enough B12 may be a swollen, inflamed tongue.
• Immune system disorders, such as Graves’s disease or lupus.
• If you take certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12. It includes some heartburn medicines including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole, H2 blockers such as famotidine and certain diabetes medicines such as metformin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may make you anemic. A mild deficiency may not cause any symptoms. However, left untreated, it may cause symptoms like:

• Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.
• Pale skin
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• A smooth tongue
• Vision loss
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Vision loss
• Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes
• Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking.

Vitamin B12 shots are a particularly good option for people who can’t manage their vitamin B12 levels without making any dietary changes, are older, have had weight loss surgery, and take certain medications. These shots are delivered directly into the bloodstream which bypasses the gastrointestinal system and ensures that the body gets a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 stores to function optimally. If you have low vitamin B12 levels or deficiency, consult with your doctor about whether B12 shots are good for you or not.

Need help with Vitamin B12 deficiency, visit our Urgent Care Clinic in Brooklyn clinic to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctors at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Doral Health & Wellness Urgent Care Brooklyn can greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.