Vitamin B12 is part of the vitamin B complex and is
crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. It is also known as cobalamin
and is available in different forms. Vitamin B12 injections are also known as cyanocobalamin
injections and are prescribed to people suffering from a deficiency of this
Vitamin. Vitamin B12 is an animal protein found in food items like egg, tuna,
shrimp, shellfish, octopus etc. Usually vegetarians suffer from Vitamin B12
deficiency resulting in symptoms like fatigue and anemia.
Vitamin B12 is available in different forms such as
pills, nasal sprays, sublingual drops and tablets. However doctors usually
recommend B12 injections to people suffering from a deficiency of this vitamin for
speedy recovery. B12 helps carry out certain critical processes in the human
body and a deficiency of it can have serious consequences. B12 helps in the
development of the brain cells and the normal functioning of the central
nervous system. It also helps in the formation of new red blood cells and is responsible
for the synthesis of fatty acids and the production of new DNA. Generally
people with anemia are treated with B12 injections. People with anemia are
unable to absorb B12 from the food they eat which depletes the level of this
vitamin in their body. For this reason B12 injections are prescribed. Several
studies indicate that B12 injections of 1-2 mg per day can easily cure the
deficiency. Although most multivitamin tablets and pills contain B12 but it is
present in very low quantity, not enough to cure anemia. Another big advantage
of B12 injection is that there is no loss; the entire dose gets completely
absorbed. B12 when taken in other forms such as pills and drops becomes less
effective as it passes from the digestive system. B12 is a water soluble
vitamin so the body cannot store it. When given in the form of injections it
directly mixes with the blood and there is no loss at all.
The body’s ability to absorb B12 decreases with age.
This is why older people tend to suffer more from B12 deficiency and pills
don’t work on them. As B12 is only found in animal food it causes additional problems
for old people as they cannot consume too much of meat or eggs. Consuming
excessive animal food in old age can cause several other conditions so the only
way left to cure B12 deficiency in old people is B12 injections. Old people
also experience certain neurological disorders such as progressive memory loss
and lethargy, B12 injections is known to be helpful in combating these
conditions.
B12 injections are not only meant for people
suffering from a deficiency of it, injections can also be used for therapeutic
purposes. Schedule intramuscular B12 injections of 1 mg per month are known to
be effective in preventing heart diseases and strokes. Nowadays B12 injections are
used in weight loss treatment. It also acts as an anti-stress and rejuvenates
the body. But B12 injections should only be taken under medical supervision as
there are certain minor side effects.