Vitamin B12 deficiency in the body can lead to severe health problems. With the help of B12 injections, which bypass the intestines, the body can start benefiting from the needed vitamins within minutes. Vitamin B12 is prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly or into muscle.
Moreover, the amount of time that the effects of a vitamin B12 injection will last depends on several factors. 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 Are The Types of B12 Injections?
Vitamin B12 injections have been proven effective for years. There are two types of B12 shots involved:
- Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic drug that naturally breaks down in the body to methylcobalamin and the poison cyanide. But, the quantity of cyanide is considered to be clinically irrelevant. It is affordable and has well tolerance, but not suitable for smokers. Detoxification is difficult and not suitable.
- Hydroxocobalamin is vitamin B-12’s natural form produced by a microorganism and found in foods. It is easier to break and has no byproducts like cyanocobalamin. It is quite expensive but has good tolerance, detoxification, and a better release effect.
What Are The Benefits of B12 Injections?
Doctors may recommend vitamin B12 shots for people in danger of a deficiency or complications. In addition, B12 injections can help reduce the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Neurological disorders
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Problems with memory and thinking
- Infertility
Effect of vitamin B12 starts to work within two to three days with maximum benefits. More promising results once continued to use may show for more than three months, but feeling energized can already be experienced right after the injection. Things will still depend on the condition, as the person could experience the effects sooner or later than usual.
What Are The Factors Affecting The B12 Injection Longevity?
Lifestyle Choices
If a person regularly consumes alcohol, the body will likely use more vitamin B12. This means the person benefits from taking additional B12. That said, B12 is also reported to help speed up hangover recovery.
Several studies have found that how long B12 remains in the system can depend on underlying factors such as tendencies towards developing certain diseases and lifestyle choices. These can include diet, drinking, medications, drug use, etc. Vitamin B12 stays in the body for different amounts of time.
Liver Issues
Those who suffer from liver disorders are often unable to store B12. If suffering from a liver disorder, they’re most likely to be prescribed and benefit from regularly taking vitamin B12 injections. 50% of the body’s storage of vitamin B12 is kept within the liver, no matter how it is administered, so if the liver is sick, in all likelihood, a person can suffer B12 deficiency.
On the other hand, excess vitamin B12 is expelled through urine, so there is little need to feel uneasy about injecting too much B12.
What Are Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 is essential for sustaining healthy red blood cells and nerve cells and converting food into energy. In most cases, vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms may include extreme tiredness, poor concentration, memory loss, dizziness, and disorientation.
However, there are many unusual symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, and most will disappear after taking vitamin B12 long enough to get the stores up to a normal amount and have maintained stable levels of vitamin B12.
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Short-term memory problems
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Tinnitus (ear ringing)
- Sore red tongue
- Painful numbness
- Tingling in the arms and legs
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty walking
- Poor motor skills
- Infertility
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling out of breath
Can a Vitamin B12 Injection Lead to Overdose?
Overdoses of vitamin B12 are rare since it has a low toxicity level as a water-soluble vitamin excreted through the urine. However, it is recommended to take the injections as prescribed by the healthcare provider. This way, a person does not put unnecessary strain on the body and benefits from vitamin b12 injections.
Currently, there are standard doses of vitamin B12 recommended by many healthcare professionals. For people with problems absorbing the vitamin, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from mild deficiency, a 1000 mcg dose may be recommended. Those with a severe deficiency may require a 5000 mcg dose. A healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate dosage based on the overall condition.
Why Do B12 Injections Last This Long?
As indicated, this water-soluble vitamin would get eliminated from the body in a few hours or days. On the other hand, those with severe kidney problems taking high amounts of B12 may see a high level of toxicity since the excess vitamin B12 won’t get eliminated from the body easily.
After administering the injection, nobody should put any excess strain on the body. The person would see the results of vitamin B12 after 1 to 3 days of administration. As prescribed by the doctor, many benefits can be felt if the shot is taken for around 2 to 3 months.
Overall, the lasting time of vitamin B12 shots would vary depending on the requirement and purpose. Nobody should try to inject the vitamin B12 solution on their own, and it’s best to have it done by an expert or professional. Everybody should try to maintain a good lifestyle to avoid the side effects of a vitamin 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. While taking the vitamin, it is also important to keep up with a proper diet to meet the body’s nutritional needs.
The Bottom Line
Suppose you suffer from conditions that lead to B12 deficiencies or already have a deficiency. Belle Visage offers B-12 Injections that help your body process carbs and fat. If you have a B-12 deficiency, it can be more challenging to lose weight, and you might feel sluggish or tired, so B-12 injections can help boost your energy and metabolism.