B 12

Description

A B-12 shot, also known as a cobalamin injection, is a type of injection that delivers vitamin B-12 into the body. Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient that helps keep your nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA. It also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a condition that makes red blood cells large and abnormal.

B-12 shots are typically given to people who have a deficiency of vitamin B-12. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B-12 from food
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which can damage the intestine and make it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12
• Gastric bypass surgery, which can also make it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12
• A strict vegetarian or vegan diet, as vitamin B-12 is naturally found in animal products

Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Loss of balance
• Depression

If you think you might have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, it's important to see a doctor to get tested. If you are diagnosed with a deficiency, you will likely need to get B-12 shots on a regular basis.

B-12 shots are a safe and effective way to treat vitamin B-12 deficiency. They are usually given in the arm or thigh. The injection may cause some mild discomfort, but there are usually no serious side effects.