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Vitamin B12 shots are given to prevent or treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, is a vital nutrient that helps make DNA and hemoglobin. It keeps your nerves and brain healthy and plays an important role in improving concentration and preventing age-related memory loss. Vitamin B12 shot may be prescribed to prevent or treat the following:
- Pernicious anemia (a condition in which there are low red blood cell counts due to an abnormality in B12 absorption by the intestines)
- Megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia in which there are very large red blood cells called megaloblasts)
- Cognitive disorders, such as dementia (a disorder characterized by problems with memory, problem-solving abilities, language, etc.)
- Disorders that affect B12 absorption, such as pancreatic diseases, intestinal infections, Crohn’s disease, and tropical sprue
- Cardiovascular disease risk (by lowering blood homocysteine levels, which is a compound associated with an increased risk of heart problems)
- Multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Bell’s palsy recovery
- B12 deficiencies related to:
- Weight loss
- Vegan or restrictive diets
- Surgery to remove the part of the stomach or the ileum (the last part of the small intestine)
- Energy and endurance
What are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency signs may include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Pale skin
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Palpitations
- Numbness and tingling
- Poor concentration
- Infertility
- Depression
- Memory impairment
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Disturbed sleep
- Frequent infections
What are the side effects of a B12 shot?
Vitamin B12 injections are generally safe. If side effects do occur, they are generally mild and may include:
- Pain, discomfort, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
Serious side effects are rare and may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
- Extreme thirst
- Facial flushing
- Frequent urination
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or noisy breathing (wheezing)
- Extreme pain, swelling, warmth or tenderness in one leg
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rash
- Itching over the body
If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor right away.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/vitamins-supplements/vitamins-supplements-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerWhat precautions should you take with vitamin B12 shots?
While taking vitamin B12 shots as energy boosters at health spas has become a rising trend, it’s important to exercise caution. Vitamin B12 shots should be taken only in prescribed doses and administered by a licensed medical practitioner.
Before taking a B12 shot, tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to B12, cobalt or any multivitamin combinations
- Have vision issues or Leber’s disease (a genetic condition that causes vision loss)
- Have any infections
- Have been diagnosed with folic acid deficiency or iron deficiency
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant
- Are taking any supplements, including herbal supplements
- Are taking any medications, such as folic acid, methotrexate, chloramphenicol, colchicine, para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), or pyrimethamine
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have a drinking problem
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