B12 shots how fast does it work

B12 shots contain about micrograms of B12, which is roughly 40 times the recommended daily value for an average healthy adult 2. But these high doses are necessary to help treat people with a deficiency. Especially for those who cannot absorb all of the B12 they ingest due to an underlying condition like inflammatory bowel disease, says Mary Wirtz, a nutrition consultant for Mom Loves Best. B12 shots are also highly effective.

Depending on the individual, they start working within 48 to 72 hours of the first dose , but they might take three months to completely correct a B12 deficiency. A typical dosage regimen starts with higher amounts and gradually tapers off. For example, a doctor might prescribe the following:.

B12 injections require a prescription and can be administered at a doctor's office or at home with the approval of a healthcare provider. Common injection sites include the thigh, shoulder, and buttocks. Since most people are able to consume enough vitamin B12 through their diet, only those who have trouble getting or absorbing enough of the nutrient can benefit from the shot.

For example, these shots are often used to prevent or treat pernicious anemia — a rare blood disorder that results from the intestines not absorbing enough B Others who might be prescribed B12 shots are those at the highest risk for a B12 deficiency , including:. Since a mild B12 deficiency might not cause symptoms, it can go undetected for years since levels are not checked during routine blood work. Therefore, if you are at high risk of a B12 deficiency, consult with your healthcare provider, who can run a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Treating a B12 deficiency is crucial since a severe deficiency can lead to nerve damage or neurological problems. Vitamin B12 injections are considered safe, but common side effects include diarrhea and swelling. While these typically subside within a few days, you should always notify your doctor just in case, Wirtz says.

In rare cases, some people might have severe side effects like:. I do not take vitamins. They make me nauseous. In I learned how dangerous deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body is. I had no idea that the numbness, twitching, tingling, and painful spasms and cramps that my hands, legs, and toes were experiencing for over a year was caused by severe B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is critical. Our bodies need B12 to maintain healthy brain function and nervous system. B12 helps to produce the myelin sheath around our nerves. B12 is important in the production of healthy red blood cells and bone marrow. Some of the causes of B12 deficiency include, but are not limited to, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, immune system disorders, and alcoholism.

In my case, none of these was the cause of my severe B12 deficiency. The cause of my B12 deficiency was neurological. Sometime in , I began experiencing mild twitching in my fingers and hands. Then I began experiencing painful twitches and spasms. Soon the toes in both feet began to twitch and cramp. My right toe became numb.

I'd wake up in the middle of the night to sudden excruciating cramps in my right calf. My primary care doctor referred me to a neurologist. My symptoms did not resolve themselves.

Things got progressively worse. The numbness, twitches, spasms, and tingling sensations got more intense. The burning and numbing sensation in both feet and toes made shoes uncomfortable to wear. My fingers painfully locked, fanned out, and became stiff anytime, anywhere -- while teaching, eating, driving, watching TV, and running. My right toe and right calf suffered the most. Soon my gait, walking, and running were affected.

I was no longer a fast walker. I could no longer push myself when I ran. My legs experienced muscle weakness, tingling, and electrical shock like sensations. I had difficulty going up stairs. I felt short of breath. I could no longer run distances in the time I was accustomed. I tired easily.

I was fatigued. Some people claim that vitamin B will boost your:. However, when speaking before Congress in , Susan B. Shurin, M. She testified that vitamin B could do all of these things for people who are deficient in the vitamin. However, no clinical evidence suggests that it can boost energy in people who already have ample stores of it.

Vitamin B, or cobalamin, is a nutrient you need for good health. Vitamin B has a number of additional functions. You need it for the:. The amount of vitamin B you need is primarily based on your age. The average recommended daily amounts of vitamin B are:.

Although most Americans get enough vitamin B, some people are at an increased risk of vitamin B deficiency, particularly those who:. The most serious condition associated with vitamin B deficiency is megaloblastic anemia.

This is a chronic blood disorder in which the bone marrow produces overly large, immature blood cells. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that more than 3 percent of adults over age 50 have seriously low levels of vitamin B The survey also says that up to 20 percent of older adults may have borderline levels of vitamin B For ample stores of vitamin B, eat a well-rounded diet that includes:.

A simple blood test can determine the B levels in your body.