People who don’t produce enough IF can become deficient in vitamin B12, and are good candidates for B12 shots, says Foxx. IF binds to vitamin B12 so your body can absorb it. Your ability to absorb vitamin B12 depends if you have enough of a protein called intrinsic factor (IF) in your stomach. They’re also helpful for people who don’t get enough B12 from their diet (spoiler: often vegetarians and vegans) and for people whose guts can’t break down and absorb the vitamin.įor example, older people (because absorption declines with age) and those with gut-related conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease may struggle to absorb enough vitamin B12 to stave off symptoms of a deficiency, says Foxx.
“Injections are good at treating more severe deficiencies,” says Foxx. But there are times when you might want to consider poking yourself with a needle. Here’s what to know about B12 shot side effects-and the benefits of getting B12 injections.įew people put “getting more shots” on their bucket list. Still, there are cases where B12 injections are the better bet. The even better news: side effects from vitamin B12 supplements are usually mild, says Richard Foxx, M.D., a board-certified physician who treats hormonal disorders and nutritional deficiencies.įor most people with a vitamin B12 deficiency, oral supplements are an effective way to bring your levels up to normal, says Foxx, and research backs this up ( 2). The good news: All forms of B12 supplements are relatively safe and can help you sidestep symptoms of a deficiency.
You need to get your recommended daily intake of 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day ( 1) from food, oral supplements, or injections. Your body can’t make vitamin B12 on its own. Running a B12 deficit-which about six percent of Americans under the age of 60-and 20 percent of those over 60 do ( 1)-puts you at risk for muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, memory issues, erectile dysfunction, and a cluster of symptoms that can be so severe that they’re debilitating. Your body needs it to produce red blood cells and DNA and to keep your brain and nerve cells functioning.
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