Are you interested in health improvement? Have you heard about B-12 shots but don’t know how they can help? B-12 is an essential vitamin, and many people are deficient. B-12 shots can help people with this deficiency, but you should understand what they are and how they work so that you can be informed about your health. Read more to find out what a B-12 shot is and what it can do for you.
What is B-12?
B-12 is a vitamin that is involved in many bodily functions such as energy production, red blood cell formation, neurological functions, and synthesis of DNA. It is water soluble and found in many foods, especially protein rich foods. It is separated from protein during digestion and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Some people are unable to absorb B-12, so they do not receive adequate amounts. Others may not eat enough food that contains B-12. B-12 shots are injections that contain high-levels of a man-made version of the vitamin and are used for health improvement. They can quickly boost the B-12 levels of people who are deficient.
What are signs of B-12 deficiency?
There are many common signs of B-12 deficiency. These include lethargy, fatigue, depression, headache, feeling faint, and memory issues. People who do not eat meat, have certain medical conditions, smoke, or are older are at a higher risk for this deficiency.
People with gastrointestinal issues are especially at risk because it causes the B-12 to not be absorbed properly. Some conditions that can increase B-12 deficiency risk include Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and gastric bypass surgery.
What are the benefits and risks of B-12 shots?
B-12 shots will increase levels of B-12 for those who are deficient. In addition, they can help with other areas of health improvement such as reducing the risk of heart disease, neurological disorders, and vision loss.
There are some side effects and risks of having a B-12 shot. Minor side effects include swelling, pain, redness, and itching at the site of injection. More serious side effects include irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, swelling, and tiredness. Side effects considered emergencies include dizziness, breathing difficulty, slurred speech, and vision changes.
Overall, B-12 shots are very safe and can help with health improvement for people who are B-12 deficient. If you think you may benefit from a B-12 shot, contact your doctor for an appointment to discuss whether it is right for you.