Description

What are the benefits of using vitamin B12?

Below are some health benefits of using vitamin B12:

1. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and for the prevention of anemia.
2. An adequate amount of vitamin B12 in the body is crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
3. It reduces the risk of an eye disease called macular degeneration.
4. It prevents the loss of neurons.
5. Boost the energy in the body.
6. It improves the health of the heart.
7. Vitamin B12 supports a healthy skin, hair and nails.
8. It improves the mood and the symptoms of depression.
9. Supports the bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis.
   

How to use Vitamin B12 injections?

You can self-administer this shot or ask a professional health worker to do it for you. Follow the steps below when self-administering the shot:

1. Wash your hands before handling the supplies.
2. Gather the kit which is composed of the following:
   1. B-12 vial
   2. 1 ml syringe
   3. 22 to 25 gauge needle
3. Attach the needle to the syringe.
4. Uncap the B12 vial and wipe the top with an alcohol swab. Drew the desired amount of the vitamin B12 by pulling back the plunger then withdraw the needle back.
5. Choose your injection site.
6. Inject the needle into the muscle at an angle of 90°. Then press the plunger to release the liquids.

Below are Vitamin B12 injection sites:

• Thigh: Its located midway between the groin and knee. This is the easiest self-injection site. This site is recommended for newborns, infant, children and adults.
• Upper arm: This a good injection site for young to middle-aged adults because of their well-developed muscles.
• Outer hip: It’s located above the hip joint on the side of the body. It’s a well-appreciated site because it’s free from major blood vessels and nerves that could be damaged accidentally.
• Buttocks: It’s also highly recommended but it’s the last option for injection.
  

What is the correct dosage of Vitamin B12?

The typical general dose for vitamin B12 is 1-25 mcg a day. For B12 deficiency the dose is 30 mcg daily for 5 to 10 days. For the maintenance phase, the dose is 100 mcg to 200 mcg once a month.

What are the side effects of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most who take this by mouth, sublingual or as a shot. It is actually considered safe even at large doses. Reported minor side effects include:

• Mild itching
• Pain and redness in the injection site
• Mild diarrhea
• Swelling sensation in the body