Description
What are the benefits of using vitamin B12?
Below are some health benefits of using vitamin B12:
- Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and for the prevention of anemia.
- An adequate amount of vitamin B12 in the body is crucial to a healthy pregnancy.
- It reduces the risk of an eye disease called macular degeneration.
- It prevents the loss of neurons.
- Boost the energy in the body.
- It improves the health of the heart.
- Vitamin B12 supports a healthy skin, hair and nails.
- It improves the mood and the symptoms of depression.
- 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:
- Wash your hands before handling the supplies.
- Gather the kit which is composed of the following:
- B-12 vial
- 1 ml syringe
- 22 to 25 gauge needle
- Attach the needle to the syringe.
- 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.
- Choose your injection site.
- 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