Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 injection Information

While the body doesn't actually create its own vitamin B12, it stores it in the liver for up to five years. But if you have a diet that's chronically deficient in this essential nutrient, you may develop a range of unpleasant symptoms. Fish and meat products are rich in vitamin B12. Eggs and dairy produce are also good sources of the nutrient.

Who Needs a Vitamin B12 Injection?

People who develop vitamin B12 deficiency may need an additional source of the nutrient. For some, taking supplements can help. But certain conditions and medications can interfere with the absorption of the vitamin. For these people, vitamin B12 injections at a private GP clinic might be the answer.

In the UK, the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia. People suffering from this condition may be prescribed vitamin B12 injections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Tell-Tale Signs of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

According to the NHS, a long-term deficiency in the vitamin can lead to vitamin B12 anaemia - a shortage of red blood cells. If the deficiency is left untreated, the following symptoms can develop and worsen with time:

• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Headaches
• Pale skin or yellow skin
• Loss of appetite
• Vision problems
• Depression
• Behavioural changes
• Cognitive decline
• Mouth ulcers
• Pins and needles
• A painful tongue
• Tinnitus

A chronic deficiency can also lead to long-term mood changes. This may be because vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the creation of serotonin - a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating our moods.

Why Choose vitamin B12 Injections Over Supplements?

Vitamin B12 injections administered at a private GP's clinic can begin alleviating the symptoms of vitamin B12 anaemia within hours. They're more easily absorbed into the body than oral supplements, which is why they're being prescribed by doctors more frequently.

For some people, a vitamin B12 injection might be required several times within a year. However, people with chronic anaemia may need injections for life.

If you take certain medications regularly - such as proton pump inhibitors for a stomach ulcer - your body may struggle to absorb natural vitamin B12 from supplements.

Is a vitamin B12 injection painful?

You might experience a brief stinging sensation as one of our medical professionals administers your vitamin B12 injection, but this shouldn't last for more than a couple of seconds.

I've booked a vitamin B12 injection in Cardiff with iGP. How long will I have to wait before I feel better?

Your symptoms should begin to alleviate in a matter of days. However, you might need a course of injections if your vitamin B12 deficiency is severe.

How long will the effects of my vitamin B12 injection last?

This differs from patient to patient, and it often depends on the severity of the symptoms and any underlying health issues. However, most injections deliver between one and three months of relief.

Will I experience any side effects after my vitamin B12 injection?

There are potential side effects related to all medications, and vitamin B12 is no different. However, they're relatively rare. And even when people do experience them, they're usually mild. Your vitamin B12 injection will be administered into a muscle. Intramuscular injections might sound a little frightening, but they're routine. And while you might experience some discomfort at the time, this will probably subside after just a few seconds.

The most common side effects associated with vitamin B12 injections are:

• Swelling, mild pain and itchiness at injection site
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

There are one or two more serious side effects, but they're exceptionally rare. Palpitations and anaphylaxis occur in a tiny percentage of patients. Our fully certified and vastly experienced medical professionals are here to answer your questions and allay any misgivings you might have.