Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common health issue in the UK, especially for older adults. It can impact different parts of the body and cause a range of physical and mental symptoms.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are found in about 1 in 10 people who are 75 or older, and 1 in 20 people between the ages of 65 and 74.
Vitamin B12 injections are used to cope with vitamin B12 deficiency. But do these injections hurt and how long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency? This blog will answer some of the questions you might have.
What is the Best Vitamin B12 Supplement in the UK?
Apart from oral supplements, the best way to treat vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is through hydroxocobalamin injections. Hydroxocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to quickly boost B12 levels in the body. These injections are particularly important because they go straight into the bloodstream, avoiding any issues with absorption that can occur in the digestive system.
These injections are especially useful because they last longer in the body than other types of vitamin B12 supplements, which helps keep B12 levels stable over time. They work fast, raising B12 levels quickly, which helps relieve symptoms like tiredness and weakness. This is especially critical for people with conditions like pernicious anaemia, where the body struggles to absorb B12 from food.
How Often to Inject Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 injections are administered every other day for two weeks or until symptoms start to improve. After the initial treatment, how often you need further treatment depends on what’s causing your B12 deficiency in the first place.
- Diet-related Deficiency- If the deficiency is due to low dietary intake, daily B12 tablets or biannual injections may be recommended. Those following strict vegan diets might need lifelong supplementation.
- Pernicious Anaemia or Other Non-dietary Causes- For those whose B12 absorption is hindered by medical conditions rather than diet, ongoing injections might be necessary.
Is it Recommended to Take Vitamin B12 High Strength Supplements?
Deciding whether to take high-strength vitamin B12 supplements depends on your health and what might be causing your B12 levels to drop. For those who have a clear B12 deficiency, particularly people who have trouble absorbing B12 because of gut issues or conditions like pernicious anaemia are often recommended high-strength B12 injections or supplements.
These higher doses can quickly boost B12 levels back to normal, helping to ease symptoms and prevent serious health problems down the line. If you’re someone like a vegan or vegetarian, or an older adult who might not get enough B12 from your diet, a high-strength supplement could also be a good idea if standard doses aren’t doing enough to keep your levels up.
But, it’s crucial to check in with a doctor first. They can run the necessary tests to see exactly what’s going on and tell you the best dose to take. You want to make sure you’re not taking more than your body can handle, even though B12 is pretty safe and any extra usually just passes through your system.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency depends on several factors, including the severity of the deficiency and how quickly treatment is initiated. Generally, symptom improvement can be noticed within days of starting treatment, but complete recovery can take up to several months. Patients with neurological complications may experience a longer recovery period.
Does a Vitamin B12 Injection Hurt?
The injections used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency are generally quite tolerable. Most people find them to be relatively painless, and they are administered with minimal discomfort. This makes the treatment approachable, even for those who are nervous about needles. The process is quick and straightforward, typically causing only a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site, which passes quickly.
Where Can I Get Private Vitamin B12 Injections Near Me?
At Intrigue Health, you can receive high-quality care for your specific health needs. We ensure you get the most effective treatment in a comfortable and professional setting. Whether you’re dealing with a vitamin B12 deficiency or looking to boost your vitamin levels for enhanced wellbeing, Intrigue Health’s vitamin B12 injections are a reliable choice.
Treat B12 Deficiency with Intrigue Health
If vitamin B12 deficiency isn’t treated, it can cause serious health problems, especially affecting your brain and your ability to think clearly.
So, get your vitamin B12 injection with us privately. Book an appointment and visit us at your convenience.
