A vitamin b12 injection (cyanocobalamin) is a synthetic form of vitamin b12.  The primary reason for getting a b12 injection is to treat b12 deficiency.  For many years b12 injections have also been given for patients suffering from fatigue and low energy.  The most common dosage is a 1000 microgram (mcg) b12 injection once a week. There are no upper limit dosages to vitamin b12 and there are no reported side effects to b12 overdose.

About Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 injections are only administered when there is no other way of supplementation. Injections are mostly used in cases of diseases caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Injections are usually administered to people who have a medical problem known as pernicious anemia, a condition in which the patient is not capable of absorbing vitamin B12 via the intestine. Injections are also administered to those who suffer from a diseased intestine or have a large part of their stomach or intestines removed. Vitamin B12 injections are only given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. In the United States, injections of vitamin B12 are generally available in two types, cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.

Advantages of Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 injections have been used for a long time, especially by many politicians and famous personalities from the entertainment industry. There are several reasons why. The injection contains 500 times more vitamin B12 than the recommended daily dosage.  When injected, vitamin B12 is easily absorbed by the body and then utilized in the formation of red blood cells as well as aiding in the maintenance of a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system.  The three major health benefits of vitamin B12 injections are an increase in energy, sleeping better, and a feeling of alertness.  However, people often complain of bruises and soreness in the area where the vitamin B12 was injected.

An Overview Of Intravenous Vitamin B12

Vitamin B-12 is necessary for many things, including growth, cell reproduction, and hematopoiesis. Generally vitamin B12 is administered in the form cyanocobalamin, which is absorbed in the muscles at the site of the injection. The level of plasma in the compound is found to be at its peak within an hour after the intramuscular injection is given. Almost 1000 micrograms, that is 50- 98 percent of vitamin B12, is present in the urine within 48 hours of the injection. Most of vitamin B12 is excreted in the urine. Some vitamin B12 is also absorbed through the intestinal tract.

Vitamin B-12 Injection

Vitamin B12 injection is in the form of Cyanocobalamin in a clear red, sterile and nonpyrogenic aqueous solution. The dosage for intramuscular injections is 1000 micrograms per milliliter.  The solution is hygroscopic in anhydrous form and also soluble in water.  The coenzymes of vitamin B12 in the solution are very unstable in the presence of light.  Apart from vitamin B12, the active ingredients of Cyanocobalamin injections are benzyl alcohol (as a preservative) and sodium chloride (for isotonicity).  It is important to know that doses of vitamin B12 that exceed 10 micrograms daily are capable of producing a hematologic response in patients who have folate deficiency. Also, pareteral administration of vitamin B12 can sometimes cause anaphylactic shock and even death.