Truth is we’ve been delaying this article for a while until we had enough information & facts to allow us to enlighten our readers.
What Is Vitamin B12?
Some people’s bodies do not produce enough stomach acid or intrinsic factor if they have a condition known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis. Other people who may needs shots include those who have had gastrointestinal surgery if their digestive system cannot absorb vitamin B12 efficiently.
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Tment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia depends on what’s causing the condition.
Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
Treating Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12. There are 2 types of vitamin B12 injections:
hydroxocobalamin
cyanocobalamin
Hydroxocobalamin is usually the recommended option as it stays in the body for longer.
Your GP or nurse will give the injections. The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia, which is not related to your diet. Your haematologist will advise on how long you need to keep taking the injections.
For injections of vitamin B12 given in the UK, hydroxocobalamin is preferred to an alternative called cyanocobalamin. If you need regular injections of vitamin B12, cyanocobalamin would need to be given once a month, whereas hydroxocobalamin can be given every 3 months.
What Is Vitamin B12 And What Does It Do?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin.
It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop Bottom Line: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in brain function and red blood cell production.