Vitamin B 12 shots vs. B 12 pills...
By Feona1962
@Feona1962 (7526)
United States
8 responses
@theprogamer (10532)
• United States
9 Sep 07
My doc hasn't told me anything about it. Usually I get my B vitamins through supplements or energy drinks. I've noticed a nice energy boost, blood vessel boost, and some minor serotonin production. The B vitamins are great for increasing blood flow overall, nervous system nutrition and bloodflow to the skin. [Basically a metabolism makeover:)] Injecting it just bypasses the normal digestion sequence since the cells in the stream will just take it and do with it as needed.
For more B12 sources, try liver and shellfish.
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@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
9 Sep 07
I can't stand liver. I definitely need the energy boost. I am going to have some blood work done to see what my B12 is doing and go from there.
1 person likes this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I know you were trying to help...LOL...I used to like a teeny tiny bit of brauwnswiger until my hubby wanted me to try a piece of liver and then I couldn't eat it ever again...Liver smells like poop to me...sorry...Thank you for all your help..
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@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Hello Feona1962,
What makes you think you're not fully absorbing your oral B-12?
I always like to seek out the simple solutions first. So, have you sought out a liquid B-12?
It's been many years since I've had to take B-12 shots. I haven't been anemic for nearly two decades. However, when I was supplementing with B-12, my doc recommended injectable until my levels were higher.
Intestinal absorbtion is very much at the mercy of the health of the intestinal lining. So, if you suspect that you're not properly absorbing your oral B-12, you might want to have your intestinal health checked.
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@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Hello Feona,
It sounds as though your suspicions do have merit. Specific nutrients are absorbed in specific 'points' located throughout the intestines. If memory serves me correctly, the B vitamins are absorbed from the upper part of the transverse colon. So, your bypass surgery may well be having an effect on your ability to properly & completely absorb your B vitamins.
Please remember that all of the B vitamins work in conjuction, to help maintain energy through cellular metabolism. So, if you're deficient in one, chances are good that you're having trouble absorbing all or most of the B's. Below is a list of the eight B vitamins.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3, also Vitamin P or Vitamin PP (Niacin, includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B7, also Vitamin H (Biotin)
Vitamin B9, also Vitamin M and Vitamin B-c (Folic acid)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
I'm including a link to a site that offers the full range of injectable B vit's. This link provides an explanation as to why injectables might be recommended over consumable tablets or caplets.
*** Please note this is a Romanian website. So I cannot make the suggestion to purchase from them. In fact, I wouldn't myself. I list this site only as a reference point.
My personal recommendation would be to do your due diligence. Find a company that produces a liquid or a tablet that will dissolve under the tongue (sublinguals). The reason why is that absorption under the tongue is highly efficient. The capillaries under the tongue provide excellent absorption options, without the integrity loss associated with gastric acid degradation.
And, please do ask ahead of time if the companies provide evidence of the results of their standardization and potency/quality testing. This is a sign of a reputable company, who is proud of the quality of the products they manufacture.
A quick internet search indicates that liquid B-Complex is readily available. Here is a link to just one company that offers it.
http://www.rainbowminerals.net/Minerals/B-complex.html
Again, please do your homework to verify the quality assurance of whichever product(s) you choose to use.
And, if you go with a liquid, it would be helpful if you held the liquid in your mouth for a moment before swallowing. This will facilitate better sublingual absorption.
Good luck! I hope you're feeling better soon!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
12 Sep 07
One last quick note Feona:
Stabbing one's self with a needle gets old -- fast. That's why I'm suggesting that you take advantage of sublinguals. Needles are no fun at all!
When I had to inject, I was so run down that I was narcoleptic. I couldn't keep myself awake. Turns out the problem was poor intestinal health. Tests later showed that I am a Celiac, meaning that I'm unable to digest certain proteins. Any scar tissue, lesions, or an excess of intestinal plaque can lead to malabsorption of nutrients. The good news is that once you build up the level of B's in your blood stream, it's easier to maintain those levels if you use a product that allows for sublingual absorption.
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@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Thank you Lakota..I will be getting blood work tomorrow on the B12 part so that will help my doctor see if I need the shots. He thinks I do because my cells are not what they used to be...Since my surgery B12 is a must for me everyday...There are certain vitamins I have to be on for life...With me not feeling good I think I am missing something..
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
12 Sep 07
I take iron because I am anemic. They think I have iron deficient anemia..Not enough B12 can cause anemia too! Yes iron does help the red blood cells...
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
15 Sep 07
A friend of mine actually had the B12 shots prescribed by her doctor. It helped with her weight loss, and it kicked her energy up through the roof! It gets into your system a lot quicker and I think that's the reason behind the energy boost. I myself couldn't do it because I have a massive fear of needles. I think that's because I had the nurses from he-- that would cheerfully slam the darned things into my arms that I swore they hit the bones!
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@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
15 Sep 07
Pull yourself together PPP...Simmer down before your blood starts to boil...I don't mind needles..Hang around with me and you will be just fine..I will protect you..LOL
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@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
11 Sep 07
The B12 shot is quicker, but it has to be administered by a doctor. If you get too much B12, you will get sick, whereas with the pill, any excess will go out the other end. I have never taken any shots, because I get enough vitamin B12 in my diet and besides I take a multivitamin. All I know is that with the shot, you only need to get it once or twice a week.
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@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Hi suspenseful. I take a mulivitamin too! I think I would benefit from the shot, actually.. Thank you for this information.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Hi lady, I didn't know you could self inject. Thank you for telling me..
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@rueandash1 (365)
• Australia
9 Sep 07
when i was really sick i had a b12 shot its instant energy, so i think thats the difference it hits you quicker
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@usmcsgtwife (4997)
• United States
15 Sep 07
when I was younger I had to take Vitamin b 12 shots once a week, I am horrible when it comes to taking medicine so the shot worked great for me
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
15 Sep 07
well i think the shots would be more better than the pills,the shots you only have to take a few times a month i think,and it would be the right doses.hugs.pattie
@theprogamer (10532)
• United States
19 Sep 07
There are some issues with shots, especially if they are meant for long range. Remember the body is fond of throwing out excessive stuff, even vitamins and minerals. Also the body can get damaged if it has an exorbitant excess of certain vitamins and minerals.
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