Supplementation of Vitamin B12
Oral supplementation of vitamin B12 is safe and inexpensive. The problem with oral supplementation of vitamin B12 is its complex absorption process within the body. This is mainly due to the fact that vitamin B12 must be converted to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin in order to be absorbed by the body. With oral supplements the actual absorption of vitamin B12 is often a lower dosage than needed. In case of a deficiency a daily dosage of 2000 micrograms for at least a month is recommended, which later on can be lowered to 1000 micrograms. Many physicians prefer supplementation through injections. Vitamin B12 injections are required to maintain adequate levels of this vitamin in the elderly and in those patients who are diagnosed with a deficiency.
About Vitamin B12 Injections
There is no scientific evidence to support the fact that injections are more effective than oral supplementation. However, injections are only administered when there is a problem with oral supplementation or there is no other effective means available. Typically, vitamin B12 injections are administered to those suffering from diseases caused by a deficiency of the vitamin, such as various types of anemia. The frequency of the injections given to a patient depends upon the type and the severity of the disease. In many cases bruising and soreness caused by vitamin B12 injections are reported. The treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency by intramuscular injection is usually up to 30 mcg daily for 5 to 10 days.