A 48-year-old member asked:
do vitamin b-12 shots work?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 40 years experience
It depends...: Work for what? If someone has B12 deficiency then B12 shots definitely "work" to treat the deficiency and resultant anemia/neurological symptoms. However, many who are not deficient get B12 shots for fatigue and other non-specific symptoms. While many people feel better after B12 shots, there has been little research to show if it actually helps. See http://www.Medscape.Com/viewarticle/585589.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan commented
Dermatology 57 years experience
either B12 deficiency or placebo effect. No other effect.
May 12, 2014
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Similar questions
A member asked:
I have high vitamin b/12 1370, iholotranscobalamim(active vitamin 12)by meta observed value was 128. Biological reference is 19 to 119 pmol/l suggest?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Tony Hoanswered
Infectious Disease 14 years experience
No changes: You have high, but not abnormally or dangerously high levels. I wouldn't change anything. That being said, if you are taking B12 supplements without the care of a doctor, i would consider cutting back on them.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of being deficient in the vitamin b-12?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Derrick Lonsdaleanswered
Preventive Medicine 73 years experience
Nothing typical: B12 is but one of many vitamins and the symptoms overlap each other. B12 deficiency produces fairly typical changes in the blood. Because all of them are vital to energy metabolism the commonest symptom is fatigue but only a physician can make the diagnosis.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
What are the benefits of taking vitamin b-12?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Rothmananswered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
Increases B12 level: Taking B12 is only useful if you have a B12 deficiency. If you take too much B12 and you do not need it, you will have excess B12 which can lead to metabolic imbalances. B vitamins in general should be taken in an intelligent and balanced manner. Avoid taking large doses of poor quality inactive b vitamins, like b50 and b100.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Could you tell me how long it takes vitamin b-12 to be absorbed into my system?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Douglas Tavenner, jr.answered
Cosmetic Dentistry 50 years experience
Depends on Form: Injections are best. Also see links:
1) http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/vitamin_b12_deficiency
2) http://www.Doctoroz.Com/videos/end-your-energy-crisis-vitamin-b12
3) http://chriskresser.Com/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences
3) http://www.Webmd.Com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Beachwood, OH
A 41-year-old male asked:
As a vegan, how much vitamin b-12 do I need to take and what we will happen to me if i don't get enough?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 44 years experience
Get plenty of it: If you have become a vegan out of concern for factory-farmed animals, you have my admiration and congratulations. You also need to know that the health benefits are massively exaggerated by many of its proponents. If you spend even a short time b12-deficient, you will get permanent brain and spinal cord damage. Your personal physician can guide you in selecting the optimal dose; you can't overdose.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jun 24, 2014
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