Nutritional deficiencies: Strict vegetarians and vegans often qualify for B12 injections, as B12 is predominantly found in animal products
Vitamin B12 shot may be prescribed to prevent or treat the following: Pernicious anemia (a condition in which there are low red blood cell counts due to an abnormality in B12 absorption by the intestines) Megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia in which there are very large red blood cells called megaloblasts) Cognitive disorders, such as dementia (a disorder characterized by problems with memory, problem-solving abilities, language, etc.) Disorders that affect B12 absorption, such as pancreatic diseases, intestinal infections, Crohns disease, and tropical sprue Cardiovascular disease risk (by lowering blood homocysteine levels, which is a compound associated with an increased risk of heart problems) Multiple sclerosis symptoms Bells palsy recovery B12 deficiencies related to: Weight loss Vegan or restrictive diets Surgery to remove the part of the stomach or the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) Energy and endurance What are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
Safety Profile and Research Considerations
Retrieved January 16, 2012
Younger people can also become deficient, particularly if they don't eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Due to the compounds plasma half-life of approximately 3.86.9 hours, twice-daily (BID) dosing may provide more sustained NNMT inhibition
