Fast food may be convenient, but it’s definitely not the best for your health. For one thing, it contains large amounts of unhealthy fats, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Not only that, but these types of foods are relatively low in beneficial nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants.
If anything, that’s one of the reasons why you should take a supplement. The last thing that you want is to be vitamin deficient!
Did your doctor recently tell you to take vitamin B12? Wondering whether you should take the pills or get B12 injections? Learn about the options in this post!
What Is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in cell metabolism, red blood cell formation, the production of DNA, and nerve function.
Foods rich in this vitamin include meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. Because of this, vegans and vegetarians tend to be at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause a wide range of symptoms. For example, it can cause fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin, headaches, and palpitations.
In some cases, it can also lead to mood disturbances and nerve damage.
Treating Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can either be treated with pills or injections. Here’s what you need to know.
Vitamin B12 Pills
Vitamin B12 pills are the most common form of treatment for those with B12 deficiency. After all, you can just take it at home; there’s no need to go to a doctor’s office.
Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections are typically prescribed for those with severe B12 deficiency. Why? They demonstrate quicker results as they’re administered intramuscularly.
While it’s fairly safe, some people may experience itchy or swelling skin at the area of injection, headache, nausea, or diarrhea.
Vitamin B12 Injections vs Pills: Which Is Better?
Both vitamin B12 injections and pills are effective at treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Neither is more effective than the other.
The only difference is that injections work quicker at restoring B12 levels. For this reason, it’s often used for those with pernicious anemia, a serious condition that causes the body to produce low amounts of a protein that aids in B12 absorption.
Not only that, but injections are the treatment of choice for those with ileum problems as that’s where the body absorbs the vitamin.
For more information, you can check out this link.
Taking Vitamin B12 Supplements
Hopefully, that gives you a better idea as to how vitamin B12 injections differ from pills. If anything, the treatment depends on the severity of your deficiency. When in doubt, consult with your doctor!
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