Vitamins

[neka2002]

Are the B12 shots and b12 vitamins the same? Do they give you the outcome?

[Barb135]

Not all vitamins can be injected.  Pernicious anemia is a B12 deficiency anemia, caused by inability to absorb B12 through the stomach.  I eat plenty of foods that are high in B12, but can't keep levels up without shots.  

B12 deficiency causes all kinds of nasty things, particularly if left undiagnosed/treated for a long time, like mine was.

[louise96]

Oh that's interesting Barb, I never knew there was any reason injecting a vitamin would be better than swallowing it. You learn something new every day!

[Barb135]

Vitamin B12 does come in pill form.  The method of delivery (shot or pill) would depend on why you take the vitamin.  

I take shots, because I have pernicious anemia and do not absorb B12 through my stomach.  If you are looking for additional energy, pills would do well.  

Please be aware that vitamin B12 is NOT a weight loss aid, except that it may give people more energy to exercise.

[louise96]

Can you not get the vitamins in pill form? I can't see any reason to have to inject yourself with vitamins....?

[Barb135]

Vitamin B12 in shot form must be a script from your doctor, which you are unlikely to get unless you have pernicious anemia (I do).  Not sure what outcome you are looking for, but they would be the same medication, just different delivery system.  

[trdofbeingtrd]

I do believe they are the same as far as the substance, however, as you know, they are different methods of receiving the substance. The shot would be more fast and strong. However, unless it's from a doctors suggestion, I would say NOT to give yourself a shot of B12. Taking a B12 vitamin works good enough unless there is a medical reason.