[billethkid]

My sister has been getting B-12 for the last few years for low B-12.
A lot is written about injections vs tablets much of which concludes no difference in results.
The next issue is dosage....500/1000 mcg per day???
How best to determine what to take.
She is not ready to ask the doctor to switch....I volunteered to do some research and would appreciates opinions/suggestions from TOTV members who have been confronted with this issue.

Based on what I have read I would not hesitate to take the tablets instead of monthly injections!

_______________________________________

[villagetinker]

IMHO, I would absolutely ask the doctor, the dosage for pills maybe very different from the dosage forinfusion, and the frequency of the pills needs to be considered. I would not rely on medical opinions.

[retiredguy123]

I have always understood that injections were more reliable than pills because of the inconsistent reliability of the digestive system. I used to give a friend of mine regular injections of B12 drawn from a vial. If you can do it yourself, it seems to me the best way to go, but I am not a medical expert.

[blueash]

There is a rare condition, pernicious anemia, where the patient is unable to absorb oral B12 because a factor produced by cells that line the stomach don't make that factor or the lining of the stomach is absent from surgery or other rare conditions.

If you cannot absorb oral B12 then injection is the only option other than massive oral supplementation to try to get sufficient amounts into the bloodstream. There are very rare cases other than absent intrinsic factor that can impair B12 transport.

There are two reasonable approaches depending on whether you are treating a symptomatic person... they need B12 now so give the shot to correct the deficiency while you do the evaluation. But if the patient has no symptoms it is perfectly reasonable to try oral supplementation and follow up with a blood test to see if the B12 deficiency is corrected.

Those doctors who give you a B12 shot to boost your energy are quacks or crooks, IMO. YMMV

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by blueash

There is a rare condition, pernicious anemia, where the patient is unable to absorb oral B12 because a factor produced by cells that line the stomach don't make that factor or the lining of the stomach is absent from surgery or other rare conditions.

If you cannot absorb oral B12 then injection is the only option other than massive oral supplementation to try to get sufficient amounts into the bloodstream. There are very rare cases other than absent intrinsic factor that can impair B12 transport.

There are two reasonable approaches depending on whether you are treating a symptomatic person... they need B12 now so give the shot to correct the deficiency while you do the evaluation. But if the patient has no symptoms it is perfectly reasonable to try oral supplementation and follow up with a blood test to see if the B12 deficiency is corrected.

Those doctors who give you a B12 shot to boost your energy are quacks or crooks, IMO. YMMV

Agree, with 2 modifications:

1) pernicious anemia is not all that rare, the most common cause being anti-intrinsic factor antibodies and more rarely a transcobalamin deficiency. The prevalence in the general population is 0.1% but is 1.9% in those over 60.

2) If oral supplementation is ineffective, a trial of sublingual B12 supplementation might have better results.

[Two Bills]

Two years ago I started to get tired and breathless. I put it down to getting older (I'm 83)
Eventually went to doctor, had blood tests, and found my B12 levels were very low.
Had a course of 6 injection over two weeks, and now have a single top up every 3 months,. Felt better ever since.
Cannot take tablets as I cannot absorb the stuff orally.
I also take iron to raise my red cell count as well, as that was also lowish.
Definitely do not change unless doctor authorizes as your sister maybe another case where absorption orally is a problem.
As a footnote.
If tablet form is recommended, always take B12 tablets and iron on an empty stomach for best results.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

B12 is better absorbed in an oral drop then a tablet form but I believe injection is best.

[Nell57]

30 years ago I was diagnosed with neuropathy. My B-12 level was low normal.My doctor said she likes her neuropathy patients in the high-normal range and she prescribed monthly B-12 injections.
I first had them done in her office but for convenience sake I learned to give them to myself.
At times I tried oral sublingual, but it was too time consuming . I skipped days. Tablets were not as effective for me. I always went back to injections.
As a side note, I do notice lower energy and too many naps, when it’s the end of the month. I do have more energy when my B-12 level is in the correct range. I’ve stuck with them for 30 years because they are effective and do make a difference.
I’ve had nurse-friends or my husband administer the shots. Now I do it. It doesn’t have to be done in the doctors office.
You said that your sister is not ready to ask the doctor to switch. I would leave it at that. She is happy with her current situation. Maybe IM ( intermuscluar) injections are the treatment of choice for her medical condition. This is a decision best made between your sister and her doctor.

[Eg_cruz]

We use liquid, my daughter does a higher dosage because she is a vegan. My grandson is lower because of his weight (5”10 125lbs) point is knowing why you need it and then work out the dosage.
The liquid is a better form over the pills.

[Black Beauty]

The VA has prescribed 1000mg once a day. I go there this morning and 'll ask about my B12 levels..thanks

[amdubuc]

Consider EB-N6. EBM Medical.
While dealing with a host of health issues and testing for specialists 3 years ago the Endocrinologist suggested this product might be better for my conditions. I had been getting B injections from my Hematologist Oncologist. He agreed I no longer needed the injection. EB-N6 is working great for me. Add to your research.
support@ebmmedical.com
636-614-3152
Dispense by Physician Only

[Windguy]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

If oral supplementation is ineffective, a trial of sublingual B12 supplementation might have better results.

I inherited pernicious anemia from my father, who almost died from it. He did injections.

A routine blood test showed I was anemic, so my doctor sent me to a blood specialist. I was told I also had pernicious anemia. I was prescribed sublingual B12 tablets to treat it. I take 1000 mcg every morning and have been free of symptoms for years now.

[Whitley]

Is it possible for any of the vaccines components (ie. mRNA) to be transmitted from a blood transfusion ?
I read that it remains in the body longer than planned. Thanks for any answers.

[Bellavita]

I think you should ask your doctor ...there are lots of quacks on this website. :

Originally Posted by billethkid

My sister has been getting B-12 for the last few years for low B-12.
A lot is written about injections vs tablets much of which concludes no difference in results.
The next issue is dosage....500/1000 mcg per day???
How best to determine what to take.
She is not ready to ask the doctor to switch....I volunteered to do some research and would appreciates opinions/suggestions from TOTV members who have been confronted with this issue.

Based on what I have read I would not hesitate to take the tablets instead of monthly injections!

_______________________________________

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by amdubuc

Consider EB-N6. EBM Medical.
While dealing with a host of health issues and testing for specialists 3 years ago the Endocrinologist suggested this product might be better for my conditions. I had been getting B injections from my Hematologist Oncologist. He agreed I no longer needed the injection. EB-N6 is working great for me. Add to your research.
support@ebmmedical.com
636-614-3152
Dispense by Physician Only

Consider it considered and dismissed. Just another proprietary vitamin/supplement blend that claims superiority. Save your money. BTW, did that endocrinologist own stock in that company????

Also, for those that are convinced that liquid B12 is "superior" to tablet form, consider this: The tablet will dissolve in your stomach in 30-45 seconds. B12 is absorbed in the terminal ileum (about 25-30 feet downstream) with an average transit time of 8-16 hours. Do the math for yourselves. Again, save your money.