Low vitamin B12 levels can cause issues such as fatigue, anemia, and lack of focus. That’s because B12 is crucial for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your muscles, organs, and brain.

Many people who suffer from low energy, fatigue, and headaches turn to B12 supplements, often in the form of daily pills. However, the question is: are these oral pills as effective as B12 injections in treating these symptoms? This article will help you explore which option between B12 injections vs. pills you should choose. 

But before we jump to determine which is better between oral vitamin b12 pills and intramuscular vitamin b12 injections, let’s first explore what exactly vitamin B12 is.

What Is Vitamin B12 Exactly?

Vitamin B12 is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that supports various important functions in the body, including:

• DNA synthesis and production.
  
• Red blood cells.
  
• Maintaining nerve cells and the nervous system.

A lack of vitamin B12 can often lead to fatigue and weakness due to megaloblastic anemia – a blood disorder that causes unusually large red blood cells (megaloblasts) and a lower red blood cell count, which results in a lower supply of oxygen to the body.

You can get vitamin B12 from many dietary sources and animal products, such as:

• Meat
  
• Fish
  
• Eggs
  
• Dairy products
  
• Nutritional yeast
  
• Fortified foods

Many People Are Deficient

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 12.5% of adults in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin B12. The recommended daily intake (RDI) for individuals over 19 is 2.4 micrograms per day.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, particularly among people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, as the vitamin is naturally found only in animal-based foods. In fact, up to 88% of people on plant-based diets may lack adequate serum vitamin B12 levels.

However, vegans are not the only ones at risk. Even some meat eaters can have trouble absorbing vitamin B12. Unlike others, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein called intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, allowing it to enter the bloodstream.

If your body doesn’t produce enough intrinsic factors, deficiency can occur. Moreover, elderly people are also at higher risk as the ability to absorb vitamin B12 naturally declines with age. According to one report, 3% to 43% of older adults living independently may have low serum vitamin B12 levels, especially those with conditions such as atrophic gastritis or pernicious anaemia.

Some medical conditions may also increase the risk of deficiency. For instance, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease, or those with celiac disease, may have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 due to gut damage. Similarly, individuals who have undergone intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery, are also at higher risk.

Vitamin B12 Treatment Options: Injections vs. Oral Pills

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Not only does it support red blood cell production, but it also helps energy levels and overall well-being.

However, if untreated, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious symptoms, including nerve damage or pernicious anaemia – a condition when your body doesn’t have enough B12 to make the red blood cells it needs. Luckily, there are a few effective treatment options, such as B12 injections vs oral therapy. Let’s explore each in detail.

Intramuscular Vitamin B-12 Injections

Also called shots, intramuscular vitamin B12 injections are a common and effective way to treat a deficiency.

These injections contain a synthetic version of the vitamin called cyanocobalamin and are usually given directly into a muscle by a healthcare provider. In some cases, patients can learn to self-administer these shots.

One major advantage of intramuscular injection is that it’s increasingly effective at raising blood levels of B12. This method ensures the body absorbs the precise amount needed, making it ideal for patients who can’t absorb the vitamin through their digestive systems due to conditions like Crohn’s disease or other ileum-related problems.

For people with severe deficiencies or who need rapid results, injections are often the best choice. They also help prevent or reverse symptoms such as fatigue, low energy levels, and weight loss, which are commonly linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Oral Vitamin B-12 Pills

Oral vitamin B12 pills are an effective and convenient alternative for most people. These oral supplements pass through the digestive system like food and release the vitamin to restore healthy blood levels.

While some multivitamins contain vitamin B12, they often don’t provide enough to treat a deficiency. Experts recommend that patients take specific B12 supplements with about 1,000 micrograms daily for effective results.

This oral supplementation works just as well as injections for most patients. However, if your body has trouble absorbing B12 due to digestive issues, pills may not be as effective. Also, it’s slightly slower than intramuscular administration. In other words, pills can take longer to raise B12 levels, so if you need a quick boost, injections are the better choice.

Vitamin B12 Injections Vs Pills: Which Is Better?

Vitamin B12 is essential for your body, but how you consume it can make a big difference. So, which one should you choose, B12 oral supplements vs. injections?

Although both have benefits, the right option often depends on patient preferences, symptoms, and absorption rates. We’ll help you break it down by a few factors so you can choose the best option for your needs.

Dosage & Absorption Rates: B12 Oral Vitamin – How Many Are Equivalent To One B12 Injection?

If you want to compare the two methods, start with their dosage amounts. B12 injections typically deliver about 1,000 mcg per dose, while oral supplements can range from 50 to 5,000 mcg. At first glance, it may seem like higher oral doses would work better, but evidence suggests that is not always true.

Your body absorbs B12 pills and injections differently. With an oral supplement, the vitamin is absorbed through your stomach lining, which adds an extra step before it enters your bloodstream. This added step can limit how much B12 your body takes in. For example, one study found that after taking 1,000 mcg of oral vitamin B12, only about 1.3% (13 mcg) is absorbed into the bloodstream.

In contrast, B12 injections go directly into the bloodstream. Without barriers such as digestion, the body absorbs 15-97% of the injected B12, making injections much more efficient at raising blood levels quickly – even if the pill dose is higher.

B12 Frequency 

The frequency of treatment also varies. Since your body absorbs oral supplements less efficiently, you’ll need to take them more often than injections.

While it can vary from case to case, experts recommend taking oral vitamin B12 pills every day. With injections, you’ll need less frequent doses. Typically, patients start with one or two injections per week for four weeks and then switch to one injection a month, depending on their needs. For people who prefer fewer treatments or have trouble remembering daily pills, injections may be a better fit.

B12 Injections For Pernicious Anaemia

B12 injections are especially helpful for patients with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that prevents the stomach from absorbing B12.

If left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of serious health problems, including permanent nerve damage. Since injections bypass the stomach, they are the most effective way to treat this condition. According to primary care experts, intramuscular shots help quickly restore blood levels of B12 in the body.

Who Shows Better, Quick Results

Both oral vitamin supplements and injections can improve symptoms like fatigue, poor memory, and weight loss. However, how quickly you see these results depends on how you take B12.

With their lower absorption rate and frequent dosing, oral supplements can slow the process. Since you’re absorbing smaller amounts over time, it may take longer to notice improvements. Injections, on the other hand, are more efficient. Their higher absorption rate allows you to feel the benefits much faster. This makes intramuscular shots the better option for patients who need quick results or to treat severe deficiencies.

Things You Should Consider When Choosing Between B12 Oral Pills And Injections

Choosing between vitamin b12 injections and oral pills can be challenging and depends on various factors. To help you make a better decision, consider the following factors:

• Your Health Condition: If you have a medical condition that affects B-12 absorption (e.g., pernicious anemia), injections are usually more effective. For mild deficiencies or preventative supplementation, oral pills may suffice.
  
• Severity of Deficiency: Severe deficiencies often require injections to restore B-12 levels quickly. Oral pills are typically adequate to replenish Vitamin B-12 levels in cases of mild deficiency or for long-term use.
  
• Lifestyle and Preference: Consider your comfort level with needles and your ability to stick to a daily pill regimen. People with busy schedules may prefer the convenience of monthly injections.
  
• Cost and Accessibility: Oral supplements are generally more budget-friendly and don’t require medical appointments. Injections may incur higher costs due to clinic visits and professional administration.
  
• Doctor’s Recommendation: Make sure to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best supplementation method for your needs.

Top 5 Potential Health Benefits Of Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that supports various functions in your body. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, here are the top 5 science-backed benefits it may offer.

Supports Bone Health and May Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin B12 may help keep your bones strong. Research shows that low serum vitamin B-12 levels are linked to decreased bone density, which can lead to fragile bones and a higher risk of osteoporosis. While some trials suggest a connection, more peer review is required to confirm whether oral vitamin B12 supplements or intramuscular injections can prevent fractures.

May Reduce the Risk of Macular Degeneration

Vitamin B12 may also help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration – a condition that affects central vision.

The systematic review of various evidence and studies suggests that a higher dietary intake of B vitamins could lower the risk of advanced macular degeneration. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to understand how vitamin B12 impacts vision health.

Supports Brain and Memory Function

Vitamin B12 is crucial for your brain function and memory. Low levels of vitamin B12 have often been linked to memory loss, especially in older adults. According to one report, vitamin B12 – combined with omega-3 fatty acids – may help slow cognitive decline in patients with early-stage dementia.  

Improves Mood and May Ease Depression Symptoms

Vitamin B12 may positively affect your mood and mental well-being. A review of individual studies found that people with lower serum vitamin B12 levels are at a higher risk for depression. 

However, while vitamin B12 supplements may help those with neurological function concerns or deficiencies, the evidence isn’t strong enough to support its use as a standalone treatment for depression.

Promotes Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails

Your skin, hair, and nails rely on adequate Vitamin B12 levels for optimal health. A deficiency can cause skin discoloration, changes in hair texture, and nail issues. While B12 supplements benefit those with deficiencies, most people without a deficiency won’t see additional benefits from taking extra oral vitamins or injections.

Conclusion

Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet, but some may experience a deficiency. This can happen due to low levels of intrinsic factors in the digestive system, digestive conditions, or following a plant-based diet.

If your dietary sources are insufficient, you may consider supplements, such as pills or injections, depending on the cause of the deficiency. The best option can vary based on individual needs and health conditions. For example, people with digestive issues may not absorb liquid, gummy, or pill forms of vitamin B12 effectively. In such cases, intramuscular injections may be a better choice. 

Many experts consider vitamin B12 injections the safest and most effective option. However, they’re relatively expensive and must be administered by a healthcare professional. On the other hand, oral pills are a convenient and affordable option for long-term use. 

Looking to boost your energy with vitamin B12 infusion? Contact Regenics for a consultation. Our medical team can perform blood work to recommend the best solution for you. With Regenics and a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain high energy levels and feel your best every day.