To maintain normal hemoglobin levels, a balanced diet is necessary. Excessive nervousness, pale skin, poor appetite and fatigue may indicate anemia and a lack of vitamin B12 in the body. In this case, additional use of special medications is indicated.
What is vitamin B12, release forms
Vitamin B12 is a representative of the water-soluble group of vitamins, can accumulate and be stored in the liver, and contains cobalt.
It is necessary for the human body, as it takes part in hematopoiesis and the production of red blood cells. The source is animal products - dairy and meat products, chicken eggs. As a rule, vegetarians, pregnant women, as well as people diagnosed with atrophic gastritis or chronic enteritis suffer from cyanocobalamin deficiency. The cause of a lack of vitamin B12 may be pathologies that prevent its absorption in the intestines.
To compensate for the lack of cyanocobalamin in the population, pharmaceutical factories produce a variety of drugs containing either one component or a combination of essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin complexes).
You can buy vitamin B12 in pharmacies in several dosage forms:
- capsules for oral administration;
- film-coated tablets;
- solution for injection.
What are B vitamins needed for?
Scientists have proven that the quality of many processes, including the stability of the immune system, depends on the sufficiency of these vitamins in the body. In the modern world, psychological and physical overload is commonplace. Against the background of poor nutrition, this leads to disruptions in the body and deterioration of health. To avoid such problems, doctors recommend including the entire line in the diet - vitamins B1, B6, B12 and others.
The functions of the mentioned elements include:
- normalization of the central nervous system;
- help in the fight against depression and stress;
- participation in cell growth and development;
- acceleration of digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins;
- improvement of muscle function;
- participation in energy metabolism;
- improving the condition of the skin;
- strengthening the immune system;
- help in the fight against diseases of the heart and circulatory system.
Despite the availability of numerous complexes, it is not recommended to take them without a doctor’s recommendation . The reason is that excess and deficiency of these substances is often dangerous for the body.
The main elements of the group include vitamins B1, B6, B12, B2, B5 and others. As for substances such as B10, B8 and B4, they are synthesized in the body and do not require separate intake.
What is vitamin B12 for?
First of all, vitamin B12 is needed for the normal functioning of the hematopoietic system, since the substance is necessary for the maturation of red blood cells. Helps prevent anemia. Also cyanocobalamin:
- takes part in providing the body with energy;
- necessary for the reproduction of cells in the bone marrow, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract;
- helps the nervous system work smoothly;
- ensures iron absorption;
- has an analgesic effect;
- needed for metabolism (participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates);
- serves as a prevention of Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, and cardiovascular pathologies.
The role of vitamin B12 in the body
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)
was first opened in 1948. Scientists isolated a new substance from raw liver and prescribed it to treat pernicious anemia.
Over the past 70 years, cyanocobalamin has been well studied by scientists and doctors, as a result of which it was possible to establish its effect on the body:
- blocking stress hormones;
- improvement of blood clotting;
- amino acid synthesis;
- reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood;
- detoxification of the body during alcoholism;
- improving liver function.
Cyanocobalamin helps athletes withstand heavy loads, accelerates weight loss and prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases.
It plays a special role in the functioning of the central nervous system. The vitamin complements the main therapy for cerebral palsy in children, Down's disease, intercostal neuralgia, etc.
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B12 from Vitamir
One of the popular monopreparations containing cyanocobalamin is Vitamin B12 from the Vitamir company. It is produced in tablets and goes on sale in packages of 30 and 60 pieces. In addition to the main substance, it contains lactose and stearic acid. This is a dietary supplement that is recommended as a dietary supplement as a source of vitamin B12.
Among the contraindications, the manufacturer indicates personal intolerance, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
According to the instructions, you should take 100 mg tablets once a day, one piece during a meal. The course of treatment is one month. Repeating is possible after a month's break.
The appointment must be agreed with the doctor. The price of a pack of 30 pieces starts from 180 rubles, sold without a prescription.
Dosage of vitamin B12 in ampoules
Vitamin B12 dosage
is determined individually and depends on the patient’s age. The maximum daily dose is:
- children – 400 mcg;
- adults – 1000 mcg.
The dosage is increased gradually, you need to start with a small portion of the drug. This is necessary to avoid allergic reactions.
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B12 from Blagomin
Available in the form of capsules of 0.2 g. One jar contains 90 pieces. In addition to the main active ingredient, it contains gelatin and microcrystalline cellulose.
The intake is indicated to replenish the lack of cyanocobalamin in the body. Also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, persons with intolerance to substances from the composition.
The instructions prescribe taking one capsule once a day for a month. Allowed for teenagers over 14 years of age and adults. You can undergo treatment courses several times a year.
The price for a jar starts from 240 rubles, a prescription is not needed to purchase.
Terms of use
Use the medicine in the form of injections in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. For the prevention of anemia and vitamin deficiency and for complex therapy of various diseases, the most commonly used dosage is up to 500 mcg/day for 1-2 weeks.
When treating diseases of the central nervous system, the duration of treatment is a week. In this case, 200 mcg is administered for the first three days, then 300 mcg for 4 days.
Clarifications and changes to the treatment regimen are possible only in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. It is not recommended to decide on the use of cyanocobalamin on your own, since the treatment regimen is determined by the doctor taking into account the patient’s condition and age. For children, the maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mcg, and for adults 1000 mcg.
Injections are most often given intramuscularly. But sometimes the medication is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Injections into the spinal cord are also prescribed to treat certain diseases. Such procedures can only be performed in a hospital setting.
Vitamin B12 solution
Available in ampoules of 10 pieces per package. 1 ml contains 0.5 mg of cyanocobalamin.
Indications for prescribing vitamin injections are:
- anemia due to chronic lack of vitamin B12;
- iron deficiency anemia, as well as caused by severe bleeding (as an additional treatment);
- Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome;
- anemia caused by drug or toxin poisoning;
- liver pathologies (cirrhosis, hepatitis);
- skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis);
- radiculitis and neuralgia.
The solution is injected into the spinal canal, vein or muscle, under the skin, and also taken orally.
The dosage should be selected by the doctor based on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient.
According to instructions:
- in case of vitamin deficiency and anemia due to it, administration of 100/200 mcg once every two days is indicated;
- for anemia due to bleeding or iron deficiency - 30-100 mcg twice or thrice a week;
- children are prescribed 30-100 mcg per day, depending on the indications;
- anemia with neurological pathology is treated with daily injections of 400-500 mcg for a week, then once every five to seven days.
Therapy can cause allergies, increased heart rate, diarrhea, and nervous excitement.
In the form of a solution, vitamin B12 is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, with thromboembolism, and increased production of red blood cells.
Lack of cyanocobalamin must be confirmed by analysis.
The price of a package of 10 ampoules starts from 30 rubles, and is available with a prescription from a doctor.
How to give injections
Vitamin B12 injections
can be done in different ways:
- subcutaneously;
- intramuscularly;
- intravenously;
- into the spinal cord.
The instructions say that cyanocobalamin cannot be used simultaneously with drugs that increase blood clotting, as well as with vitamins B1 and B6. If you have an allergy to B1, then B12 can make it worse.
Administer the drug intramuscularly and intravenously
you can do it yourself. For injection into the spinal cord, you should consult an experienced doctor.
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Vitamin B6 - action, indications, deficiency and overdose
This article pays special attention to vitamins B6 and B12. Let's start with pyridoxine - B6. This element is included in a large number of supplements and comes with food. In addition, the human body is capable of synthesizing it, but in an insignificant amount.
A lack of substance is provoked by taking antibiotics, poor diet or problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Pyridoxine in each form is stable - resistant to heat and oxygen. The main disadvantage is destruction under the influence of sunlight.
The functions are as follows:
- Improving metabolic processes. Scientists have proven that B6 is involved in many metabolic processes - the metabolism of cholesterol, amino acids, proteins and fats.
- Strengthening the heart. The human body needs pyridoxine, because the latter normalizes the production of prostaglandins - elements that regulate the functioning of the heart muscle and normalize blood pressure.
- Restoring the power of the immune system. The vitamin is known for its ability to accelerate cell division and help the body produce antibodies.
- Improving the condition of skin and hair.
- Normalization of the central nervous system. Research has shown that B6 is involved in the production of important neurotransmitters responsible for brain function and mood. The volume of pyridoxine in the “gray matter” is 30-50 times greater than in the blood.
- Participates in the formation of genetic material, accelerates the process of synthesis of red blood cells and hormones.
Indications for use:
- hypo- and vitamin deficiency;
- diarrhea;
- infectious diseases;
- problems in the diet;
- recovery after surgery to remove the stomach;
- dermatitis.
Pyridoxine is found in many foods:
- Animal sources - veal, poultry, pork, beef liver.
- Plant sources - pomegranate, lemons, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, cereals, potatoes, bread and others.
The human body must receive vitamins in a strictly defined dosage per day. For B6 it is 2-6 mg . Overdose often leads to central nervous system disorders. Lack of the substance is more dangerous and is expressed by the following symptoms:
- Malfunctions of the central nervous system - irritability, drowsiness.
- Skin disorder - dermatitis.
- Anemia.
- Disorders in the digestive tract.
The following categories of people are at risk of vitamin deficiency:
- infants;
- people taking antibiotics for a long time;
- women taking hormonal contraceptives;
- patients with liver diseases, atherosclerosis, polyarthritis;
- pregnant women.
Compatibility of B vitamins
Another point that must be taken into account is the compatibility of vitamins with each other. Here's what you need to know:
- Ascorbic acid and pyridoxine are incompatible - they neutralize each other. Taking drugs in this combination does not give results.
- B6 and B1 are prohibited from stabbing together for the same reason. Pyridoxine inhibits B1, making the latter useless.
- B6 and B2 can be combined. Moreover, the addition of calcium, magnesium or zinc is allowed.
- B6 and B12 are often prescribed in pairs. Despite the “friendship” of these elements, it is recommended to inject them on different days (this ensures better digestibility).
- The combination of the following “triples” is allowed - B2, B5 and B9, as well as B2, B6 and B9.
- B12 can enhance the effect of B1.
Recently, doctors have been recommending injections of vitamin B12, which increases overall resistance to stress and restores the central nervous system. The number of injections prescribed to a person depends on the condition, disease and duration of the course. The minimum number of injections is 3-4, and the maximum often reaches 12-14.
How to give injections correctly?
After visiting a doctor and making a diagnosis, injections of vitamins B1, B6, B12 are often prescribed. And here it is worth making a decision - to do the injections yourself or to involve the help of medical professionals.
B6 and B12 injections are usually given intramuscularly. There are two options:
- stab in the thigh;
- inject into the buttock.
The first option is good because you can easily do the work yourself.
The algorithm of actions is simple:
- Use a cotton swab with alcohol to treat the injection site (hands must be clean, they can also be treated).
- The ampoule with the substance is opened.
- A needle is placed on the syringe.
- Air is released and the drug is drawn in.
- This is followed by pressing the piston until the liquid appears from the edge of the needle (the air should come out of the syringe completely).
- With a sharp movement, the needle is driven into the desired place, and the drug is slowly injected.
- The injection site is treated with alcohol.
It is worth considering that B6 and B12 injections are quite painful, so it is recommended to do them with strict adherence to the given technique.