Vitamin B12, a crucial vitamin for cardiovascular and nerve health, has traditionally been administered through injections to address pernicious anemia and malabsorption of B12. While B12 tablets have been around for more than 30 years, many doctors still don’t know how safe and effective oral B12 supplements can be. Studies have shown over and over that oral B12 is as effective, or even more effective than shots. And most patients prefer the tablets to the shots. So, if you are getting shots of B12 you might want to take a look at the more convenient and user-friendly oral vitamin B12 instead.
Understanding Vitamin B12: An Essential Nutrient
The Role of Vitamin B12 in the Body
Vitamin B12 is integral to several vital bodily functions. It plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Adequate levels of B12 are essential for optimal brain function and energy metabolism. Many misdiagnosed neurological diseases are actually just a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Deficiency in Vitamin B12 can result from various factors. Dietary insufficiencies, particularly in individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets, are common causes. (We recommend that everyone following the Hallelujah Diet take a weekly supplemental form of vitamin B12.) Additionally, certain medical conditions such as pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, and malabsorption syndromes can impede the body’s ability to absorb B12 effectively.
The Limitations of B12 Injections
Invasive Nature and Associated Discomfort
B12 injections, while effective, are invasive and can cause discomfort. The need for regular visits to healthcare facilities for administration can be inconvenient and may deter consistent treatment adherence.
Cost and Accessibility Concerns
The financial burden of B12 injections can be significant, especially when multiple doses are required. Moreover, accessibility issues may arise for individuals in remote areas or those with limited mobility, making regular injections less feasible. Once you get your B12 levels up you still need a shot every month at least.
Benefits Wane Between Injections
Vitamin B12 injections are typically given every month. But levels are not necessarily stable for that long. So you may have symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels before you are due for your next shot.
Oral Vitamin B12 Tablets: A Viable Alternative
Composition and Dosage Forms
Oral Vitamin B12 tablets are available in various forms, including sublingual tablets that dissolve under your tongue, or tablets to just swallow, capsules, and lozenges. They contain B12 in different forms, such as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. The bio-active methylcobalamin form is preferred as it is ready to go in the body with no extra activation steps needed.
The Normal Mechanism of B12 Absorption is Complex
Upon ingestion, Vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach. This complex facilitates absorption in the small intestine. Factors such as age, gastrointestinal health, and the presence of intrinsic factor can influence absorption efficiency.
Passive Absorption is the Key to Oral Supplementation
About 1 percent of a dose of vitamin B12 can be absorbed passively by diffusion. So, if you take 1,000 mcg (micrograms) of B12, you can absorb 10 mcg of B12, even if your complex absorption pathway is not functioning properly. The amount you need every day is about 2 or 3 mcg, so 10 mcg is more than enough to help you recover from a deficiency or give you some reserves for when you don’t get any vitamin B12. This passive absorption is the key to why you can take oral vitamin B12 ,even with pernicious anemia, and get great results.
Benefits of Oral Vitamin B12 Tablets
Convenience and Ease of Use
Oral tablets offer unparalleled convenience. They can be taken at home without the need for medical supervision, promoting better adherence to supplementation regimens. And sublingual tablets will dissolve in your mouth so you don’t have to worry about swallowing them.
Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Injections
Oral supplements are generally more affordable than injections. This cost-effectiveness makes them an attractive option for long-term management of B12 levels.
Reduced Risk of Side Effects
Oral administration typically presents a lower risk of side effects compared to injections. The absence of needle-related complications and a reduced likelihood of allergic reactions contribute to their safety profile.
Can You Take Too Much Vitamin B12?
Unlike most vitamins and minerals there is no known toxic intake level for vitamin B12. It is literally non-toxic. So taking 2,000 mcg a day is not a problem. Even an extra strength dose like 10,000 mcg a day would be OK and helpful in severe neurological cases.
Who Should Consider Oral Vitamin B12 Tablets?
Individuals with a B12 Deficiency
Studies have repeatedly shown that oral B12 tablets are just as effective as shots, for any level of deficiency. Typically a person will take 1,000 mcg of B12 each day for 3 months or so. Then they will take a weekly tablet of 1,000 mcg of B12. As we get older our absorption of vitamin B12 can diminish, so it is important to check that your vitamin B12 levels are excellent as you get older.
Those Seeking a Less Invasive Option
Individuals who don’t like needles or are afraid of injections will find oral tablets a preferable alternative. You just need to be assured that the oral tablets work, which is why you are reading this article.
People with Dietary Restrictions
For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, oral B12 tablets offer an accessible way to supplement a diet that may lack sufficient B12 from food sources.
Insights from Medical Studies and Research
Research indicates that high-dose oral Vitamin B12 supplementation can be as effective as injections in correcting deficiencies. Studies have shown that oral doses of 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms daily can normalize serum B12 levels over time. A 2016 review of 2 randomized clinical trials and 3 prospective studies concluded that oral B12 at 1,000 mcg a day was a safe and effective alternative to intramuscular injections.
Taking 1,000 mcg a day normalized serum levels of vitamin B12 within 15 days, showing that the oral route can be trusted even for immediate results, without the need to take shots first and then convert over to oral tablets just for maintenance. In a study that used 2,000 mcg per day the levels of serum vitamin B12 were markedly higher after 2 and 4 months than the group that took 9 injections of B12.
In a study that lasted for 1 year oral B12 was taken daily for 8 weeks and then just 1,000 mcg a week for weeks 9-52. The weekly oral tablets worked just as well as the monthly shots over the long haul. Notably, 83 percent of the participants preferred the oral route over the monthly B12 shots.
Finally, one study compared sublingual tablets, swallowed tablets, and vitamin B complex tablets for efficacy in raising deficient B12 levels. It turns out that all 3 kinds of oral tablets worked. So, if your B complex has vitamin B12 in it, like the B Complex offered by Hallelujah Diet, you should not need a separate B12 supplement.
Monitoring Your Progress: Tracking B12 Levels
Regular blood tests are the most reliable method to assess the effectiveness of oral B12 supplementation. These tests measure serum B12 levels and help determine if adjustments are needed. Serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) can also be used as a functional test of vitamin B12 activity. Elevated levels of MMA indicate that you aren’t getting enough B12 into your body, regardless of what your serum B12 levels say.
When to Consult Your Doctor for Adjustments
If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or neurological issues even though you are taking a supplemenp, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or exploring alternative forms of B12 supplementation to better meet your needs.
Conclusion: Making the Switch to Oral Vitamin B12 Tablets
Transitioning from B12 injections to oral tablets offers a convenient, cost-effective, and less invasive method to maintain optimal B12 levels. While injections remain essential for certain medical conditions, oral tablets present a viable alternative for most individuals. You can work with your doctor and see if switching over to oral tablets will likely work in your particular situation.
