Frequently asked questions for Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12
Q. What is Vitamin B12? What is Vitamin B12 used for?
Vitamin B12 is a medicine used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in the body. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis. It also helps to treat anemia, fatigue, and numbness or tingling in hands and feet.Q. What is the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Deficiency of vitamin B12 could be due to poor dietary intake, pernicious anemia (as it leads to poor absorption of vitamin B12) and certain types of stomach related surgeries, such as weight loss surgery or any surgery of the intestines). Besides these, there are some medications which can also lead to its deficiency and some disorders of the immune system (those that cause a decrease in the immunity of our body), such as Lupus or Graves’ disease. Consult your doctor if you have or ever had any of these issues.Q. Is Vitamin B12 effective?
Vitamin B12 is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Vitamin B12 too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.Q. How should Vitamin B12 be taken?
Vitamin B12 should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. It is advised to take Vitamin B12 with food preferably at the same time each day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Vitamin B12?
If you forget a dose of Vitamin B12, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.Q. Is Vitamin B12 safe?
Vitamin B12 is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.Q. Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause depression?
Yes, any imbalance of vitamin B12 or its deficiency may cause depression. Vitamin B12 along with the other forms of vitamin B are extremely important in regulating chemicals which regulate our mood and behaviour.