Ok, what's the deal with B-12?

[autumn_rose]

So, I've read tid bits here and there about B-12 vitamins/injections being helpful. Can anyone further explain why, how, etc? Is is only if you're deficient? More details, please? Thanks!

 

[shmooda]

When you have Crohn's your body doesn't absorb alot of vitamins and minerals. B12 is very common. It's one of the vitamins that cause anemia if you don't have enough. I give myself B12 injections once a month.

 

[imisspopcorn]

I think the terminal ilieum is where the majority of B 12 is absorbed. My hubby gives me my shots monthly. (Sometimes with a little too much joy) I also use a
B 12 that is sublingual. I think they have transdermal patches available now.

 

[Guest]

deficiency of vit B12 is pernicious anaemia.. and the deficiency causes all kinds of symptoms such as dizziness, extreme tiredness etc..

anyone who's had removal of the particular part of the bowel which absorbs B12, or has disease in that area (hence poor or no absorption of B12) needs to have B12 administered regularly. there isn't much point taking vitamin supplements with B12 in, in these circumstances as the absorption just isn't there.. so that's why we have injections or sublingual tabs, which go straight into the bloodstream.

B12 isn't stored in our body for long - hence once someone is diagnosed with deficiency, they're usually on B12 injections for life. i have mine every 3 months, and usually notice the difference in the way i feel before the injection, and after.

 

[shmooda]

I actually can feel a B12 "high" within 24 hours. More energy and happier!

 

[crohnsproof]

Following my last surgery, removing even more of my bowel and terminal ileum, I have total non-absorption of B12. My doctor put me on B12 injections to up my energy. Gone are the days of not wanting to drag my limp-noodle body out of bed. Let’s get ‘er done woman!

 

[shazamataz]

Interestingly, I have Crohns in my ileum and tested fine for B12. A bit disappointed in a way because i hoped it would be low and I could get injections that would help with the constant exhaustion I exerience!

 

[CrohnieCarolyn]

I was having B12 shots when I lived in Canada but now that I live in the US my doc. here says I don't need them. He told me an oral supplement was enough - BUT I am wondering if I need the shots again as I feel such fatigue a lot of the time...

 

[Becky]

I get monthly b-12 shots and I do not notice a difference.

 

[Christiebird]

I get b12 injections every three months and I definitely notice im lagging in energy even more than usual leading up to the injection - after I swear I feel a difference in my energy levels. They aren't the nicest of injections I don't think but then I don't like needles very much....although having had my bowel resection Im much better with it all

 

[crohnsproof]

shaza, you might inquire about the the B-12 injection. My physician says that you can not get too much in your body. Your body uses so much and the rest is flushed with your urine output. As a matter of fact, I'm going to upping mine to every 2 weeks because of the high and lows. Maybe I can stay a more even keel that way. Good luck!

 

[Guest]

Interestingly, I have Crohns in my ileum and tested fine for B12. A bit disappointed in a way because i hoped it would be low and I could get injections that would help with the constant exhaustion I exerience!

how along ago was that test for B12? we don't store it very well, we tend to use what we have and (normally) our store gets replenished through diet etc.. but in Crohn's that store can deplete in time.

if your Crohn's is in that area, i'd suggest getting a regular blood check for B12 levels.

 

[shazamataz]

I got tested last week (was diagnosed 2 months ago). The only reason it was tsted at all was because I added it to the blood form from the GI myself!

Am seeing my GP next week and will ask her about it then - she is much easier to deal with!

 

[FEELING MUCH BETTER]

You guys really should try this free sample! After 2 days of taking it, I felt a bizillion times better than since being diagnosed, ten years ago! It is a multi vitamin spray, so it is absorbed in the mouth, not in the intestine. I am OFF those stupid B12 shots now forever, (it has 700% daily value - plus all those other vitamins you need). My last bloodwork last month was perfect!

Seriously, you gotta try this!

 

[Guest]

You guys really should try this free sample! After 2 days of taking it, I felt a bizillion times better than since being diagnosed, ten years ago! It is a multi vitamin spray, so it is absorbed in the mouth, not in the intestine. I am OFF those stupid B12 shots now forever, (it has 700% daily value - plus all those other vitamins you need). My last bloodwork last month was perfect!

Seriously, you gotta try this!

hi there & welcome.

just to let you know, i've deleted the links to that product you mention, from all your posts. reason being, we're always interested to learn about new products, and are delighted when a member finds something to help them, but we don't encourage advertising on the forum, so i hope you understand.

oh and maybe it was a little over-enthusiasm on your part, but Vitamin B12 shots are not stupid. they stop people getting seriously ill from pernicious anemia.

 

[Regular Joe]

Can anyone give me a couple brands for sublingual B-12 or US stores that sell them. I know Vitamin World has a sublingual liquid, haven't tried it yet. Actually, I haven't tried B-12, because I haven't had much fatigue, just one day off and one day on since this flare began. But the past two days have pretty much been doing me in. I relent - pass the B-12!

 

[autumn_rose]

Hey, thanks for all the info, everyone! You know, I don't know if I've been checked for B12 levels, but I have a couple more rounds of bloodwork coming up, so I should ask them to check me out. Then maybe ask if the doc would recommend some B12 shots- I do feel very tired and lethargic, so maybe it would help me get my butt out of bed!

 

[imisspopcorn]

Can anyone give me a couple brands for sublingual B-12 or US stores that sell them. I know Vitamin World has a sublingual liquid, haven't tried it yet. Actually, I haven't tried B-12, because I haven't had much fatigue, just one day off and one day on since this flare began. But the past two days have pretty much been doing me in. I relent - pass the B-12!

The bottle I have says "REXALL". I don't shop any where exotic so I probably picked them up at Walgreens or some other chain. I can't remember. I think this was probably the cheapest priced brand, I've never heard of Rexall??