Who Needs Vitamin B12 Injections And Why?
Our bodies need a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients every day to grow, heal properly and function at its very best. The body can produce some of these vital nutrients naturally, but others must be derived from food or supplements, including vitamin B12.
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Also known as cobalamin, B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. It is also essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system and brain function. As previously mentioned above, the human body cannot produce B12 on its own, therefore it must be obtained through B12 – rich food or supplements. However, many people wind up having difficulty absorbing the vitamin from food, due to certain underlying medical conditions or procedures. This often leads to a deficiency that requires treatment with injections. As unpleasant as this may sound, the importance and health benefits of the injections for these individuals make the momentary discomfort well worth the bother.
Listed below are individuals who need temporary or ongoing vitamin B12 injections and why, along with information regarding possible Medicare coverage.
People Who Require Vitamin B12 Injections
There are several groups of people who often require vitamin B12 injections on either a temporary or ongoing basis, depending on their condition. Some of these individuals include:
– People with pernicious anemia: Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder that affects the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. The condition damages the cells in the stomach lining that produce intrinsic factor, a protein required for the absorption of vitamin B12. People with this condition require lifelong vitamin B12 injections to maintain optimum health.
– Those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can affect the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine. Surgery to remove part of the stomach or intestine may also lead to a deficiency.
– Vegans and vegetarians: Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, and dairy. Vegans and vegetarians may not consume enough of these foods to meet their daily vitamin B12 requirements, leading to a deficiency.
– Seniors: As people age, their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food decreases due to underlying medical conditions that affect vitamin B12 absorption, such as atrophic gastritis.
Health Conditions That Can Occur Due To Vitamin B12 Deficiency
An ongoing deficiency in essential B12 can lead to several serious health problems, including:
– Anemia: B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, in which the red blood cells are larger than normal and unable to function properly.
– Neurological problems: Insufficient levels of B12 can cause neurological problems such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory loss, and confusion. If left untreated for a prolonged period, this can significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
– Cardiovascular disease: A lack of B12 has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the lining of blood vessels.
– Birth defects: Without enough B12 consumption during pregnancy, a woman is at high risk of giving birth to a baby with detrimental or even life-threatening birth defects, including neural tube defects and developmental delays. In more extreme cases, it can even cause a miscarriage.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and supplies, including some injectable drugs. Vitamin B12 injections may be covered under Medicare Part B if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider. To be eligible for Medicare coverage, the injections must be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. The cost of the injections under Medicare Part B may vary depending on several factors, including the location where the injection is administered, the healthcare provider’s fees, and whether the person has met their annual deductible.
If the person has a Medicare Advantage plan, the coverage for these injections may differ from the coverage under traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide the same benefits as traditional Medicare, but with additional benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, before receiving the injections, it is essential to check with the healthcare provider and insurance plan to confirm coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
How B12 Injections Are Administered
Vitamin B12 injections are typically administered by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, in a clinical setting. The injections are given intramuscularly, meaning that the needle is inserted into a muscle, typically in the arm, thigh, or buttocks.
The frequency and dosage of these injections depend on the person’s individual needs and the underlying medical condition. For instance, people with pernicious anemia may require lifelong injections, while those with gastrointestinal disorders may only need injections for a specific period until their condition improves.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin B12 injections are generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. However, as with any medical procedure, there may be some side effects, including pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, nausea, and diarrhea. Also, it is important to notify the healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms happen to occur after receiving the injections.
