Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various body functions like red cell formation, maintaining nerve cell function, and DNA synthesis.

Essential vitamins are the vitamins that cannot be produced by the body in sufficient amounts and have to be obtained through diet or supplements to support physiological functions in the body. Vitamin B12 also belongs to group of essential vitamins and is required for various important functions in the body, like red cell production, DNA synthesis, and nerve protection.

The key functions of Vitamin B12 include:

• It helps in the production of red blood cells, thus preventing anemia.
• Supports brain function and nerve cells, thus reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease.
• Helps is DNA synthesis, essential for cell division and production of genetic material.
• Helps in metabolism.
• Helps in reduction of heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels.

Vitamin B12 is essential for everyone, but certain groups may benefit from supplementation.

• Vegetarians and vegans.
• Individuals with anemia
• Individuals aged 50 or more.
• People with malabsorption disorders.
• People with pernicious anemia.
• Alcoholics and heavy drinkers.
• Individuals with diabetes.
• Individuals with high levels of homocysteine.

The benefits of B12 injection include:

• Faster absorption and relief of symptoms of anemia like fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.
• Delivery of high dose and faster correction of deciency.
• Improved energy and reduced fatigue.
• Improves focus and concentration.
• Reduction in neurological symptoms, like tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness 

The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Anemia: pale or jaundiced skin, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness.
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
• Muscle weakness leading to difficulty in walking or maintaining balance.
• Memory loss 
• Depression, irritability, and mood changes.
• Digestive: loss of appetite, weight loss, glossitis, mouth ulcers.
• Heart palpitations.

The vitamin B12 deficiency can be diagnosed by following tests.

• Complete blood count and peripheral smear.
• Serum vitamin B12 test.
• Methylmalanoic acid test.
• Homocysteine test
• Holotranscobalamin (active B12) test.
• Intrinsic factor antibody test.

If left untreated, severe B12 deficiency may lead to nerve damage and lead to neuropathy.

The foods rich in vtamin B12 include:

• Animal products like eggs, beef, chicken, fish, milk cheese, and yogurt.
• Fortified foods like: breakfast cereals, plant-based milk (soy, almond oat).

The cost of vitamin B12 injections or infusions varies based on the dosage required and number of sessions required to treat the deficiency.

The vitamin B12 injection can be given in two routes:

Intramuscular: injected into the muscle, usually in the button, gives sustained release of vitamin B12.

Intravenous: Administered by introducing an intravenous cannula in the vein of your arm and delivered directly into the blood, it gives immediate delivery of the vitamin and corrects deficiency faster.