B12 injectios vs pills

[Bossywife]

So my husband's HgB has plummeted and the doctor suggested his B12 was low ... causing anemia. She did not suggest B12 injections.. just the pills.

Should we push for the injections? or are the pills just as good?

[Marlene]

For most, B12 pills will work depending on the type and dose. The type of B12 in the shots is usually the Cyanocobalamin form of B12. Your body has to convert it an usable form. Many pills are also this form. This is the least effective form of B12 especially if you have absorption issues or lack intrinsic factor.

The bio available form is Methylcobalamin. Two others are Hydroxocobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin but are harder to find and not as stable but would be used if the methyl form is too strong.

Jarrow makes a good sublingual methly form of B12. They also have a combo which includes the active form of folate. Both needed for good blood production. They have 1000mcg, 2500 mcg and 5000 mcg dosages available. You can start with the 1000mcg 1x/day for 3 days and see how you do and then add in another 1000mcg for a total of 2000 msgs/day for 3 days, etc.

Some find it gives them energy so they take it in the morning, other find it makes them sleepy so they take it at night. Most feel no difference.

If you get your blood checked again for B12, you need to stop supplementing at least 3 -4 day prior to the draw.

Do you know why his B12 is low? I would be concerned that there may be other nutritional insufficiencies to consider.