Do you also feel tired, fatigued, or have numbness in your limbs all the time? Sometimes your doctor may have prescribed you vitamin B12 pills for these symptoms. Or you may have heard about it somewhere and are interested in learning more. So, let's talk about this very simply today, as if we were talking to a friend. What is vitamin B12? Why is it so important for our body? What are the things to be careful about when using these pills? Let's know all this clearly today.
What exactly is Vitamin B12 and what does it do?
Simply put, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the healthy functioning of our bodies. It's like engine oil for a car. It has two main functions:
1. Keeping the nervous system healthy: The nervous system is like the railway system that carries messages around our body. Vitamin B12 is essential to maintain the health of this system. When it is low, things like numbness in the limbs and memory loss start to occur.
2. Helps produce red blood cells: Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout our bodies. Vitamin B12 helps these red blood cells to form properly. If you don't have enough B12, you can develop conditions like anemia. That's why when you have a B12 deficiency, you feel tired and lethargic.
Vitamin B12 tablets or capsules are given when the body does not get enough B12 from the foods we eat or when the digestive system cannot absorb it properly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes B12 pills, they will need to know your complete health history. So, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or opportunity | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Anemia | If you already have anemia, it is important to know the exact type and cause. |
| Kidney disease | If you have kidney failure, the excretion of some medications from the body may be altered. |
| Leber's disease | This is a rare hereditary condition that affects eyesight. |
| Malabsorption disorder | A condition in which the body does not properly absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to cyanocobalamin, cobalt, other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy or expecting a child | If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it is essential to inform your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is also very important. To get the most out of a medicine, you need to take it exactly as prescribed.
- Drink with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- Correct measurement for a liquid: If you are given a solution, use only the marked spoon or dropper provided to measure it. Teaspoons at home can cause inaccurate measurements.
- Take with food: For best results, it is best to take this vitamin with or after a meal.
- Take it at the right time: Take the medicine at the right time, at the right intervals, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount for any reason .
If you give it to small children...
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children, but it should only be given under the advice of a doctor. Talk to your doctor about it.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share your medicine with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We all forget to take our medicine from time to time. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once (double dose) to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications, foods, and drinks can interfere with the body's absorption of vitamin B12. So, if you're taking B12, be aware of the following:
- Alcohol
- Aminosalicylic acid
- Colchicine
- Drugs that reduce bone marrow function, such as chemotherapy drugs
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter, traditional medicines, vitamins) . Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
Remember, taking a vitamin pill does not mean that a balanced diet is unnecessary. A vitamin pill is just a supplement.
It is important to follow a healthy, balanced diet. Some foods that naturally contain vitamin B12 include:
- Fish and other seafood
- Egg yolk
- Milk and milk products
- Fermented cheese
It's not good to take too much of any vitamin. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage for you.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people don't experience any major side effects from vitamin B12, but it's good to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
Allergic reactions: If you experience sudden symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, it is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention. | |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting |
| Fatigue | Feeling a little tired |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it as well.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and light.
- Throw away any medicine that has passed its expiration date without using it .
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for our nervous system and the production of red blood cells.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Always take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time, and in the right amount.
- Never share your prescribed medication with others.
- Remember that taking a vitamin supplement is not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet.
- Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects.
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