HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Why B12 injection vs sublingual or tablet?

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/22/2008 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I just was tested and found out I have a b12 deficency.

I picked up some tablets and sublingual tabs at walgreens.

I see people here are getting injections, whats the difference?

How long after the b12 supplement did you start to feel better?

Posted 1/22/2008 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
with crohns our bodies don't 'digest' and break down the pills proper so injections are needed. The pills likely don't spend enough time in a crohns persons body to make it into the blood stream and work proper or give us what we need through the proper breakdown ...actually in healthy people alot of those pills don't break down and work proper either.
Thats why we all get injections, its a guarantee that our bodies are taking in what we need and getting the nutrient.

At first I never noticed a difference but I didn't know what to look for, now after years I finally picked up on my bodies reaction to it and notice right away when I get my shot and start to feel better. I guess it could be dependant on the person like a lot of things crohns.
Posted 1/22/2008 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
how about sublingual? Where is that absorbed?
Posted 1/22/2008 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
from under the tongue - those large blue viens, right into the blood stream, sublingual is better then pills for absorption but may not be enough. B12's are absorbed close to the ilem, so if you have problem around that area you may not absorb very well, scar tissue and damage. that's my problem, I did the sublingual but couldn't get enough that way even tho I was doing 2x dose 2x aday........ I give myself the shots monthly
Posted 1/22/2008 5:40 AM (GMT 0)
Some people will gain benefit from sublingual tabs, others have to do injections. It basically is a matter of what part of the small bowel is impacted [and to what extent] by the Crohn's. I take very high dosage B12 sublingual lozenges [1000 mcg] that I get at Super Supplements. These are methylcobalamin as opposed to cynacobalamin. B 12 in foods is in the form of cynacobalamin which the body must convert to methylcobalamin to utilize. The supplements I use are methylcobalamin so the body can absorb it - ready to use. Also, I take a PPI for GERD and gastritis caused by CD. PPIs can effect the absorption of B12 supplements so that is why I take the high dose that I do. My GI and neurologist both agree that this is what I need to do. In addition, I take folic acid supplements because B12 deficiency can go hand-in-hand with folic acid deficiency.
Posted 1/22/2008 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
There are other choices too, in my case my GP started me with injections then had me take pills (1200mcg) and weaned me off the injections, checks my B12 every year and I'm still doing great with the 1200mcg pills and it's been 5 yrs now...I also didn't have CD affecting my ileum at the time (or to date) but my B12 was still low and that's why he started me on shots and weaned me on to tablets which worked out fine for me.

:)
Posted 1/22/2008 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
I am on monthly shots given by neighbor who is an rn. He gives me the shot in the top of my thigh. He says its best to give there because there is more muscle there. They do not hurt at all either in the leg...Susie
Posted 1/22/2008 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I do the B-12 injection. Its the best for us crohnnies to do.
Posted 1/22/2008 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi red,
I use the sublingual dots,4000mcg. per day.I also had a b12 deficiency & was lucky enough to turn that around w/the sublinguals.My GP suggested that I try the sublinguals first,because I was very hesitant about doing the injections myself.I'm not so much scared of self injecting as I am having the needles at home...I have a 4 yr old.

good luck & take care!
Posted 1/22/2008 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Do ALL folks w/CD need to take B-12 in some form or another? How does one know if they need it?
Posted 1/22/2008 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
EMom....
you should definitely ask your sons doc to check his levels.B12 deficiency can lead to other serious problems,especially anemia.

good luck & take care!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply