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Why Do Medical Doctors Not Want to Give B12 Shots?

Some people credit injections of vitamin B-12 with easing or curing many ailments, including pernicious anemia, dementia and fatigue. However, some doctors are hesitant to administer the shots.

  1. Elderly Patients

    • According to an article published in "Human Events," doctors are discouraged from giving B-12 injections to elderly patients. For B-12 to have its desired effect, hydrolic and a protein must be present in the stomach. In patients over 65, these levels naturally decrease, leading to the likelihood the B-12 will not be properly absorbed.

    Angioplasty

    • Doctors are cautious with patients who have had an angioplasty because certain combinations of vitamins can cause restenosis, or re-narrowing of the arteries.

    Polycythemia Vera

    • When vitamin B-12 shots are given to patients who have polycythemia vera (a blood disorder), fatal hypokalemia and gout can result.

    Anemia

    • If a patient is susceptible to megaloblastic anemia, giving a shot of B-12 can hide whether the patient has a low folate level.

    Leber's Disease

    • Leber's disease is a hereditary optic nerve disorder. B-12 in patients with Leber's can cause optic atrophy.

    Side Effects

    • Some of the side effects of B-12 injections could cause concern for medical doctors. These can include itching, temporary rash, hives and diarrhea. The potential side effects would be particularly relevant to patients with preexisting skin conditions.

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