I have a friend who goes to her doctor every month for a shot of vitamin B12. She has been doing this for about a year. She is young (28), healthy, and eats meat. Can anyone tell me why this would be necessary?
Pernicious anemia.
Sorry for the short answer. I didn’t want anyone to go off on a wild goose chase while I looked up the details.
Pernicious anemia is one form of anemia caused by the lack of an enzyme called “the intrinsic factor” normally excreted by the gastric glands in the stomach, and that is necessary for the transport of vitamin B[sub]12[/sub] across the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Without the enzyme she either needs to have B[sub]12[/sub] injections or to consume absolutely huge amounts of the vitamin (as in several pounds a day of calf liver).
Why the problem might manifest itself only at the age of 27, I can’t say.
The main reasonfor monthly B12 injections is to pay the rent.
Like bibliophage, let me also apologize for my terseness.
B12 injections are legitimately needed by people who have true B12 deficiency. As bib said, this can result from pernicious anemia (where a factor needed for B12 absorption is either not produced and/or inactivated). It can also occur if there is a bowel problem that causes malabsorption of B12, eg. Crohn’s Disease.
The ugly truth, though, is that most people get B12 shots unnecessarily. And, even if they truly need them, the frequency of injection, often monthly or even more frequent, is inappropriate. A single injection should last for at least three, and more likely six, months. (Of course, a reduction in frequency of services would cut into the doctors fees/billings.)
Doctors aren’t the only conspirators here, however. Many patients are delighted to get a monthly “tonic”. Many people are seeking a quick fix for what ails them, especially if what ails them is difficult to pin down objectively.