Question: You advocate daily vitamin B12 shots to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive decline. But it would seem difficult for most seniors to go to the doctor each day for 14 days for a shot. Wouldn’t a sublingual methylcobalamin (orally administered vitamin B12) do just about as well at 1 mg?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
I wish vitamin B12 worked as well orally as it does with intramuscular injections. However, that is not the case. My clinical experience with B12 is crystal clear: The injectable form is far superior to the oral form. It is true that blood levels can rise
with oral or even intranasal forms of B12. But the injectable form of natural B12 (either hydroxo- or methylcobalamin) works better for all ages, especially the elderly.
Vitamin B12 is a very large molecule, and absorption is variable with oral use. If someone is taking an acid-blocking medication, their oral absorption is further inhibited.
Granted, it is difficult for any patient to have to find someone to administer a B12 shot. In my office, we train our patients to administer their own B12 shots. I have had thousands of patients self injecting B12 without adverse effects.
B12 shots are inexpensive and very safe. Usual doses are 1 mg injected daily for 14 to 30 days, and then continuing with 1 mg twice per week as a maintenance dose. More information about vitamin B12 can be found in the March 2009 issue of my newsletter "Natural Way to Health."
© 2011 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
