Why do I feel weak even after taking vitamin B12 injections?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

The condition you described with your hemoglobin of 11.4 to 11.7 g/dL is good. It means the hemoglobin is improving and the bone marrow is functioning well. I am not sure about your vitamin B12 levels. You have already received ten injections, and it should have improved significantly. You possibly had a moderate to severe deficiency, which is why your doctor started injections.

With a hemoglobin of 11.7 g/dL, I would not think of any severe deficiency and would assume there are adequate stores. Only if it is falling and your hemogram shows a high MCV (mean corpuscular volume) would I consider vitamin B12 deficiency.

Look at MCV in the complete hemogram. If it is more than 100 fL, then vitamin B12 deficiency may still be present. If it is less than 100 fL, then it is adequate, and the red blood cells are being produced well.

Vitamin B12 is usually produced by gut bacteria in vegetarians. Green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, and similar foods contain good amounts of vitamin B12. You can increase these in your diet and also use vitamin B12 supplements if necessary. Review your hemogram and check the MCV values.

Fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and mood swings are commonly due to anemia. However, your anemia has improved enough that symptoms should be less. If you are staying in a hilly or mountainous area, you may require higher hemoglobin levels. Otherwise, these levels should be adequate. Take more rest, as improvement in stamina will take time.

Vitamin B12 injections are not always necessary unless you have pernicious anemia, where orally taken vitamin B12 does not get absorbed. If you had pernicious anemia, your doctor would likely have informed you. So, do not worry and continue oral vitamin B12 as advised.

Repeat vitamin B12 evaluation is not always necessary. Improving hemoglobin levels is most important, and since it is improving, there is less cause for concern. For any future queries, if possible, attach your reports for a more detailed opinion.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.