For people who dont absorb B12 well, or those whose want to make sure beyond reasonable doubt that theyre getting an ample dose quickly, B12 shots are available via prescription, says Richard Foxx, M.D., a board-certified physician who treats hormonal disorders and nutritional deficiencies
In addition, if your deficiency is caused by intestinal problems (such as celiac disease or Crohns disease), the effectiveness of oral supplements may be greatly reduced because the bodys ability to absorb vitamins through the intestines has been impaired
But it can take anywhere from hours to a day to see B12 blood levels rise after injection, Foxx says
Oral Supplements: A Quick Comparison For people with a confirmed deficiency, especially those with absorption problems, injections generally act faster than oral supplements: Injections: bypass the gut, reliably reach the bloodstream, and often produce noticeable changes in energy and mental clarity within days for those who are deficient