Vitamin B12 Injections – Today’s Trend
Vitamin B12 injections have been used for decades as a safe and effective treatment for B12 deficiency. And because of its direct pathway to the bloodstream the injection has been the preferred method of treatment by physicians and clinicians. This preference is in part due to the fact that most B12 deficiencies are caused by conditions in which the digestive tract cannot properly absorb B12 from foods. Since vitamin B12 injections are administered into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous) they bypass the faulty digestive tract and deliver replenishing levels of B12 directly to the bloodstream. This direct pathway provides high absorption rates and helps to expedite the replenishment and healing process. Depending on the causes and severity of deficiency, vitamin B12 injection schedules typically start with high dose loading for the first two weeks and are followed by monthly maintenance shots. Though other methods of B12 replenishment such as oral and sublingual supplements are available and can be effective, the effectiveness of vitamin B12 injections is undisputed.
In addition to its uses for treatment of B12 deficiency, vitamin B12 injections have seen an increased popularity in use for weight loss and energy boosts. There are a growing number of weight loss clinics that offer B12 injections to “enhance” their weight loss program. Over the last few years some B12 shots have also been expanded to include other vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Though there are many claims that B12 injections increase energy levels as well as metabolism, there is no solid evidence that excess B12 can produce these effects. The role of vitamin B12 in metabolism is well established and so the claims have a basis in fact, but the facts have been distorted through marketing. Vitamin B12 is in fact needed to facilitate the production of energy in the body, but it is through the production of enzymes that help facilitate chemical reactions. In other words B12 is a co-factor or helper in a multi-step process of chemical reactions, not a self contained “energy pack”. While it is clear that patients with B12 deficiency generally experience marked increases in energy after B12 injections, these results remain unproven in otherwise healthy persons.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body, DNA synthesis, neurologic and nervous system function and is involved in the metabolism of virtually every cell in the body. If the body is deficient of this vital vitamin, symptoms such as fatigue appear because the organs are not getting the oxygen and nutrients needed for proper function. Some symptoms such as fatigue, or even neurologic and psychiatric symptoms can appear when B12 levels are only slightly lower than normal. It is likely that reports of energy boosts originate from patients who have suffered vitamin B12 deficiencies. An example of this condition may be a vegan who is otherwise healthy but has low levels of B12 due to the lack of animal products in the diet. Upon treatment and subsequent B12 replenishment, proper organ function is restored and energy levels are increased. However, if the bodies B12 levels are already adequate, taking extra amounts of B12 will not increase the production of energy. And because vitamin B12 is water-soluble the extra vitamins are flushed out of the system and are therefore unusable to the body.
Because the extra B12 is flushed, the body can easily handle huge dosages with little risk of overdose. However, there are a number of drug interactions and potential side effects that can occur with vitamin B12 injections. Side effects are generally mild such as pain and redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, or itching. However, some rare but serious side effects may occur such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain or allergic reactions such rash, itching and swelling or severe dizziness. It is important to let your doctor know of any prescription or over-the-counter medications or vitamins that you are taking. Patients should also beware of vitamin B12 injections or supplements where other vitamins are added including B vitamins. Large doses of B6 (more than 100mg per day) can cause nerve damage in the legs and arms.
Despite the popularity of the B12 injections, other forms of supplementation can also be effective. In addition to injections, vitamin B12 supplements are available in oral pills, sublingual pills and strips, and intranasal spray. Studies dating back to the 1970’s show that oral supplementation in large dosages can be just as effective as the B12 injections including treatment of patients with absorption conditions. The key to effective B12 replenishment through oral supplements is in dosages greater than 500mg. These mega-doses of B12 are thought to be absorbed “en masse” through an alternative pathway and have been proven effective in cases of B12 deficiency, including patients with absorption problems.
Conclusion – Are Vitamin B12 Injections Right For You?
In summary, vitamin B12 injections are a trusted, effective and generally safe method for the treatment of B12 deficiency and have been used and preferred by physicians for decades. If you have B12 deficiency, the effectiveness of vitamin B12 injections is undisputed. However, there are other proven supplements and therefore viable options for B12 replenishment. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are crucial for production of red blood cells, neurological and nervous system function. But most people get plenty of B12 from their diet of animal products such as meat, dairy and seafood. If you’re not deficient in B12 levels, you are not likely to see energy boosts. And if you are hoping to lose weight through vitamin B12 injections, resist the temptations of a quick and easy solution. Instead, work on living a healthier lifestyle that includes healthier foods and physical activity. There is no solid evidence vitamin B12 injections will boost energy or promote weight loss, but the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are real and lasting.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, I would definitely look at B12 supplements
I have heard all the hype about vitamin B12 and weight loss and energy. Thank you for telling it straight! Great information.
Even if needed in small quantity, vitamins form most a important ingredient for all bodily functions and vitamin B12 is one of them. It is available plenty in animal products like liver, milk etc. If present in less quantity it can affect the nervous system, tissue cells etc. Joint pains are less affected because of these vitamins, but tingling numbness in the joints can be because of reduced B12. Your cholesterol level is very high, be careful and try to reduce it . Take a fat free diet. And check your LDL levels.
Great article. I have been taking B12 injections since 1974 because my terminal ilium is not functional due to a chronic disease. I find that if I take them once each week I am fine.
Thanks for the recommendations shared using your blog. Another thing I would like to state is that weight loss is not exactly about going on a dietary fads and trying to reduce as much weight as you can in a couple of weeks. The most effective way in losing weight is by acquiring it slowly and gradually and following some basic recommendations which can help you to make the most out of your attempt to lose fat. You may recognize and be following these tips, yet reinforcing knowledge never damages.
Thanks for the post. B12 can really help you loosing some weight. But sport and the right nutrition are the most important you can do to loose weight.
After finding out I had a B12 reading of 184 my doc suggested that I get 10 B12 injections over 5 weeks. I was 2 months ago and I still dont feel any better….had my blood rechecked a month after finishing injections and my levels were 1400???
Clare,
It looks like the B12 injections were successful at getting your B12 serum levels up. Sorry, you aren’t feeling any better. There could be other underlying issues that caused the B12 deficiency or other unrelated issues. I would recommend a follow-up visit to your doctor for more testing. Good Luck.
I have a question- I haven’t been able to find anything on the internet on this.
I have been taking B12 injections specifically to move away from narcotics to treat symptoms of depression and I’ve been shocked at how well I feel.
However; I take 5HTP and a daily dose of 2000mg of B12. I feel like that is way too much B12 but, I’m not feeling poorly. I’ve considered removing the daily dose of B12 and adding tyrosene. Does anyone know where I can find out more info? or have a suggestion?
I want to Inject Methylcobalamin subcutaneously everyday, can you help?
Emilyn,
I think the only thing I could do to help is to advise against this. Daily injections of Methylcobalamin is excessive and unnecessary. Even severe B12 deficiency can be treated with less.
You can refer to the standard dosage recommendations here http://b12vitamininjections.com/178/b12-injection-dosage/ however, as with all medications, you should consult a medical professional for the methods and dosages that are best for your situation.
Do B12 injections have any effect on treating Alopecia Reata?
I have heard that it can rejuvenate hair growth.
Ken,
While B vitamins are known to play an important role in hair and nail growth, I am not aware of any research that specifically supports b12 injections for the treatment of Alopecia.