While there’s no solid evidence that Vitamin B-12 increases weight and inflammation, Vitamin B-12 shots are prescribed to treat vitamin B-12 deficiencies, especially if the body has difficulty absorbing the vitamin. A doctor may recommend oral supplementation or injections of this vitamin due to a health condition. Often, some people may use vitamin B12 if feeling weak due to megaloblastic anemia.
What are B-12 Injection Benefits?
Vitamin B-12 is a type of water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in brain function, production of DNA, and red blood cells. It’s known to be the most effective way to treat a deficiency simultaneously; the injections are prescribed and given intramuscularly. Another benefit of this shot has been linked to a decline in brain function, depression, and osteoporosis.
- Brain function. B12 may help dementia since there may be a consequential link to low blood levels.
- Depression. Treating depression with vitamin B12 can’t reduce symptoms but could help boost mood and energy level.
- Osteoporosis. The loss of bone mass results in this disease and an increased risk of bone fractures may be treated by B12 as it increases the low blood levels.
- Autoimmune-related anemia. B12 is the preferred treatment for patients unable to absorb the vitamin.
Who Is A Candidate For The B12 Injection?
Some people have trouble absorbing B12. The National Institutes of Health study reports that between 1.5% and 15% of the public has a deficiency. While it’s recommended that the daily intake of vitamin B12 is six micrograms, it is advisable to see a doctor if B12 is deficient. The deficiency is also common in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, as B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. It is also not advisable not to use Vitamin B12 injection if there are allergies to cobalt or if a person has Leber’s disease. Remember that Vitamin B12 shots are only available by prescription following a clinical diagnosis of low levels.
Why Are Some People B12 Deficient?
In general, some people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery, diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, and older people who eventually lose the ability to absorb vitamin B12. While food from an animal is rich in B12, some meat-eaters don’t absorb it very well, not only vegans and vegetarians. Moreover, people who don’t produce enough intrinsic factors can become deficient.
Side Effects of B12 Injection
As more vitamins get popularized today, it is best to consult a doctor to ensure safety and regulation before resorting to getting the shot. Overall, B-12 injections are relatively safe with no significant side effects, but below are unknown incidents that may occur. Thus, it’s better to inform the medical health provider if patients have a history of eye problems or Leber’s disease (whether it’s patient or a family member); kidney or liver diseases; iron or folic acid deficient, any infection; pregnant or breastfeeding; or if one is undergoing bone marrow treatment.
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Diarrhea
While there is some side effect of gaining weight but with its lack of quality research, B12 shots are being offered at some clinics for a weight-loss program that provides more energy and boosts metabolism, helping shed unwanted pounds. There are more side effects on weighing loss reported than gaining weight. Of course, the desire to lose weight should be an urge to resist easy solutions. It is still crucial to change the lifestyle while enjoying healthier foods in appropriate quantities and include physical activity in the daily routine.
Is It Safe To Do It At Home?
Notably, at-home treatment such as B12 injections will depend on the physician’s recommendation whether a medical professional should administer the B12 injections or the patient can handle the task themselves after getting the prescription from the doctor or other trained professionals. Some patients ask their family members to administer, especially those with a medical background. While some are doing it at home, it is still best to have it in a medical spa to learn proper injection techniques from the trained professional before attempting to administer the treatment at the comfort of the patient’s home.
Vitamin B12 Alternatives
As mentioned, Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods and some fortified foods that have added B12. The following are good sources of Vitamin B12.
- Beef kidney: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 311% RDI.
- Canned salmon: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 61% of the RDI.
- Chicken: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 3% of the RDI.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs provide 25% of the RDI.
- Ground beef: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 40% of the RDI.
- Liver: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 881% of the RDI.
- Milk: 1 cup (250 ml) provides 20% of the RDI.
- Trout: 1/3 cup (75 g) provides 61% of the RDI.
While injections are the preferred treatment for patients unable to absorb vitamin B12, some people have resorted to B12 supplements to get the job done. B12 injections are becoming a more and more popular alternative. The idea of getting the vitamins via needle might be a little intimidating; that is why experts are there to help explain the details. If you think you’re a good candidate for injections, it’s crucial to talk to the doctor about your options.
Final Thoughts for B12 Injection
Recently, vitamin B12 injections and infusions have become popular among healthy people who don’t appear to have a deficiency. Indeed, regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood. Still, it is essential to seek personal and professional experience in aesthetic, beauty, and wellness services.
That is why Suvita Medical Aesthetics, therefore, offers B12 injections with other services to support wellness like no other. Suvita has worked for years in the procedure-driven field of emergency medicine. The Suvita difference starts with a talented team — combining skilled hands with an artistic eye, confidently providing every client with exceptional results to achieve their beauty and wellness goals.
