Injecting Vitamin B12: Does It Offer Any Advantages?
Vitamin B12 Shots: Shortcuts to Fighting Deficiency
B12 shots are the new health trend, and it's easy to see why. With celebrities raving about their benefits, it's no surprise that B12 injections garner attention. But do these injections really deliver on their promises?
Let's dive into B12 shots, their necessity, and why most people might not need them.
B12 Shots: What's Their Deal?
A B12 shot, also known as an injection, gives you a large dose of B12. These injections can help ease symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, like fatigue. Yet, B12 deficiency is quite common, and the majority of individuals, who can absorb B12 properly, won't require injections.
Before diving into B12 injections, consult a healthcare professional for the best solution tailored to your needs.
What's Up with Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is key for your body's proper functioning. This vitamin plays a role in the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells[1]. B12 can be found in a variety of foods, such as fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, yogurt, eggs, and more[1].
Despite having numerous sources for B12, deficiencies are quite common[1]. Typically, a B12 level below 200 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) is considered a deficiency, and a level above 300 pg/mL is considered normal[1].
Factors increasing the risk of B12 deficiency include:
- Restrictive diets lower in B12
- Certain health conditions, like autoimmune diseases
- Age 60 or older
- Specific medications, such as Metformin or Prilosec
- Gastrointestinal surgery
Although rare, severe B12 deficiency could lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system, but B12 deficiency and suboptimal B12 levels can easily be treated with dietary changes and supplements or injections.
Injections vs. Pills: The Great Debate
Though B12 injections bypass the digestive system, making them useful for people who can't absorb B12 properly, research indicates that high-dose oral B12 supplements are just as effective as B12 injections for treating low B12 levels[6]. Furthermore, oral supplements are generally less expensive than B12 injections.
In a 2019 study, sublingual B12 supplements (a type of supplement that dissolves under the tongue) proved even more effective than B12 injections for increasing B12 levels[6]. Therefore, if you're searching for a solution to combat B12 deficiency, oral supplements are your best bet on the first line.
Benefits of B12 Shots: Outshine the Sun
B12 shots are known for several benefits. These benefits, however, pertain to addressing low B12 levels with B12 injections. There's no evidence supporting the idea that B12 shots provide benefits for individuals with optimal B12 levels.
Quick Fix for Suboptimal Levels
For individuals with low B12 levels, B12 shots are prescribed. If your healthcare professional suspects a B12 deficiency, they'll recommend lab testing to confirm their suspicions. Based on your results, your doctor may recommend high-dose oral B12 supplements or B12 injections.
Better Days Await: Symptom Relief
Common symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, paleness, headaches, swollen tongue, diarrhea, heart palpitations, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and mood changes[1]. If you have a B12 deficiency, increasing your B12 levels can help alleviate these symptoms over time. But if your B12 levels are already healthy, B12 injections won't confer any additional advantages. Your body will maintain the appropriate B12 levels, excreting any excess B12 through urination.
TL;DR: B12 shots are not a miracle cure if you don't have a B12 deficiency.
Are Vitamin B12 Shots Safe?
B12 supplements and injections are regarded as safe, with minimal side effects even with high doses[2]. Mild side effects may include diarrhea and swelling. B12 injections may interact with specific medications, so it's crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor before using a supplement.
In addition, B12 injections can be slightly uncomfortable, especially for those with less body fat[2].
Get Your B12 Fix: The Doctor's Office Awaits
B12 injections should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional as a way to combat low B12 levels. If you believe you might have a B12 deficiency, consult a medical professional for lab testing. Based on your test results, they may suggest oral supplements or B12 injections.
If needed, B12 injections are typically administered over several months, not a one-time deal.
A healthcare professional usually injects B12 into your muscle, but they may let you or a trusted friend administer the injections. Either way, B12 shots require a prescription.
Proceed with Caution: Avoid healthcare professionals who prescribe B12 shots without probing your B12 levels first.
Other Ways to Increase B12 Levels
To maintain healthy functioning, your body needs a steady flow of B12. To obtain this, consume various B12-rich foods, such as organ meats, shellfish, fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fortified foods, and nutritional yeast with added B12[1]. If your diet is balanced, you're likely getting enough B12. However, the only way to ascertain your B12 levels is through lab testing with a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: Some individuals do require supplements for various reasons. If you have questions regarding B12 in your diet or supplements, seek advice from a qualified health professional like a registered dietitian or doctor.
The Bottom Line
B12 has numerous benefits for your body. To ensure optimal functioning, it's crucial to maintain adequate B12 levels.
Those with trouble absorbing B12 from food or those not obtaining enough B12 might need supplements or injections. While B12 shots are appropriate for individuals with deficiencies, there's no evidence that B12 shots offer benefits for people with optimal B12 levels. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best route for addressing your unique health needs.
- Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the body's proper functioning, contributing to the nervous system and red blood cell formation.
- Despite numerous sources for B12, deficiencies are common, especially in individuals with restrictive diets, certain health conditions, those aged 60 or older, and those on specific medications or who have had gastrointestinal surgery.
- Research indicates that high-dose oral B12 supplements are just as effective as B12 injections for treating low B12 levels, and oral supplements are generally less expensive.
- For individuals with low B12 levels, B12 shots can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, headaches, and numbness, but they won't confer any additional benefits if B12 levels are already healthy.
- B12 supplements and injections are generally safe, but they may interact with specific medications, and excessive B12 will be excreted through urination.
- It's important to consult a healthcare professional before considering B12 injections, as they should only be used to combat low B12 levels and are not a miracle cure for everyone.
