Balance Or Increase In Your Metabolism
Vitamin B12 plays an important part in your metabolism. Metabolism is the group of chemical reactions in your cells that sustain life. You may notice your metabolism by how quickly you burn what you eat. When these reactions occur at a slower rate, your body functions are slower. This can cause weight gain and fatigue. With a balanced B12 level, you can boost your metabolism and help it to function better.
A higher, more balanced metabolism will make your body burn calories faster, creating potential weight loss benefits and allowing more food to be converted to energy. While all B vitamins are important for energy production, vitamin B12 is especially important. One of the first symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of energy and fatigue. Boosting your vitamin B12 with an injection will boost your energy if you are significantly deficient. A balanced metabolism may also help other gastrointestinal problems or appetite loss.
How Do You Inject A B12 Shot
Before injecting a vitamin B12 shot, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water. To inject a B12 shot, start by gathering the necessary supplies, including: a Methylcobalamin vial , a clean needle and syringe, alcohol pads, or cotton balls and rubbing alcohol, gauze or bandages, and a biohazard approved container for injection waste disposal.
After you have prepared, you can clean the injection site with alcohol pads or another alcohol solution. Allow the injection site to dry completely before administering the shot. Remember that before every injection, you should clean the top of the vial that contains the B12 solution with a new cotton ball that is not the one used to clean your injection site, and then let dry. There are several options for injection sites, and the steps for injection varies depending on if youre administering an intramuscular injection or a subcutaneous injection. Please consult with a physician or other licensed medical professional to determine the appropriate dosage, frequency, and injection site for your personal needs and comfort.
Why Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for your body that is water-soluble and plays a key role in a number of bodily functions. Vitamin B12 helps to facilitate the production of energy, nerve cell health, neurological functions, DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and other essential functions in the body. Vitamin B12 is present in a wide variety of food sources, namely those that are animal-based as B12 is bound to protein molecules. During digestion, vitamin B12 is absorbed into the bloodstream, with adequate stomach acid being necessary to separate B12 from the protein, with the substance called intrinsic factor essential to absorb the B12.
When individuals cannot absorb Vitamin B12 properly, they may develop pernicious anemia, a condition that is characterized by the lack of intrinsic factor. Given that the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin B12 for adult men and women is 2.4 micrograms , and rises to 2.6 and 2.8mcg for pregnant and breastfeeding women respectively, absorption is essential.
You May Like: Which Brand Of Vitamin C Supplement Is The Best
How Should I Use This Medicine
This medicine is injected into a muscle or deeply under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a clinic or doctor’s office. However, your doctor may teach you how to inject yourself. Follow all instructions.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How To Give Yourself Vitamin B12 Shots
We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase .
Have you ever given yourself an injection?
Until recently, I was squeamish when it came to needles. Perhaps necessity is the mother of injection! I now give myself B12 shots weekly and I would never have guessed how easy and pain-free they are.
Why would anyone need Vitamin B12, or want to give themselves B12 shots? Read this article. You’ll need to see a doctor to assess your need and to get a prescription for your pharmacy. For me, heading into the cooler months of fall and winter, I benefit from the increased energy levels that B12 provides!
I have also been freed from mild dizzy spells, tingling in my extremities, brain fog, and the minor hair loss associated with an under-functioning thyroid. I am also hoping, long-term, to see improvement in the areas of digestion, insomnia, and SIBO.
Also Check: What Is Vitamin C And What Does It Do
Clean The Injection Site
The most important part of giving yourself a B12 shot at home is making sure that you are eliminating an unnecessary risk of infection. By cleaning the injection area before giving yourself the shot, you are ensuring that harmful germs will not enter the body through the injection site.
First, make sure the site is uncovered, and the skin is exposed. Then, saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Now use the cotton ball to clean the skin by moving it in a circular motion. After allowing the site to dry completely, you are ready to move on to the next step.
How Is Vitamin B12 Injection Given
Use Vitamin B12 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Vitamin B12 injection is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving Vitamin B12 injection to a child. Your child’s dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.
For pernicious anemia, you may have to use Vitamin B12 injection for the rest of your life. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia or irreversible nerve damage.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. Folic acid alone will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all medications as directed.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Vitamin B12 can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Vitamin B12 injection.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Don’t Miss: Why No Vitamins Before Surgery
What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- blue tint to skin
- dizziness
- red, swollen painful area on the leg
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
- diarrhea
- headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Are There Any Side Effects To B12 Injections
As with all medications, there are some small risks to consider when choosing B12 injections. These include:
- Problems with absorption.
- The B12 may interfere or interact with other medications that you are taking.
- However, our spinal doctor will carefully monitor your response to the injections to ensure that you do not experience any unwanted side effects.
If you have been suffering from chronic lower back pain, and conventional medications and therapies arent helping, you may be a good candidate for B12 injections. Contact Valley Spinal Care today to schedule a consultation at 362 – 7900.
Also Check: What Vitamins Will Help With Fatigue
B12 Shots Are Convenient
Evgeniia Siiankovskaia / Getty Images
B12 shots can also be much more convenient than a pill. Instead of having to remember to pop a capsule every day, you only need one monthly appointment. The B12 shot is injected into your muscle, most often the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. A health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, will administer the shot at the office or clinic. If you prefer, you can also talk to your doctor about teaching you to administer your own shots at home.
B12 Self Injection Is Easy
Now that you know how to administer B12 injections by yourself, a new world is open to you. You no longer have to rely on doctors , or private clinics . Instead, you can buy injectable B12 and do-it-yourself. Self administered B12 injections are safe, easy, and much more affordable.
Still not sure how to give yourself a B12 shot at home?
Contact us and well help.
Don’t Miss: What Vitamins Help Fight Cancer
What Are The Benefits Of A Vitamin B12 Injection
A vitamin injections can boost your body functions and benefit your health. Because B12 is necessary for so many body processes, getting a vitamin injection has many different benefits. However, it is important that you also do what you can to receive the maximum boost from your injection. Here are seven benefits you may experience.
What Are Vitamin B12 Injections
As you consider the pros and cons of a vitamin B12 injection, its helpful to understand what they are and how they work. Injections are given intramuscularly, whether you visit a doctors office, med spa, or in my case, walk up to my neighborhood wellness truck. In other words, a quick shot. They can either be prescribed by a doctor or made via appointment. Some wellness centers take walk-ins too.
Injections are usually administered as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin . These are very effective at raising blood levels of vitamin B12, thus preventing or reversing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Hydroxocobalamin, in particular, is usually the recommended option as it stays in the body longer. On average, the price of an injection costs anywhere from $20-$100.
Read Also: What Is The Best Vitamin C To Use
S For Preparing Any Vitamin B12 Injection
Is There Anything To Worry About With B12 Injections Like Possible Interactions With Other Medications
For the most part, you dont have anything to worry about when getting B12 shots. Ko says there arent any major risks to B12 injections other than the possibility of localized irritation at the injection site.
Yet despite minimal risks, Patients should only use injections if indicated by their healthcare provider, as the benefits of the treatment should outweigh any risks, Levine says. She adds that one possible side effect is something called hypokalemia, which is when potassium levels in the blood are low.
Recommended Reading: What Does Vitamin C For Skin
What Is Vitamin B12 And What Does It Do
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin.
It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt.
The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop .
Bottom Line:
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in brain function and red blood cell production.
Are Vitamin B12 Injections Worth The Hype Our Expert Explains
There are more pros than cons.
Vitamin B12 injections: A temporary wellness trend or an essential part of overall health? In the last few years, wellness centers and holistic beauty spas have added this buzzy treatment to their menu. In fact, our local farmers market offers walk-in vitamin shots, like immune boosters, vitamin D3, and more.
Typically a straightforward experience, these injections have become increasingly popular and for good reason. Although vitamin B12 injections are usually prescribed to treat a vitamin B12 deficiency, these shots are akin to insurance: Even if youre in good health, you never know when you might need support. Vitamin B12 injections are touted for boosting energy, improving sleep, and more. And dont fret, these shots are administered by experienced medical professionals, like registered nurses.
Also Check: What Vitamin Can I Take To Give Me Energy
How Often Should You Inject A B12 Shot
Vitamin B12 injections are used to treat a range of ailments, and each user requires a unique dosage and frequency to ensure effectiveness. Doctors suggest various frequencies depending on the reason you are using B12. Some doctors recommend that anyone can use B12 injections, with a frequency of up to one shot weekly for 4 weeks. If you are using for non-medical reasons, you can make your own choices to determine how often to use B12 injections. If you are searching for an immune boost, athletic preparation, or recovery, some doctors suggest you can get a few vitamin B12 injections throughout the year. Of course, this all depends on the dosage prescribed by a doctor, which are typically administered in doses of 1000 mcg. How often you should take doses of B12 injections will depend on your bodys ability to store vitamin B12 once your B12 levels in your blood stabilize, the injections can be administered far less frequently. When you begin with B12 injections, frequent medical and blood tests will determine future dosage and frequency.
With B12 injections, how often you take them depends on a multitude of factors and varies from person to person, but dont worry, with these suggestions and a bit of testing to find the level that works best for you, B12 injections can start to lead you to a healthier and more alert life within days.
Whats All The Buzz About Vitamin B12 Shots
In the more recent months, youve probably heard of adding things to your diet like kombucha and vinegarsand lets not forget how hot avocados are right now. There are also vitamins and supplements that are getting their time to shine, too, like probiotics, collagen, and turmeric. One of the newest star vitamins currently is vitamin Bspecifically vitamin B12, in the form of an injection.
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. The amount of vitamin B12 your body needs depends on your age. Most people can get enough vitamin B12 in foods they eat already, such as fish, meat poultry, eggs, dairy products, and foods that are fortified with B12 . However, according to the National Institutes of Health, upwards of 15% of people are deficient in vitamin B12and some studies indicate that number may be higher. People may be deficient in vitamin B12 if they dont eat animal products, or if their body does not absorb it well naturally.
- Increase energy levels and combat fatigue
- Speed up metabolism
Also Check: Can I Take Prenatal Vitamins To Help Get Pregnant
Who Needs Vitamin B12 Shots
Given that vitamin B12 can be purchased over the counter, can be found in foods, and also through pills and tablets, vitamin B12 shots are available only through prescription. Only those that truly need vitamin B12 shots should pursue this option. The human liver generally stores many years worth of vitamin B12, and thus it is rare for individuals to have a significant lack of vitamin B12 in their bodies. Such individuals are prime candidates for the beneficial treatment.
There are three groups of individuals who are particularly at risk of experiencing vitamin B12 deficiencies:
- Those with symptoms of B12 deficiency
- B12 deficiency risk factors
Vitamin B12 Injections Essex
Ideal for rapid absorption, vitamin B12 injections fully bypass the digestive process. This helps your body absorb the vitamin much quicker than taking an oral supplement. Injections are also easier and quicker compared to taking a daily oral supplement. Lets take a look a closer look at the benefits of B12 injections.
- Increase and balance metabolism
B12 plays a critical role in keeping your metabolism balanced. When your metabolism increases, you burn calories at a faster rate. This aids in weight loss. Additionally, your energy levels will increase.
- Prevent anemia
Anemia is a serious condition that can be prevented by B12 injections. With adequate B12, your body will be able to make the red blood cells it needs to thrive.
- Protect Brain Health
The brain needs B12 for neuron regeneration. This speeds up how quickly your neurons fire, enabling you to think and remember faster. B12 deficiency is linked to memory loss.
- Elevate Your Mood
Your brain is closely tied to your emotions. B12 benefits brain function, which is responsible for your mood. Your emotional balance is enhanced when neurons are working properly. Furthermore, B12 is linked to higher serotonin levels.
You May Like: How Much Is A Megadose Of Vitamin C
