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Where Can You Get Vitamin B12 Shots

Are Vitamin B12 Injections Worth The Hype Our Expert Explains

Are Vitamin B12 Injections Worth Your Money?

There are more pros than cons.

By Edie Horstman

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.

How To Give Yourself Vitamin B12 Shots

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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.

Are B12 Injections Safe

Our service provides safe access to premium vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin. A toxic vitamin B12 overdose could not occur as the body will absorb what it needs from the B12 injected and excrete any excess in the urine.

Intramuscular injection of B12 carries a very low risk of side effects and offers an accessible wellness boost to optimise energy release, metabolism and support mental wellbeing. Our B12 Self-Injection Kits include step by step instructions to ensure safe, intramuscular injection of vitamin B12.

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What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is more common in people whose families come from northern Europe. It is caused by one of the following:

  • Lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein made in the stomach. It is needed to absorb vitamin B12. This type of B12 deficiency anemia is called pernicious anemia.
  • Surgery that removes or bypasses the end of the small intestine. This part of the small intestine is where vitamin B12 is absorbed.

The inability to make intrinsic factor may be caused by several things, such as:

  • Chronic gastritis
  • Surgery to remove all or part of the stomach
  • An autoimmune condition, where the body attacks its own tissues

Other types of megaloblastic anemia may be linked with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and a family history of the disease.

The inability to make intrinsic factor may be the result of several factors, such as chronic gastritis, gastrectomy , or an autoimmune condition . Other types of megaloblastic anemia may be associated with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and a family history of the disease.

B12 Shots Are Convenient

B12 Shots: Should You Get One?

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.

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How Much B12 Should You Take

For healthy individuals who are not at risk for B12 deficiency, eating a well-rounded, healthy diet should provide all the B12 their body needs.

Food sources of this vitamin include eggs, red meat, poultry, seafood, milk, yogurt, fortified cereals, nutritional yeast and fortified non-dairy milks.

However, individuals on medications that impact B12 absorption, pregnant or breastfeeding women, vegans and anyone with a condition that negatively impacts the absorption of or increases the need for B12, should consider taking a supplement.

Additionally, evidence from population studies suggests that B12 deficiency in older adults is common, which is why its recommended that adults over 50 take supplements .

While megadoses of up to 2,000 mcg are considered safe in treating B12 deficiency, its always best to avoid excessive amounts of any vitamin, especially when its not needed.

Though daily high doses of B12 are unlikely to cause harm in most people, extremely high doses should be avoided unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

If you think you may be deficient in B12, speak with your doctor, who can recommend an appropriate treatment based on your level of deficiency.

While no UL has been set for B12, your bodys ability to absorb the vitamin depends on how much it actually needs.

For example, its estimated that only 10 mcg of a 500-mcg B12 supplement is actually absorbed in people without a deficiency (

Where To Find Vitamin B12 Medication For Your Injection

Now that you know how often to inject vitamin B12, you may be wondering what the next steps before you can buy b12 shots. First and foremost, it is essential to consider a trusted pharmacy to purchase your B12 solution. Before purchasing the B12 medicine, please discuss your treatment with a medical professional to make sure that this is the right method for you, and to ensure the product you use is of the upmost quality.

When deciding where to begin your journey to better health using vitamin B12 injections, the best place to begin is with Invigor Medical. Invigor Medical offers many benefits, which include:

  • Meeting or exceeding rigorous national standards
  • Highly qualified and credentialed staff
  • The highest quality chemicals for a low cost
  • Quality sterile and non-sterile products.

If you want a high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade B12 supplement that provides diverse benefits for your health, then you should consider Invigor Medical naturally derived Methylcobalamin supplement. To determine if this is the right option to improve your health and wellness, and to obtain a prescription, you can discuss options with a trusted health care professional.

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Are There Side Effects To B12 Injections

For the most part, B12 injections are very safe and have few side effects. There is no harm in taking large amounts of B12 as the body only uses what it needs and naturally expels any excess. After receiving a B12 injection, there may be some pain or redness at the injection site, and there is the possibility of mild diarrhea, itchiness and the feeling of swollen skin all over your body. However, there is only cause for concern if these symptoms persist. Allergic reactions to B12 shots are very rare, but symptoms that require medical attention include a rash, itchiness or swelling in the face or mouth and dizziness.

How B12 Works In The Body

Ask Dr. Nandi: Should you take Vitamin B12 to boost mood?

The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals explains that vitamin B12, like all B vitamins, is water soluble, which means the body expels what it does not use. Its main job is to maintain healthy nerve cells, support proper brain function, and assist in the production of DNA and RNA. B12 also works with other B vitamins to improve certain functions. For instance, B12 and B9 together help to make red blood cells. B12, B6, and B9 team up to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, high levels of which have been associated with possible heart disease.

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Who Could Benefit From A B12 Shot

Since most people are able to consume enough vitamin B12 through their diet, only those who have trouble getting or absorbing enough of the nutrient can benefit from the shot.

For example, these shots are often used to prevent or treat pernicious anemia a rare blood disorder that results from the intestines not absorbing enough B12.

Others who might be prescribed B12 shots are those at the highest risk for a B12 deficiency, including:

  • Vegans, since vitamin B12 is found only in animal products
  • People ages 60 and up since their bodies don’t absorb B12 as efficiently
  • People with Crohn’s disease or pancreatic disease, since they prevent nutrient absorption
  • People with diabetes

Since a mild B12 deficiency might not cause symptoms, it can go undetected for years since levels are not checked during routine blood work.

Therefore, if you are at high risk of a B12 deficiency, consult with your healthcare provider, who can run a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Treating a B12 deficiency is crucial since a severe deficiency can lead to nerve damage or neurological problems.

Warning: In recent years, vitamin B12 shots have increased in popularity due to claims they help with weight loss and boost energy. But there is no evidence supporting these claims.

What Is This Medicine

CYANOCOBALAMIN is a man made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is used in the growth of healthy blood cells, nerve cells, and proteins in the body. It also helps with the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. This medicine is used to treat people who can not absorb vitamin B12.

This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME: B-12 Compliance Kit, B-12 Injection Kit, Cyomin, LA-12, Nutri-Twelve, Physicians EZ Use B-12, Primabalt

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Key Points About Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

  • With this condition, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack of vitamin B
  • It is one of several types of megaloblastic anemia.
  • Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs dont get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body cant work as well.
  • Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
  • Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.

What Precautions Should You Take With Vitamin B12 Shots

Vitamin B

While taking vitamin B12 shots as energy boosters at health spas has become a rising trend, its important to exercise caution. Vitamin B12 shots should be taken only in prescribed doses and administered by a licensed medical practitioner.

Before taking a B12 shot, tell your doctor if you:

  • Are allergic to B12, cobalt or any multivitamin combinations
  • Have vision issues or Lebers disease
  • Have any infections

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Be Sneaky Harmful

What harm can having too little of vitamin B12 do? Consider this: Over the course of two months, a 62-year-old man developed numbness and a “pins and needles” sensation in his hands, had trouble walking, experienced severe joint pain, began turning yellow, and became progressively short of breath. The cause was lack of vitamin B12 in his bloodstream, according to a case report from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It could have been worsea severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to deep depression, paranoia and delusions, memory loss, incontinence, loss of taste and smell, and more.

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.

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Are There Any Side Effects

Side effects are rare, but there are a few to be aware of. A slight sting is a given with any injection, but there are several other side effects you might have to deal with after a B12 shot. “Redness and pain at the injection site, headaches, pain in joints are some side effects that are reported,” notes Avena.

If you experience other side effects, including the feeling that your body is swelling, a rash, dizziness, headaches, fever, and infection around the jab site, then you should contact your doctor. The more severe side effectsirregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and muscle crampsare rare, but you should immediately contact emergency services if you experience them.

What Are The Symptoms Of B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 Injections Put to the Test

Vitamin B12 deficiency is something that can happen to anyone, but it is especially prevalent in people aged 50 and older. As the body ages, it naturally begins to lose the ability to absorb B12, resulting in deficiencies of the B vitamin. Those who maintain a vegan diet are also at high risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency since meats and other animal by-products are some of the best sources of B12.

Some of the more common symptoms of a B12 deficiency include:

  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Cognitive difficulties, like memory loss
  • Oral pain, especially a red or swollen tongue
  • Tingling or numbness, especially in fingertips
  • Distorted or blurred vision
  • Dizziness or shortness of breath

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It Can Help You Lose Weight

Do you want to lose weight and are B12 deficient? Well, theres one answer, get more B12 vitamins. Naturally, B12 vitamins can help enhance your metabolism thereby helping you lose weight.

With increased metabolism comes the faster breakdown and removal of fat from the body. Dont forget that Vitamin B12 comes with an energy boost that will be great for your workout routines.

Also, you will be able to go beyond your limit without getting tired afterwards. However, if your body isnt getting sufficient B12, its not unusual to notice drastic changes in your weight. This is often due to low energy levels in your body.

What Is Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 actually refers to an entire family of compounds. These compounds all contain cobalt, which is why vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. Theyre all grouped together under the name vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin obtained from animal sources, such as:

Bacteria are the only living organisms to produce vitamin B12. All other organisms get their vitamin B12 from their food. Its also the only water-soluble vitamin stored in the liver, as opposed to being excreted in the urine.

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How Long Does A B12 Shot Last

Generally, its difficult to say precisely how long a vitamin B12 shot lasts in the body. However, the duration depends on your bodys reaction to vitamin B12 shots. It also depends on the frequency at which you get B12 shots.

Simply put, how long the B12 shot will last is different for everyone. Though it differs a bit from one person to another, the effects of B12 vitamins usually last around 48 hours to 72 hours after the initial injection. Notably, depending on the deficiencys severity, patients may need five to seven shots in their first week of treatment.

What Is A Vitamin B12 Injection

Why Vitamin B12 Shots Become Very Popular And How To Know ...

Vitamin B12 is a significant vitamin for the human body. This implies that our body needs vitamin B12 to function correctly. This vitamin is present in dairy products, fish, and meat. Also, it can be produced artificially from the laboratory. Usually, people consume it alongside other B vitamins.

During digestion, vitamin B12 is usually removed from protein and then sent straight into the bloodstream. The stomach needs sufficient stomach acid to retrieve the vitamin from the protein. In general, individuals who cannot absorb vitamin B12 correctly may have pernicious anemia. This is a type of anemia that is often distinguished by the lack of an intrinsic factor.

Ultimately, the standard average vitamin B12 intake per day should be around 2.4 mcg for individuals above 14years. However, breastfeeding and pregnant women need about 2.8 mcg and 2.6 mcg, respectively. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper development and function of the blood cells, nerves, brain, and other parts of the body.

Some of its function in your body includes:

  • DNA synthesis
  • Formation of red blood cell etc.

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Why Vitamin B12 Is Important

The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out other functions. The average adult should get 2.4 micrograms a day. Like most vitamins, B12cant be made by the body. Instead, it must be gotten from food or supplements.

And therein lies the problem: Some people dont consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, while others cant absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people.

Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The human liver stores several years worth of vitamin B12, so having a deficiency isnt very common. However, its important to know what your levels are, after all, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and affect brain function. A few symptoms of B12 deficiency include: Conditions of the small intestine , anemia, fatigue, constipation, poor balance, memory loss, shortness of breath, and more.

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