Vitamin B12 shots are a standard prescription for patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if the patient’s body has difficulties absorbing the water-soluble vitamin. Its deficiency is a form of malnutrition that can lead to a variety of health problems. These health problems can range from temporary fatigue to permanent changes in the nervous system. It is usually sourced from protein sources. And due to some health conditions, patients cannot absorb or get enough B12. So vitamin supplementation through oral supplements or B12 shots may be administered to cater to the deficiency.
B12 shots are usually prescribed for people who have problems with vitamin B12 absorption or those who have done bariatric or gastric surgery. B12 shots are recommended in these situations as the vitamin goes directly to the bloodstream, skipping the digestive system. This article will talk about the benefits that B12 shots can do and the risks that come with them. Also, it will talk about the importance of maintaining adequate B12 levels in the body.
What is cobalamin or vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin essential to the body. It is involved in the following bodily functions:
- Production of red blood cells
- Nerve cells
- Production of DNA
One of the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia. Because vitamin B12 has a role in DNA synthesis, low levels of this vitamin may inhibit nuclear division, resulting in having large blood cells in the bone marrow. This condition is characterized by muscle weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Moreover, Vitamin B12 is present in animal dietary sources. Thus, vegans or people who do not eat animal products tend to be low in this vitamin. Some of the most common sources of B12 are:
- Fish
- Meat
- Eggs
- Nutritional yeast
- Dairy products
- Other fortified foods
In animal food sources, vitamin B12 is bound to protein molecules. When the food is already in the digestion process, gastric juices or stomach acid separates these vitamins from the protein molecules. A substance called intrinsic factor lets the bloodstream absorb the vitamin.
Unfortunately, some people do not produce enough gastric juices or have autoimmune atrophic gastritis. This condition happens when the body cannot produce enough intrinsic factor that is essential in the digestion process of a person. Thus, these people with special conditions need B12 shots to make up for the low levels of B12 in their bodies, avoiding the occurrence of pernicious anemia. Moreover, other people who just had gastric surgery may need it as they cannot absorb vitamin B12 efficiently yet.
What is the essence of having B12 shots?
Vitamin B12 shots are a type of supplementation wherein the synthetic form of vitamin B12, cyanocobalamin, is injected. This shot is injected into the muscle. Since it is water-soluble, injecting it into the bloodstream may just waste the vitamin as it can go directly with urine. Cyanocobalamin is available in different forms. It can be in table, liquid, and capsule form. Some food items, such as cereals, may also be fortified with vitamin B12 through its synthetic form.
Although B12 shots are primarily for people with clinically diagnosed B12 deficiencies, the beauty industry has brought this treatment to their spas to gain instant energy and boost clients’ overall health.
Vitamin B complex, a group of vitamins where B12 is a part of, helps make the body function properly. They can help you be alert by boosting your energy and assisting with metabolism. The benefits of B12 shots in terms of aesthetics are:
- Reduced fatigue
- Increased metabolism
- Increased energy
- Enhanced brain health
- Increased red blood cells (RBCs) production
B12 shots are usually injected into the buttocks or shoulders. So far, toxic side effects of B12 shots are not yet observed since B12 shots are formulated to meet the standards. However, you may experience occasional soreness or bruising of the injection area. This side effect usually subsides within 1-3 days.
Who are fit candidates for B 12 shots?
The best candidates for B12 shots are the following:
- Patients showing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency such as:
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Brain fog
- Pale skin
- Infertility
- Weight loss
- Dementia
- Numbness in the hands and feet
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Sore tongue
- Mood changes
- Constipation
- Low appetite
- People who have the following risk factors and health conditions:
- Older age
- Pernicious anemia
- Alcoholic
- Inflammation of the stomach or atrophic gastritis
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Vegan
- AIDS
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- History of gastric surgery
- Hereditary conditions
- People with gastrointestinal disorders such as
- Folic acid deficiency
- Bacteria overgrowth in the intestine
- Crohn’s disease
- Tapeworm infestation
- Pernicious anemia
- Pancreatic cancer
- Older adults
- Veganism
- Vegetarianism
What are the benefits of getting B12 shots?
B12 shots may help in improving the following conditions:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Vision loss
- Brain disorders
- Problems with memory and thinking
- Neural tube defects
- Infertility
What are the risks associated with B12 shots?
Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin B12 toxicity is rare. There is also no upper limit in terms of vitamin B12 intake. But it may pose some side effects. These are the following:
- Mild diarrhea
- Pain, itching, and redness at the injection site
- Swelling sensation over the body
In worst-case scenarios, B12 shots may also put a person at risk to:
- Pulmonary edema
- Anaphylaxis
- Congestive heart failure
- A type of blood cancer (polycythemia vera)
- Blood clot disease or peripheral vascular thrombosis
Should clients experience hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling, they should seek medical help immediately. On the other hand, if the client experiences anaphylaxis, this may be an allergic reaction.
Are B12 Shots they helpful?
If you are included in the list of ideal candidates, then these shots are helpful for you. Or, if you just want a quick energy boost and ensure that your B12 levels are at the normal level, this can help provide you with the benefits you need.
Skyrose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa will help you get B12 shots the expert way. Feel beautiful, be colorful, and be you with just a few B12 shots! Book an appointment now to know more about the B12 shots and other services.
