What Does the B12 Shot Do For You?
What are the Benefits of a Vitamin B12 Injection?
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is also known as cobalamin. Your body does not make Vitamin B12, so it must be taken in through foods you eat or supplemented.
Vitamin B12 is found in foods like fish, dairy products, and meat. It does not occur naturally in plant-based foods, so vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk for deficiency. And some medications, like antacids and diabetes medicines, contribute to B12 deficiency. You might also be at risk for deficiency if you have digestive problems, like celiac disease, that interfere with the absorption of B12.
Our bodies need Vitamin B12 for:
- Synthesis of DNA
- Making new red blood cells
- Metabolism of fat and protein
- Neurological or brain functions
If you lack B12 in your body, you can experience unpleasant symptoms or even become sick. You might notice:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Depression
- Dementia
What are the Health Benefits of Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is essential to healthy body function. Supplementing B12 can benefit how you feel in several ways.
Prevention of anemia
New red blood cells are made within your bone marrow in a process called erythropoiesis. Vitamin B12 supports the process of erythropoiesis, ensuring you have enough healthy red blood cells.
Improved sleep
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired is a common symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency. You might also have problems sleeping. B12 helps regulate melatonin production, which impacts your sleep patterns.
More energy
Vitamin B 12 helps your body change food into glucose needed for fuel. Adequate B12 helps with energy production.
Enhanced cognitive performance
Vitamin B12 has been proven to help slow the progression of dementia and improve the cognitive function of older people. Memory loss can be slowed by supplementing B12.
Better heart health
Low Vitamin B12 levels can increase homocysteine which is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Better bone health
Osteoporosis or bone loss is linked to anemia. Vitamin B12 can prevent anemia and restore bone density and bone strength lost through osteoporosis.
Less risk of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration affects your vision and is much more common in those with a Vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 supplementation decreases the risk of macular degeneration.
Improved immunity
Vitamin B12 boosts your immunity by increasing red blood cell formation, DNA production, and metabolic function.
Improved weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight, adding B12 improves your energy and mood while also boosting your metabolism.
Less hair loss
Vitamin B12 can prevent hair loss because of its role in cell rejuvenation and blood circulation which are essential for healthy hair growth.
Improved skin health and appearance
Vitamin B 12 increases collagen and cell turnover while reducing redness and dryness. You’ll notice healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
How do I get more Vitamin B12?
One way to increase your B12 levels is to eat more B12-containing foods. Foods rich in B12 include:
- Dairy
- Fortified non-dairy milk
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fortified cereal
- Fish like tuna, sardines, trout, and salmon
- Clams
- Fortified nutritional yeast
But because B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, your body doesn’t store it, and you need to continue replenishing your intake. The good news is you can supplement B12, and one of the easiest and best ways is with a B12 injection.
Can’t I just take a pill?
While you can take an oral Vitamin B12 supplement, you may not absorb it as well as with an injection. High stomach acid and older age are two reasons why you may not absorb oral B12 very well. A vitamin B12 injection bypasses the stomach and goes straight into your bloodstream, ensuring your body can use it immediately. You’ll see a faster response with an injection than by taking a pill.
Ready to feel better?
If you’re ready to improve your health with Vitamin B12 supplements, call us today, and we’ll formulate a plan to ensure you are feeling and looking your very best.