Vitamin B12 Injections: Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects

Consider Vitamin B12 injections, but not sure what to expect or how it may help you? We break down all the benefits, uses, and potential side effects so that you can make an informed decision! Here at Your Wellness Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, B12 injections are a part of our IV Therapy program.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin also known as cobalamin. Your body doesn’t make it, so you need to get it through foods you eat or vitamin supplements.

B12 is found in foods like fish, dairy products, and meat. It doesn’t occur naturally in plant-based foods, so vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk for deficiency. You might also be at risk for deficiency if you have digestive problems, like celiac disease, that interfere with the absorption of B12. And some medications, like antacids and diabetes medicines, contribute to B12 deficiency.

Our bodies need it for:

Synthesis of DNA
Making new red blood cells
Metabolism of fat and protein
Neurological or brain functions

If you lack B12, 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.

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

It 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 & Bone Health

It lowers levels of homocysteine which are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 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

It boosts immunity by increasing red blood cell formation, DNA production, and metabolic function.

Prevention of Anemia

New red blood cells are made within your bone marrow in a process called erythropoiesis. B12 supports the process of erythropoiesis, ensuring you have enough healthy red blood cells.

Improved Weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight, adding B12 improves your energy and mood while also boosting your metabolism. Low levels of B12 have been linked to overweight and obesity. Regular B12 injections help your body break down fat and protein to convert them into a source of energy. Vitamin B12 injections for adults can be essential to a comprehensive weight loss program.

Improved Skin Health and Appearance

It helps increase 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
Animal liver and kidney
Eggs
Fortified cereal
Fish like tuna, sardines, trout, and salmon
Clams
Fortified nutritional yeast

But because B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, your body can’t store it, and you need to continue replenishing your intake. The good news is that you can supplement B12, and one of the easiest and best ways is with a B12 injection.

How Many Injections Do I Need & How Long Does it Last?

Vitamin B12 injections for adults are a great way to supplement because they are rapidly absorbed, and you’ll see a benefit faster. The dose can vary depending on how deficient you are in B12. We can check your current B12 level through a simple blood test that helps determine the best dosages for you.

Depending on how deficient you are in B12, your body will use the injection over 48 hours up to one week. Injections are usually given once a week. How long does it take for it to leave your system? For most people, extra B12 the body doesn’t use is eliminated within 48 hours of the injection.

What Are the Side Effects of Excessive B12 Consumption?

Vitamin B12 is generally considered a safe supplement without side effects. However, high doses of supplements could cause:

Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue or weakness
Tingling in the hands or feet

If you experience any side effects, please discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Is Vitamin B12 What You Need?

If you are wondering how to find B12 injections near you or have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, we’d love to help. New patients can fill out our initial consultation form, and a staff member will reach out to schedule your initial consultation. If you are a current patient, call us at (513)-791-9474, and we are happy to answer any questions regarding Vitamin B12 injections for adults or our other services.

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My wellness journey started with a visit to Dr. Lovitt, he is amazing!

September 9, 2019

My sister started it all, she posted a FB post that she had lost 50 pounds! I had to know how…visiting Your Wellness Center and Dr. Lovett blew my mind! He pointed out all the issues I had with my blood draw and told me that he will work to get me to optimum health! I was slightly skeptical but needed it badly. I stared with the HRT first, with Dr. Lovett telling me what to expect within the first weeks of treatment. He wasn’t kidding! I felt energy, motivation to “do” things, got my libido back and was able to sleep through the night, which was a huge benefit to my overall wellbeing.

After one months time I signed up for the weight management with Alyssa Kessel and she guided me through the process of losing 61 pounds! I went from 191 to 130 in 9 weeks time. Now she is guiding me through the process of my weight maintenance as this is definitely a life style change for me.

I can not thank Your Wellness Center, Dr. Lovett and staff enough for helping me get my life back and on the road to a better me! LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!

Rhonda Bennett