who may need a Vitamin B12 Injection?
1. If you take antacids, PPIs, or other acid blockers, you likely need B12 in a non-oral form.
2. If you have a high-stress life, high caffeine intake, or high alcohol intake, you may need extra B12.
3. Vegetarians and vegans, you probably need supplemental B12.
4. If you have a thyroid autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s, B12 shots can prevent and reverse digestive autoimmunity and low stomach acid.
5. Individuals over 50, you likely need supplemental B12.
Vitamin B12 protects the aging brain.
It's estimated that between 10 percent and 30 percent of people older than 50 produce too little stomach acid to release B12 from its carrier protein in foods.
6. If you have a compromised digestive system you may need extra B12. Inflammation in the GI tract often leads to lower stomach acid which impairs the absorption of B12. Methylcobalamin is the most easily absorbed for people who have compromised digestive systems.
7. If you have an MTHFR mutation you are a candidate for B12 shots. Up to 60% of people have a version of this mutation leading to a decreased ability to absorb B12. For people with an MTHFR mutation, methylcobalamin (as opposed to other forms of B12) is therapeutic. MTHFR mutations greatly inhibit the body’s ability to perform detox functions and lead to wide-ranging symptoms from headaches to infertility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin B12 Injections
Do B12 injections hurt?
I administer B12 injections subcutaneously, which means right under the skin and not into the muscle. The B12 absorbs more slowly here so you get longer lasting benefits AND it feels just like an acupuncture point– a mini pinch and then it’s over. Some people don’t feel it at all. There is no ache like you get from a vaccine.What do B12 injections cost?
The vitamin B12 that I use is preservative free and highly absorbable methylcobalamin. Each injection is 1,000mcg and they are $25 each.Where do you inject the B12?
I administer B12 into an acupuncture point on the lower leg or upper arm. The location depends on what is most accessible, most comfortable for you, and where there is some adipose (fat) tissue.When will I notice the effects of B12?
If you are very B12 deficient you will notice an increase in energy and a reduction in symptoms of tingling, numbness, or twitching/zaps within 24 hours.
If you are not very B12 deficient or not experiencing fatigue or nerve sensations as one of your symptoms, you may not notice the benefits until after you’ve had 2-3 injections over several weeks.How many B12 injections do I need?
For the majority of people, I recommend once weekly for 4 weeks. Then B12 shots can be helpful monthly as maintenance. If we are treating autoimmunity or pernicious anemia, you will receive B12 weekly or twice weekly for 6-12 weeks. For an immune boost, athletic prep, or recovery you may schedule them on a circumstantial basis.What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?
Common B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor memory, confusion, brain fog, tingling or numbness in the extremities, zings or zapping feelings in the extremities, anemia, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, irritability, tender calves, pale complexion and more.
You do not need an appointment for a Vitamin B12 shot. It will only take 5 minutes!
