I don’t know about you, but with the shorter days, a pandemic semi-lock down and maybe even due to my Perimenopausal hormones, I’ve been finding myself lacking in energy, and more irritable, even after my required 2 cups of coffee.
Then I started reading about B-12 Shots and thought I should give it a try.
If you find yourself “low energy” you could chalk it up to the change of seasons, but might want to consider that you may have a B-12 deficiency.
B-12 is a vital nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and it also helps to make DNA. This is why my Esthetician’s office does B-12 injections, claiming that it is great for your hair, skin, and nails plus a boost in your metabolism.
Boost in metabolism?! Say no more…I’m in!
What Is A B12 Shot?
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in animal products including meats, seafood dairy products, and eggs.
Did you know that the average adult needs about 2.4 micro grams per day?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need more. (I explain why below) The FDA says that the elderly may need up to 6 micrograms daily. As it turns out, about 40 percent of Americans are deficient in B-12, and they are not all vegans or vegetarians as most people used to think.
Here are some other factors that may contribute to a B-12 Deficiency:
- following a vegetarian or vegan diet
- being over 50 years old
- gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease
- surgery on the digestive tract, such as weight loss surgery or bowel resection
- metformin and acid-reducing medications
- specific genetic mutations, such as MTHFR, MTRR, and CBS
- regular consumption of alcoholic beverages
- smoking
- certain prescription medications, including antacids and some type 2 diabetes drugs
- having an endocrine-related autoimmune disorder, such as diabetes or thyroid disorder
I’ve highlighted the factors that made me a candidate, and quite honestly, most women my age (over 50) have thyroid problems and a glass of wine or two most nights of the week.
Taking a supplement of B12 or a shot, may help you meet your needs if you have a deficiency.
How Do I Know If I Have A B-12 Deficiency?
Signs and symptoms of a B-12 Deficiency may include:
- fatigue & weakness
- lightheadedness & dizziness
- heart palpitations
- tinnitus
- nausea
- diarrhea or constipation
- memory loss
- forgetfulness
- numbness or tingling of hands or feet
- poor coordination
- sore, red-glazed looking tongue
Of course, any of these symptoms could be signs of a more serious health condition. So, always check with your doctor for medical advice if experiencing any of these symptoms before self-diagnosing.
Vitamin B-12 Injection vs. Oral Supplements
If you are deficient in B-12, the pill will have a less amount of concentration of the vitamin than the shot. The second best way to get your B-12 would be sublingual, or “under the tongue”. Because it absorbs into your bloodstream immediately without going through your digestive tract.
If you want to go the pill route, use one that nutritionists and doctors developed with added Green Tea Extract, Persona Nutrition.
Persona Nutrition B-12 Pill Pack
Touted as Kelly Ripa’s way to “wake up” every morning. Persona uses the highest quality ingredients: Green Tea Extract supports a cellular function for clarity, Vitamin B-12 increases energy metabolism to decrease fatigue, and cordyceps add energy to cells. A 28 day supply goes for $39.99 right here. Plus you can get a 20% off coupon right here.
Vitboost B-12 Sublingual Drops
This Raspberry Flavored B-12 Liquid methylcobalamin is an easy-to-take and delicious liquid formula that is absorbed under the tongue, which is often better for anyone who may have trouble absorbing this vitamin from the stomach. Its liquid form makes it highly absorbable and ultra-potent. Methylcobalamin or methylated B-12 is the most pure, active, coenzyme form of B-12. A one month supply runs $19.95. You can get Vitboost Drops here.
B-12 Injections
I am 3 weeks into my B-12 Injections at Images Med Spa, Hinsdale. It is recommended to get one injection per week for up to 6 weeks, then only 1 time per month following that, or as needed. The injections run $25 per shot, or you can purchase a package of 5 for $135. Go here to schedule your appointment and tell them Cate Cook sent you.
What Does A B12 Shot Do?
Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, including meats, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. It’s also added to some processed foods, such as cereal and non-dairy milk.
Some of the many benefits of this water-soluble B vitamin are:
Increased Energy Levels
Along with the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 transforms the food you eat into energy that your cells can use.
Improved Sleep Patterns
According to Psychology Today, Vitamin B12 is interesting. Several studies have demonstrated that this vitamin is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles by helping to keep circadian rhythms in sync.
Increased Concentration
Getting enough vitamin B12 may give you more energy, improve memory, and make learning new things easier. It also has been shown to help improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms.
Neurological Function
Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in the synthesis and maintenance of myelin. The neurological problems caused by vitamin B12 deficiency later in life are due to the damage caused to the myelin sheath.
DNA Synthesis
According to the National Institutes of Health, B12 is necessary for red blood cell formation. Your skin, hair, and nails all need a constant supply of new cells for proper growth.
Infertility
Vitamin B12 can increase sperm count, and deficiency of B12 is linked to genetic damage in sperm. Some studies have also linked B12 deficiency in women to problems in ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg.
Pernicious Anemia
In pernicious anemia, the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B12. Without enough vitamin B12, your red blood cells don’t divide normally and are too large.
Help Prevent Neural Tube Defects
A new study shows that women with vitamin B12 deficiency in early pregnancy were up to five times more likely to have a child with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, compared to women with high levels of vitamin B12.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Recent evidence suggests that vitamins B-12 and folic acid may help prevent heart disease by lowering the body’s levels of Homocysteine
Increased Metabolism and Weight Loss
Some weight-loss clinics offer vitamin B-12 injections as part of their weight-loss programs. Proponents of vitamin B-12 injections say the shots give you more energy and boost your metabolism, helping you shed unwanted pounds.
Do B12 Shots Work?
Being only 3 weeks into my B-12 injections, I personally have felt an increase in my energy levels and have seen accelerated growth in my hair and nails so far. The great thing about the shots is that it absorbs immediately and you feel energetic and in a great mood the day you get it and for the rest of the week. I now look forward to my “shot day” every week.
As far as boosting metabolism goes…I will keep you posted. Having increased energy has made it more likely that I exercise every day and make healthier food choices. I know that when I’m tired it’s more difficult to stay away from sugary, sweet treats, and high-carbohydrate foods.
B-12 injections are safe for everyone including pregnant women and those who are breast feeding.
The good news is that there are no side effects of using B-12 and you can’t overdose on it. What your body doesn’t use, it gets rid of.
If you are not deficient in this vitamin, it won’t provide any “magic” weight loss or miracles. So, know if you have any deficient levels of this vitamin or carry any risk factors that would suggest that you may be before investing in shots or supplements.
Final Thoughts
Most multi-vitamin supplements already contain B-12. But, if you are deficient in B-12, or are not processing the vitamin as well as you should, taking in a supplement sublingually or via injection can help you reap the benefits of this amazing B vitamin.
With B12 injections, you can enhance the health and overall appearance of your skin, hair, and nails and prevent or repair problems like acne, premature wrinkles, and brittle nails — all of which are common with B12 deficiency.
I really wish I knew more about the importance of this necessary B vitamin back in 1989 when I was pregnant with my first child. After having a son with Spina Bifida, my late uncle, a doctor, told me about taking 400 micrograms of B12 and folic acid a month prior to and 3 months after becoming pregnant with my next child to avoid having another child with a neural tube defect. I did and have had 4 healthy babies since then! The USA and Canada began fortifying grains in 1998 to lessen the chance of having a child with this type of birth defect.
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