Vitamin B12 injections have grown in popularity throughout the years. Today, they’re offered as part of weight management therapy, and by general medicine practitioners throughout the world, such as PMN Health and Wellness. But what is a vitamin B12 injection, and why do you need one? Read on to learn more about vitamin B12 injections and how they can benefit your health and well-being.
What is Vitamin B12?
There are eight B vitamins that your body needs to maintain cell health. Vitamin B12 is one of them. Its primary function is to support cells in their formation and metabolization. This water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in the body and is ingested as part of various animal products, including chicken, fish, and dairy (as the animals themselves are generally fed a B12 supplement in their diet – it was once abundant in the soil, but that is no longer the case). Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in nervous system maintenance, brain operation, and the creation and function of red blood cells.
Why do People Need Vitamin B12?
Tracking daily vitamin intake can be challenging, especially when things like diabetes, thyroid disorders, smoking, and alcohol consumption can affect levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Although the liver can store years’ worth of vitamin B12, it’s not uncommon for people to have low levels of it in their bodies. If you feel like your energy levels and overall well-being could use some improvement, you’re a potential candidate for a vitamin B12 injection.
Since vitamin B12 is most naturally found in certain animal products, vegetarians and vegans are among the most susceptible to a deficiency and often need to receive regular vitamin B12 injections or take supplements regularly. Vitamin B12 supplementation is also an essential part of treatment for several health conditions, including:
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac
- Graves’
- Lupus
- Certain cancers and infections
Some prescription medications can also increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body, including antacids and some type 2 diabetes medications.
Vitamin B12 Injections vs. Supplements
Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products, oral supplements, and injections. Many people with the above conditions often cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly, rendering pill supplements useless. Vitamin B12 injections are more effective than other applications, especially since the body doesn’t always absorb vitamins correctly through the stomach.
Vitamin B12 injections put the vitamin directly into the bloodstream, where your body gets immediate access to it. Because of this, the benefits of the injections will be visible sooner than with vitamins. Any unused vitamin B12 will be stored in the liver and used over time.
Additional benefits of vitamin B12 injections include:
- Helps Increase/balance metabolism
- Prevents Anemia
- Creates healthier skin, nails, and hair
- Supports healthy bones
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Keeps the brain healthy
- Elevates mood
- Supports the growth of an unborn baby during pregnancy