What are Vitamin B12 Injections?
Vitamin B12 injection is a newer treatment modality for the management of obesity and involves intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 solution using a syringe to promote weight loss in obese patients.
Vitamin B12 is a crucial vitamin that your body requires but cannot produce. It is a water-soluble B complex vitamin that is naturally found in a variety of foods, including dairy products, fish, and meat. It is necessary for several aspects of health including formation of red blood cells, synthesis of DNA, energy production, heart health, brain function, and more.
Older adults, vegetarians, vegans, and people with digestive problems that can impede nutrient absorption are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and need to supplement. Vitamin B12 is available as a dietary supplement and is also added to some foods.
Vitamin B12 injection utilizes a concentrated serum of the vitamin to provide more energy and boost metabolism, helping you burn unwanted body fat and lose weight. Interestingly, many studies have noted that having sufficient vitamin B12 levels in the body may be linked to a reduced risk of weight gain and obesity.
Preparation for Vitamin B12 Injections
The injections do not involve any specific preparation instructions. In general, blood tests may be ordered and you may be advised to stop smoking and taking certain medications for a defined period. Your practitioner will go over all the risks and side effects of these shots and obtain an informed consent.
Administration of Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections may be administered in the arm or other regions with excess subcutaneous fatty tissues like the buttocks, thigh, or abdomen. The shots are usually administered by a medical doctor or a dietitian in weight loss clinics or medical spas. Your medical practitioner will likely recommend twice-a-week shots for several weeks. This may be for a couple of months at a time or until you attain your desired weight loss goal. When taken in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan, you may achieve up to a 5- to 10-pound weight loss. The injections are basically pain-free apart from a stinging sensation or a little prick observed when they are administered.
Measures to Follow After Vitamin B12 Injections
You are normally recommended to implement the following measures post injection for better weight loss management:
- Try for a steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds each week
- Get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours)
- Manage stress
- Exercise regularly
- Cut down sugars and processed foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Follow a balanced diet
- Follow healthy lifestyle habits
- Follow up regularly with your physician/dietitian
Key Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections
Some of the key benefits of vitamin B12 injections include:
- Provides more energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Promotes weight loss
- Helps with overall well-being
- Prevents fatigue and weakness
- Supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis
- Helps to treat or prevent anemia/vitamin B deficiency
Risks and Side Effects
Vitamin B12 injections are a very safe and effective weight loss alternative. Higher amounts of vitamin B12 administered are not harmful as any excess amount simply gets excreted through the urine. However, it may cause side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Vein thrombosis
- Swelling
- Allergic reactions (rarely)
- Interfere with the effectiveness of some medications