FAQ about B12 and B12 Shots

by Wendy

Who should take Vitamin a B12 shot and why?

Generally speaking, most healthy people in Western societies receive enough basic Vitamin B12 in their regular diets to meet their nutritional demands. The exceptions to this rule are vegans – people who eat no foods derived from animals – and the elderly; both of whom should take additional measures to ensure they receive enough vitamin B12 to meet their body’s requirements or else they are at risk of developing b12 deficiency symptoms.  However there are nonessential benefits stemming from taking Vitamin B12 shots in larger amounts than the bare minimum needed for good health. These can include help with weight loss, stress reduction, and a boost in energy levels. Many people take a vitamin B12  injection as a supplement for these benefits.

What are the potential risks of taking supplementary Vitamin B12 injections?

While doctors vary in their opinions about the effectiveness of  a Vitamin B12 shot at providing the nonessential benefits claimed, most doctors agree that there is very little danger in taking more Vitamin B12 than is necessary for bodily health. Excess Vitamin B12 – any amount that the body fails to absorb or store – is safely excreted through the colon and even in those cases where an excess amount has been trapped within the body; no negative effects have been identified. The exceptions are some people that suffer from megaloblastic anemia and people that have Leber’s disease (a hereditary eye disease). Otherwise, there is very little risk in taking B vitamin shots.

Are all the claims about the nonessential benefits of Vitamin B12 shots legitimate?

Like many vitamins and herbal supplements that cannot be patented, few companies are willing to invest much money on detailed clinical trials and research. Instead, the supplement’s effectiveness relies much more on “word of mouth” testimonials and people’s personal experiences. Among the claims that seem to be widely accepted by at least some medical professionals and many users are claims that Vitamin B12 injections help with weight loss, stress reduction, and provide a natural energy boost. Other claims that receive less support and should be viewed a bit more skeptically include claims that Vitamin B12 supports healthy skin and boosts the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Do you have to have a doctor’s permission or a prescription to take a  B-12 Shot?

Technically, no, you do not need a doctor’s permission or a prescription in order to take Vitamin B12 supplements. In fact, a lot of Vitamin B12 is found naturally in many of the foods we eat and unnaturally added to many fortified products like bread and milk. Further, most people can purchase Vitamin B12 tablets or pills over the counter. However, many people taking Vitamin B12 as a supplement prefer to do so through B 12 shots, in which case a doctor’s permission may be necessary in order to purchase the syringes and other accessories need to inject the vitamin into your body.  Most doctors are more than happy to prescribe b12 shots, especially if you are experiencing any vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms.   Otherwise, there are places you can get the syringes online.

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