10 Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots and Costs

Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps with DNA production, metabolism, red blood cell (hemoglobin) formation, brain functionality and nerve cell health in the human body. Naturally, vitamin B12 can be found in food such as meat, fish and dairy where b12 attaches itself to protein, which is separated by stomach acid during digestion, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, some patients have difficulty absorbing an adequate amount of vitamin 12 because they do not produce enough stomach acid due to a condition called autoimmune atrophic gastritis which can cause a deficiency of vitamin B12. We often see a lack of vitamin B12 in many vegans or vegetarians as b12 is usually found in animal products. Cobalamin deficiencies or a lack of Vitamin B12 can also lead to issues such as anemia or the feeling of fatigue and cognitive problems in most people. Vitamin B12 is especially important for women who are pregnant or may be breastfeeding to help with the growth and development of their baby as well as protect them from birth defects and miscarriages or anemia.

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications or vitamin b12 in tablet form for you to digest; however, for a high dose of vitamin b12, an injection may be a better option for you.

What is a Vitamin B12 shot?

Vitamin B12 shots are a supplement that contain high doses and a maximum boost of vitamin b12 or cyanocobalamin that helps to alleviate the symptoms of health conditions caused by a vitamin b12 deficiency. A naturopathic doctor will inject the b12 directly into the muscle so it may bypass the digestive system to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

A vitamin b12 shot can have a significant impact on improving your overall health including your metabolism and energy levels alongside many other health benefits.

Benefits of the Vitamin B12 Shot

Energy Boost

Vitamin b12 helps with the production of red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout your body to produce energy for your organs. It also works to help your body convert food into glucose which supplies the necessary energy used throughout your day. Many patients with a vitamin b12 deficiency report the feeling of tiredness or fatigue even after a good night’s sleep led by failure to adequately create the energy your body requires. With a vitamin b12 shot, your energy levels will significantly increase, making you feel stronger and well rested.

Pregnancy Aid

Vitamin B12 is essential for mothers during pregnancy or breastfeeding to fight against anemia and making sure the baby is receiving the nutrients they need to properly develop. A deficiency in vitamin b12 can lead to risks of irreversible neurological damage to the growing baby as they may not be able to properly transport oxygen around their body and into cells for proper development. With injections, you can ensure that your baby is receiving the adequate amount of b12 which will prevent potential birth defects and even the risk of miscarriages.

Prevent Certain Diseases

Vitamin B12 is known to help with fighting and preventing a range of diseases as it helps with keeping your blood and nerve cells functioning healthily. B12 helps with the formation of DNA, the genetic material found in your cells, to ensure stability of your chromosomes when regenerating methionine for protein synthesis and methylation. Increasing vitamin b12 can also promote better vision in older adults.

Helps with Weight Loss

Vitamin b12 injections can encourage your body to improve its metabolism naturally and significantly with faster breakdown of excess fat in your body. With a higher and more balanced metabolism, your body will convert food into energy and help to burn calories faster. Vitamin b12 can also aid any gastrointestinal or appetite issues.

Boosts Cognitive Performance

Vitamin b12 deficiency has been linked to cognitive problems and memory loss in adults. B12 is extremely important for your brain function as the vitamin helps to speed up your brain processes by regenerating nerve fiber sheaths in your neurons. With a vitamin b12 shot, your neurons can regenerate better to prevent health conditions such as dementia.

Prevents Anemia

Vitamin B12 is essential to the creation and regeneration of red blood cells, also known as hemoglobin, which transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to other cells. When you suffer from a deficiency in b12 or low hemoglobin, you may experience megaloblastic or pernicious anemia, health conditions that can cause you to feel lethargic, weak and even pale in colour.  By increasing your vitamin b12 intake with injections, you will be able to properly develop your red blood cells, or hemoglobin, which will transport oxygen and nutrients effectively throughout the cells of your body to produce the energy that your body requires.

Boosts Immune System

As mentioned, vitamin b12 can help to prevent certain diseases and increase red blood cells by keeping your blood and nerve cells healthy. Further to that, vitamin b12 can help to defend your body against pathogens to maintain a healthier immune system. Not only does vitamin b12 help with the regeneration and creation of red blood cells, but also with the production of white blood cells. With the restoration of white blood cells, there will be a great boost to your immune system.

Improves Your Appearance

Vitamin b12 helps with the development and reproduction of new cells including those in your skin, nails and hair. With a vitamin b12 deficiency, dermatologic issues can arise such as hyperpigmentation and inflammation. You can also experience discolouration in your nails and slow hair growth which can impede on your appearance. With a boost of vitamin b12, you can begin to see improvement to these visible symptoms which will boost your overall confidence and self-esteem.

Promotes Healthy Bones and Prevents Osteoporosis

Those with a deficiency in vitamin 12 often have lower bone density, especially women, which can lead to weaker bones and osteoporosis; a condition that makes healing difficult when bones are broken. By boosting your levels of vitamin b12 with a b12 shot, you can strengthen your bones and prevent them from becoming weak and brittle.

Improved Mood and Helps to Fight Depression

Vitamin b12 is crucial for brain functioning where, sadly, a deficiency can lead to anxiety and depression. You can help to regulate your mood and mental health better with a boost of vitamin b12 where there is a natural increase in levels of mood-regulating brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.

How Much Do Vitamin B12 Shots Cost?

Before you can go ahead with getting a vitamin b12 shot, you will need a prescription from a licensed doctor who can confirm your needs and the dosage your body requires. We recommend doing your research into the clinic before getting your b12 injection to ensure they are fully accredited and licensed. Depending on the clinic you visit and the amount your body needs, the cost of a vitamin b12 injection could vary anywhere from $50 for a 10mg vial to $250 for a 50mg vial.