Vitamin B12 helps your body make healthy red blood cells, keep nerves working, and turn food into usable energy. A B12 shot delivers it into the muscle, skipping the gut. That matters most for people who have trouble absorbing B12 from food.
At IV League Hydration, B12 shots are available at both South Boston clinics, 47 L Street and 36 A Street.
What are the benefits of a B12 shot?
According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, B12 is essential for:
- Red blood cell production. Low B12 can cause a type of anemia that leaves people tired and weak.
- Nerve health. Long-term deficiency can cause numbness, tingling, and balance or memory problems.
- Energy metabolism. B12 helps your cells use the food you eat.
If you are low in B12, correcting it can improve fatigue and other deficiency symptoms. If your levels are already normal, research has not shown that extra B12 gives more energy. Be wary of anyone who promises otherwise.
Who is most likely to be low in B12?
- Adults over 50, as stomach acid naturally decreases with age
- People who eat a vegan or mostly plant-based diet
- People who have had weight-loss surgery or have conditions such as Crohn's or celiac disease
- People with pernicious anemia, who cannot absorb B12 from food
- People who take metformin or acid-reducing medicine long term
A blood test from your doctor is the only way to confirm a deficiency. Talk to your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms.
B12 shot vs. pills
For many people, B12 pills or fortified foods work well. Shots are useful when absorption is the problem, or when someone prefers a quick visit to a daily pill. Your nurse can help you decide which option makes sense.