There are some vitamins that the human body can synthesize on its own. Vitamin B12 is not one of those vitamins. It is something that must be obtained by food or through supplements. When there isn’t enough of this essential vitamin, either through dietary habits or medication side effects, one of the ways to solve this issue is through the use of B12 shots. There are some key pros and cons to consider before receiving this treatment, so take these under advisement today.
The Pros of B12 Shots
1. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
From ALS to Alzheimer’s disease, B12 shots are used in a wide variety of ways to boost the immune system to fight disease. Some even believe that it can become a shield to the natural aging process. Although too much of it can lead to toxicity, most people who would take a B12 shot are deficient in this vitamin and the instant introduction of it can help to alleviate negative symptoms.
2. It takes a lot to reach toxicity levels.
For the most part, the human body is able to flush out any excess vitamin B12 it contains in a short amount of time, meaning that only what your body needs will be absorbed into your system. When there is an overdose, most people do not experience severe side effects. Sometimes feeling warm, chest pain, and swelling may occur. If that happens, be sure to seek medical help immediately.
3. Vitamin shots can often be self-administered at home.
Although people can give themselves their own B12 shots, the initial prescription must come from a medical provider. If there aren’t any deficiencies in place, then it may be recommended that a different approach to your health needs besides the B12 be considered. Ultimately if your body is expelling most or all of the B12 shot, it’s just wasted time and money anyway.
4. Fewer doses are need.
B12 shots are typically just once per week. When taking vitamin supplements, they are often taken every day. Miss one dose and you don’t receive the full therapeutic benefits. 100% of the vitamin is given to the body every time and that’s important when someone has intestinal issues to consider, such as Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease.
The Cons of B12 Shots
1. Not everyone can take these shots.
There are some people who are allergic to B12 shots, although officially the allergy is to cobalt. Those who have Leher’s disease are also recommended against taking a B12 shot because it may harm the optic nerve and increase the changes of blindness. Although these are limited population demographics, it is still something a doctor must evaluate before authorizing the shots to meet health needs.
2. There is no clinical evidence that B12 shots help with weight loss.
One of the more popular reasons to take B12 shots as of late is for weight loss needs. There have been numerous studies that have attempted to show a link between weight loss and B12, but at best the B vitamin series can help people put weight on more slowly and that is it. These shots are not a magical cure to lower a BMI down to normal numbers.
3. There is a risk of infection.
Because these are injections instead of tablets or chewable vitamins, the B12 shots could pose an infection risk if the needles are not disposed of or sterilized properly. Not everyone takes the time to change their injection tools or to properly sterilize them and this inaction could lead to potentially life-threatening issues. If shared with others who are taking B12 shots, the risk of disease development also exists.
4. They can be expensive.
Because you’re receiving a week’s worth of vitamins in one dose, the cost of each injection tends to be a bit higher than a regular vitamin supplement. These costs are typically manageable for most households, but they may not be covered by an insurance provider if there isn’t a medical need to have the shots.
The pros and cons of B12 shots depend on why they are wanted. If there is a deficiency to address for any reason, then these shots can be a useful method of restoring proper B12 levels. If it is for weight loss, however, there may be little, if any, benefit to receiving the shot. Consider each disadvantage carefully and you’ll be able to determine if B12 shots are right for you.