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B12 Injection

Vitamin B12 mainly supports the brain, nervous system and the production of blood. B12 consumption supports optimal functioning of memory and other cognitive roles. In relation to blood, B12 is a key component for the production of hemoglobin (which carries oxygen to the cells through the blood). In addition to overall health benefits, this process is important for maintaining sufficient energy levels.

Drug and Syringe

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added as oral supplements Orally B12 absorption is highly dependent on the digestive system. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Vitamin B12 tablets are available in high dosages far above the recommended dietary allowance, but these high amounts are not necessarily the amount that will be absorbed.

Factors that may cause vitamin B12 deficiency:

  • Avoiding animal products. People who do not eat meat, fish, poultry, or dairy are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B12, since it is only found naturally in animal products. Studies have shown that vegetarians/vegans have low vitamin B blood levels. 

  • Inadequate stomach acid or medications that cause decreased stomach acid. Stomach acid is needed to liberate vitamin B12 from food. An estimated 10-30% of adults over the age of 50 have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.

  • People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid for conditions like gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease (such as proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or other antacids) may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.

  • Intestinal surgeries or digestive disorders that cause malabsorption. Surgeries that affect the stomach (where intrinsic factor is made), or the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) where vitamin B12 is absorbed, can increase the risk of a deficiency.

  • Certain diseases including Crohn’s and celiac disease that negatively impact the digestive tract also increase the risk of deficiency.

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Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include:

  • Depression

  • Fatigue

  • Problems with memory

  • Anemia

  • High homocysteine levels.​

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Benefits of B12 injections include:

  • Increases Energy

  • Boosts Immune System

  • Increases Metabolism 

  • Improves Mood and Metal Alertness

  • Combats Stress and Irritability

What do B12 injections cost?

  • Each injection is 1,000mcg and they are $25 each.​

Where do you inject vitamin B12?

  • Intramuscular vitamin B12 injections are given in the arm.

How many B12 injections do I need?

  • For the majority of people, the recommended schedule is once weekly for 4 weeks. Then B12 shots can be helpful monthly as maintenance. For an immune boost, athletic prep, or recovery you may schedule them on a circumstantial basis.​

How long will the appointment take?

  • It will only take 5 minutes.

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