Injections are growing in popularity due to how easy they are to get and the fact you don’t have to take a pill every day. One of the most common injections is the B12 injection. B12 is an essential vitamin that is necessary for hormonal and metabolic functions. It helps in over 100 daily functions for the body.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. People who take antacid medications and antibiotics frequently are typically more deficient due to the properties of the medications.

Vitamin B12 benefits and benefits of B12 injections can help improved moods, protect against cognitive decline and help with energy. B12 shots don’t always resolve the underlying problem of deficiency, so blood work can be very helpful in determining any underlining issues.

Roles of B12

B12 has many roles to play in the body. There are over 100 functions it helps with. Some of those functions are to help form red blood cells and hemoglobin. This helps the body bring oxygen to tissues by way of the blood cells. It plays a role in helping make DNA and RNA. B12 can act as a cofactor to help with methylation, which is a protectant for cardiovascular health. It can help with conversion of proteins and fats. Helps with production of hormones and neurotransmitter functions, as well as, converts amino acids and makes creatine. B12 helps produce the myelin sheath, which is the covering for nerves and the spinal cord. It also plays a major role in fetal development during pregnancy.

Benefits of B12 Injections

1. Might Reduce Depression, Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Some studies show that, especially in older people, supplementing with vitamin B12 can prevent depression, restore better mood control and retain healthy memory/mental functioning.
2. Helps Lower Fatigue: Restoring vitamin B12 to healthy levels can treat anemia and reduce muscle weakness.
3. Can Help Improve Your Metabolism: Some people turn to vitamin B12 shots to overcome a sluggish metabolism and even help with weight loss.
4. Give patients more energy and regulate hormone production: which can help improve changes in appetite, improved sleep and better exercise performance.
5. Protects the Heart: Elevated homocysteine levels have been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 is needed for conversion of homocysteine, so it can prevent conditions or complications like heart attack, stroke or coronary heart disease.
6. Improves Low Sperm Count
7. Helps with Fetal Development During Pregnancy 
8. Helps Prevent or Treat Diabetic Neuropathy

Can you get too much B12?

B12 is a water soluble vitamin so any excess that isn’t used in the body will be flushed out. The Institute of Medicine reports that “no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals.” 

If you are worried or concerned with your levels of B12, you can do a simple blood test to determine your levels. When patients are wanting an injection to help with energy levels, I will suggest to do them once a month.

Signs and symptoms that you might be suffering from B12 deficiency can include:

• Chronic fatigue, lethargy and weakness
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain and trouble exercising
• Infertility
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Poor memory, inability to concentrate and other cognitive problems associated with aging
• Mood changes or signs of nervousness like rapid heartbeats or palpitations
• Poor dental health, including bleeding gums and mouth sores
• Shortness of breath and feeling dizzy
• Poor appetite or digestive problems

Chiropractic

Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting adjusted are all quality of life improvements you can make for a happier, healthier life. Getting some blood work done to see what vitamins or minerals you may be deficient in, is a great way to track your progress. You can prevent problems when you know what your body is doing internally. Signs and symptoms are always going to be last on the list. Your body will try to “fix” the problem before you even know there is a problem.

Just like when you are experiencing pain. Pain is going to be a symptom of disfunction that has been happening for weeks or even months of improper bending, lifting, sitting, et cetera. Getting your spine checked once a month can prevent serious pain and issues later on down the road.

If you have any questions on if a B12 supplement or injection can benefit you short term or long term, give us or a chiropractor near you a call! Start living a healthier life today.

~Dr. Lacey~
Carder Chiropractic Clinic, INC.
El Reno, Ok 73036