B12 Shots FAQ

What does vitamin B12 do?

B12 supports a number of bodily functions that contribute to cognitive wellness, energy metabolism, and healthy blood cells.

Vitamin B12 is responsible for:

• Supporting myelin, the protective covering that surrounds your nerves, so you can think clearly, recall information, and maintain a stable mood.

• Converting the food you eat into energy that your body can use.

• Making healthy red blood cells.

• Helping your cells produce new DNA, which is necessary for cell division, tissue growth, and repair.

Who is at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency?

You may not get enough B12 in your diet if you are:

• Vegan

• Vegetarian

• Over 50

• Living with digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as IBS, celiac, or Crohn’s disease

• Taking certain medications like metformin or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Low B12 levels are associated with symptoms like:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Difficulty concentrating

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

• Swollen, inflamed tongue

• Dizziness or unsteadiness

• Muscle weakness

• Vision problems like blurriness or double vision

What are the possible B12 injection side effects?

B12 injections are a safe, fast, and effective method to raise vitamin B12 levels in the body, especially for people with absorption problems. The most common side effects of B12 shots are minor and typically localized to the injection site. These include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness. A small number of people are allergic to B12, but this is rare.

How long do B12 injections take to work?

Depending on your body and the severity of your deficiency, B12 injections can start to work in a matter of hours to a few days.

Some people, particularly those who were severely deficient, report a sudden improvement in energy, focus, or mood within 24 to 72 hours.

For others, it might take a few weeks of consistent injections before you notice a change if your symptoms are more complicated, such as numbness, exhaustion, or memory problems.

If your B12 levels were consistently low, it may take several months to restore your body’s levels.

What are the benefits of B12 shots?

B12 shot benefits include increased energy, support for healthy nervous system function, and a boost in red blood cell formation. B12 shots can help restore healthy B12 levels more quickly than oral supplements because they bypass the digestive tract and absorption process. If you have had low B12 levels, some of the benefits of the shots can include an increase in cognitive functioning, more energy, and an overall improvement in a sense of physical and mental well-being.

How do I know if I need B12 injections?

Some signs that you may have a B12 deficiency include symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues like brain fog, low energy, feelings of weakness, and tingling or numbness in the limbs. Certain people are at greater risk for deficiency because of things like diet, lifestyle, and prescription medications. For example, people who maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet, people with absorption disorders, and those taking prescription meds like Metformin, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers like Pepcid are often at greater risk.

If you suspect you might have a B12 deficiency, the best place to start is with a medical evaluation. During your consultation, Nurse Desiree can help determine whether B12 injections may be appropriate for your needs.