How Quickly Does B12 Shot Work? Does It Help to Lose Weight?

Vitamin B12 Supplements

Depending upon the reason for the vitamin B12 deficiency, It may be treated through oral supplements or injections. Some individuals who have deficiencies caused by lack of absorption during digestion respond better to vitamin B12 injections as they are absorbed directly into the body.

Diet Rich in Vitamin B12

Good sources of vitamin B12 are eggs, poultry, fish, meat, milk, etc. It does not naturally occur in plant-based foods so vegetarians can find it in some breakfast cereals or use B12 oral supplements or B12 injections.

1. Are Oral Supplements or B12 Injections Better?

Studies have shown that oral supplements of B12 and injections both offer effective treatment of deficiencies. B12 shots are more easily absorbed into the body and do not require taking an oral supplement daily. If the patient has an autoimmune disease or another condition that prevents the stomach from making “intrinsic factor”, then Vitamin B12 injections may be a better option.

2. Do You Need a Prescription For B12 Injections?

You do not need a prescription for most vitamin B12 injections. For patients with severe cases of anemia or B12 vitamin deficiencies, a form of vitamin B12 called Hydroxocobalamin is sometimes used and does require a prescription.

3. Is There More Than One Type of Vitamin B12?

Yes, in fact, vitamin B12 exists in four chemical forms that are very similar. These forms are:

1. Adenosylcobalamin;
2. Methylcobalamin;
3. Hydroxocobalamin;
4. Cyanocobalamin.

Two coenzymes that work together Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin are naturally found in some animal-based food sources. They work together to make sure your body has enough vitamin B12.

Hydroxocobalamin is naturally created in the digestive tract by bacteria when food is being broken down and contributes to the creation of DNA. For purposes of B12 injections, It is manufactured in a laboratory and used to treat or alleviate anemia caused by B12 vitamin deficiency. It is only available for prescription use and is administered by injection or, in severe cases, an IV drip.

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of Vitamin B12 and is the most commonly used in supplements and fortified foods. It is converted by the body into Adenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin so they can be absorbed.

4. What Type of Vitamin B12 Is Used in Non-Prescription Injections?

The two most widely used vitamin B12 shots contain either man-made Cyanocobalamin or naturally occurring Methylcobalamin and do not require a prescription.

5. How Quickly Does the B12 Shot Work?

B12 vitamin shots begin working right away and your body will begin to manufacture new red blood cells as early as 48 hours. Patients who have a severe deficiency will notice the results earlier than patients with a mild deficiency. B12 shots work faster than oral sources of B12 and therefore are recommended for individuals who need rapid improvement.

6. How Soon Will I Feel Less Tired after A B12 Injection?

Injections of B12 work rapidly and are the most effective way to treat a deficiency. Typically, B12 injections begin working immediately and the body will begin making new red blood cells within 72 hours. Many people feel the effect of vitamin B12 injections in as little as two or three days. But usually, a series of treatments provide the most noticeable benefits. Patients reported feeling much more energized after a 3-month schedule of B12 injections.

Our team often receives questions like “How soon do you feel less tired after a B12 injection?”. As we explained previously, usually the positive impact of cobalamine shots can be felt in several days. However, it is hard to precisely predict its influence on the energy level of a specific patient. If your main concern is the constant feeling of tiredness or fatigue mainly caused by the deficiency of this vitamin, then you will be able to replenish your vibrancy with B12 as soon as a few days. However, there are also cases when additional factors such as lack of sleep, poor diet, and deficiency of other vitamins like iron, folate, and others, contribute to the issue. Therefore, before establishing expectations on B12 shots, you should talk to your doctor to see if you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle or take additional supplements in addition to B12 injections.

7. Can B12 Shots Help to Lose Weight?

B12 injections can be very beneficial to weight loss patients, especially during the beginning of their weight loss journey. Most patients who are overcoming unhealthy eating habits historically have not been consuming adequate amounts of foods that contain important B vitamins that help fuel energy levels and work to keep the metabolic system functioning properly.

Also, after weight loss surgery, patients are on a very restricted diet and adjusting to a reduction in stomach capacity making it difficult to ingest all the nutritional supplements required. A deficit in these B vitamins can make individuals sluggish, and chronically tired, and can also hinder weight loss efforts.

B12 injections not only contain the much-needed B12 but also a formulation of lipotropics which are compounds that help break down and metabolize fat. These much-needed vitamins and minerals can be introduced into the body quickly and easily without having to be ingested.

When combined with the proper diet and physical activity B12 shots can help enhance weight loss efforts and boost energy levels.

8. Are B12 Vitamin Injections Safe During Pregnancy?

Vitamin B12, in its natural form, is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 is essential during pregnancy to help the formation of red blood cells in the mother but also helps protect the central nervous system and spine of the baby. Pregnant women who are strict vegans or vegetarians are at an increased risk for deficiencies.

9. How Much Vitamin B12 Is too Much?

Many people want to know if you can overdose on vitamin B12 or if there is such a thing as too much vitamin B12. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin and your body uses just what it needs at that time and eliminates the excess through the body’s normal waste process, it cannot build up in your system. There has not been a UL (upper intake level) established for B12 because it is not stored in your body and therefore, can not build up enough to cause serious adverse side effects for most people. That being said, it may cause severe side effects if an allergy is present or if the individual is also taking certain medications.

10. How Long Will It Take to Correct a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency recovery can take time, six to twelve months, but with ongoing supplements, improvement should be gradual. B12 shots are more easily and quickly absorbed into the body and may be used initially to correct a serious deficiency.

Some patients must continue to take supplements or receive injections for life depending on the reason for the deficiency. However, symptoms should greatly improve or be alleviated with the continued use of supplements.

11. Are There Side Effects Associated with B12 Shots?

In general, serious side effects from B12 injections are rare but in some cases, people may experience a few mild ones including pain, redness, or bruising at the site of injection. Some patients also experience mild diarrhea, swelling, or itching. Normally, these symptoms quickly resolve and are nothing to be concerned about; however, if they get worse or continue, you should contact your doctor or a healthcare provider. In rare cases, other serious side effects can occur, including anaphylaxis. A consultation to discuss your medical history, as well as family medical history, is advised prior to receiving B12 injections.

12. Where Can I Get a Vitamin B12 Shot in Atlanta, Georgia?

Some pharmacies administer B12 injections as well as doctors and wellness centers. It is important to choose a qualified healthcare professional trained in administering vitamin B12 shots.

If you are based in Atlanta, GA, and interested in Vitamin B12 injections or willing to learn more about the benefits they provide, please set up a consultation at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics today.