Should You Take Vitamin B-12 Shots?

You've heard some doctors at weight loss clinics are prescribing vitamin B-12 shots and supplements, but aren't sure if you need them? Do you need to take supplements, and are the shots truly of value?

We need vitamin B-12 for red blood cell production, a healthy nervous system, and to prevent anemia. It is also related to synthesis of DNA.

While weight loss clinics claim to have marvelous results from delivering B-12 shots and supplements, there is no hard scientific evidence to back this up. You probably aren’t B-12 deficient (a simple blood test can let you know if you are) and your body is going to store all the extra B-12 until you need it at a future date. While a vitamin B-12 shot may help you if you are truly anemic or deficient (which can be determined by a blood test), it will not improve your metabolism or make your more energetic if you are already getting enough vitamin B-12. Always get advice from a trusted doctor before you start taking vitamin B-12 shots or self-medicate with mega-doses of B-12, especially asking about the interactions of B-12 and medications.

You can get vitamin B-12 naturally by eating animal products. You don't need to worry at all if you eat meat, eggs, fortified products, dairy products, or shellfish. Vegans are the ones who run the highest risk of B-12 deficiency because they don't eat animal products of any kind. Fortified cereals also provide vitamin B-12, making them a good source for vegans.

If you get between 2.6-2.8 micrograms of vitamin B-12 a day, you're probably getting enough. You can get this much in a simple bowl of fortified cereal with a cup of milk. If you have a deficiency, you probably have a problem absorbing B-12 or using the B-12 that your body has already stored. This may happen if the intestinal wall is not absorbing B-12 or if there is a problem with the body releasing B-12 that was previously absorbed. It's uncommon to find B-12 deficiencies in Americans because of our typical diets (high in animal products) and because our bodies can store B-12 for years.