B12 Injections are a Powerhouse!

Vitamin B12 is a major player in our immune systems. When we are low on this nutrient, we feel lousy and can’t function well. A shot of B12 is a good way to boost our vitamin B12 levels and give us energy and vitality.

Vitamin B12 Basics

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin also called methylcobalamin. It is essential for normal growth and function of the nervous system. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, the average adult needs 2.4 mcg of B12 daily. A pregnant woman needs 2.6 mcg of B12 daily. For a breastfeeding mother, the recommendation is 2.8 mcg of B12 daily.

These are some of the main roles vitamin B12 plays in maintaining health:

• Assists with central nervous system function

• Helps form red blood cells

• Encourages DNA production

• Maintains sharp cognitive function and elevated mood

• Heightens energy levels by assisting in metabolic function that converts food into energy

• Guards against anemia

• Converts the homocysteine protein, which may help with cardiovascular and neurological health

How can B12 boost your immune system?

In addition to these many functions, vitamin B12 helps the immune system function well. Red blood cells depend on oxygen to deliver oxygen to cells, and vitamin B12 is necessary to create the red blood cells that carry the oxygen. A deficiency of vitamin B12 therefore compromises immune system health, causing weakened resistance to infection and lessened ability to fight off disease. Therefore, it’s important to get enough B12 for immune system support and recognize the signs of a deficiency.

Signs of B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency can happen if you don’t get enough of the micronutrient B12 in your diet or if you have a digestive disorder that prevents you from properly absorbing B12. Other factors may make you more likely to develop B12 deficiency, such as:

• Cigarette smoking

• Some prescription medications

• Alcohol use disorder

• An autoimmune disorder related to the endocrine system

• Gastrointestinal issues, including gastric bypass or disorders, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease

• Old age and a correlated decrease in stomach acid

• A plant-based diet low in foods containing vitamin B12

You may be susceptible to a range of symptoms if you have a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue

• Impaired brain function 

• Feeling weak or faint

• Numbness or a prickly feeling in your extremities

• Headache

• Mood changes

• Anxiety and Depression

• Heart palpitations

• Constipation 

• Lower visual acuity

Anemia is when a person’s red blood cells are not plentiful enough, resulting in a reduction of red blood cells. When this occurs, a person can develop Pernicious Anemia.

What does Vitamin B12 do for your immune system?

To receive the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12, the standard way is to eat it in the same manner as you would eat any other food: As part of your daily diet.

• Dairy products

• Beef

• Eggs

• Shellfish

• Grains fortified with B12

Those who avoid eating meat and fish may include a B12 supplement in their diet. However, they should ensure that the supplement contains a B12 made from high quality ingredients. Some people find injections and IVs a lot more effective than B12 supplements.

B12 Injections and Infusions 

Shots and drip IVs are the most innovative ways to deliver Vitamin B12 that give positive results. They bypass the digestive tract entirely, which allows for maximum absorption and fast-acting relief for any symptoms you may be feeling.

In contrast, the body absorbs B12 from food better than oral supplements, and the absorption is higher in people who have a healthy digestive system.

It’s easy to get a B12 injection or infusion from a reputable health care provider. By discussing your health history and symptoms, a doctor will administer the correct treatment in a short period of time.

For colds and flu, some people opt for shots or IVs that boost their immune systems. You can also use B12 shots to help relieve symptoms such as tiredness and low energy. For instance, vitamin B12 is a key component of a Myers’ Cocktail. This cocktail is a popular multipurpose IV that offers a variety of vitamins and minerals. The reason it is effective is that the vitamins and minerals work together to improve overall health. Many people use this cocktail as they recover from illnesses. You can customize these IVs with medications that address specific symptoms, such as nausea or body aches and pains.

It’s important to tell your injection or infusion provider if you are taking certain medications. These medications include birth control pills, antibiotics, aspirin, and other nutritional deficiencies. Certain medical conditions should also be noted, such as kidney disease, low potassium, and other nutritional deficiencies. You should also let your provider know if you are currently taking B12 supplements, since these may interfere with absorption.