4 Advantages and Disadvantages of B12 Shots

B12 is a powerful vitamin. It aids in the creation of DNA, nerve and blood cells. Not only that, it is essential for brain health and the immune system. You metabolism wouldn’t run as planned without it.

The catch here is that B12 is only found in animal products, such as eggs, meat, shellfish and dairy. As much as 15% of people don’t get enough of it and they are most likely vegetarians, have celiac disease, have issues with digestion or are adults over the age of 50.

A lack of B12 leads to a deficiency and one way to treat it is to get B12 shots. But some still get shots or take the pill just to boost energy. Is this advisable or no?

List of Advantages of B12 Shots

1. It provides a much-needed boost of energy.
As mentioned earlier, B12 is only found in animal products. Given that our body needs the vitamin, how can we get enough of it when our diet restricts the consumption of its sources? Data shows that a number of the population isn’t getting enough B12 because of their diet as well as other troubles that forbid them from consuming animal products.

Not getting enough leads to a deficiency and some need a prick just to feel energized. Some have even said that celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Justin Timberlake and Madonna swear by B12 injections or pills.

2. It does help those who really have B12 deficiency.
A serious deficiency can result in anemia, stomach problems and nerve damage. Preventing these is where getting a shot comes in handy but it’s best to consult with a doctor first.

List of Disadvantages of B12 Shots

1. It’s not always the answer to increasing energy levels.
B12 is water soluble and when taken in excess, the body will eliminate what it doesn’t need. This just means you’re just wasting your money if you’re not deficient. The B12 shot was made for those who truly have a B12 deficiency and need the injection to not just increase energy but to make sure their body functions as planned.

Those who are healthy and swear by B12 injections are just experiencing a placebo effect: they are told something works so they feel that it really does. The simple truth is this: if you’re not deficient, you most likely have sufficient amounts of the vitamin based on your diet.

2. It has become somewhat widely available.
Almost everyone is making claims about B12. You can go to a juice bar and find a product made to boost B12. You can head to a beauty store and find one that promises the same thing. You can even go to a weight loss clinic and be offered the same promise. In short, credentialed doctors aren’t the only ones offering shots anymore – everyone has gotten in on the craze.

The good news is that those who aren’t deficient – but have taken B12 because it was advertised as energy boosting or helps with metabolism – won’t likely feel negative side effects from taking too much (not unlike other vitamins).