B12 INJECTIONS: FACTS AND FICTION

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B12 INJECTIONS: FACTS AND FICTION






Vitamin B12 injections are a mainstay in treating B12 deficiency, especially for people who can't absorb the vitamin well through their gut. This includes individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions or those who have undergone bariatric surgery (Frontiers in Pharmacology). 

The benefits of B12 shots are clear-cut when it comes to correcting a deficiency, addressing specific types of anemia, and preventing neurological problems that can arise from low B12 levels.

B12 is vital for how our cells produce energy and for the production of red blood cells, which help carry oxygen and release energy throughout the body. So, from a biochemical standpoint, it makes sense to say B12 is essential for energy production. However, here's the catch: research indicates that if you already have sufficient B12, taking more—whether by injection or pill—doesn't provide an energy boost (Nutrients). The popular idea that B12 shots serve as an energy or vitality booster for healthy individuals isn't supported by solid evidence.

When it comes to weight loss, the case for B12 is even weaker. There isn't reliable clinical data showing that B12 injections help people with normal B12 levels lose weight. Some weight loss clinics do offer B12 shots as part of their programs, but there's no evidence from randomized controlled trials that B12 alone causes weight loss. The primary reason B12 injections are frequently discussed in weight loss surgery circles is to prevent deficiency after surgery, rather than to aid in weight loss (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases).

Bottom line: B12 injections are highly effective for people who need them—those who are deficient or at risk, such as vegans, people with absorption issues, or patients after bariatric surgery. For everyone else, there's no convincing evidence that they'll boost energy or aid in weight loss beyond correcting a genuine deficiency (Pain Physician; Family Practice).

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