Q: What are the benefits of B12 injections? Are they safe? - G.L.
A: Vitamin B-12 is a B vitamin that is found naturally in seafood, meat, eggs, dairy, and lots of fortified foods like cereals. Many doctors have different opinions about the alleged benefits of Vitamin B-12 injections.
Most commonly, doctors prescribe injections to help treat or prevent B-12 deficiency and pernicious anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B-12. Of course, if you have a B-12 deficiency, B-12 injections (or taken orally) are beneficial .
However, many people get these injections for energy, weight loss and to even cure a hangover, and there is no proven evidence that B-12 injections help treat any of these reasons.
The Mayo Clinic states:
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Some weight-loss clinics offer vitamin B-12 injections as part of their weight-loss programs. Proponents of vitamin B-12 injections say the shots give you more energy and boost your metabolism, helping you shed unwanted pounds. But unless you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, vitamin B-12 injections aren't likely to give you an energy boost.
Although getting B-12 injections may not harm your health, vitamin B-12 may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications. If you are considering getting injections or taking oral supplements, please talk to your doctor first.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
