A healthy diet is crucial to maintaining a sound mind and body. However, it can be difficult when you want to lose weight, especially because fatty and high-calorie foods can be tempting. At the same time, finding the time or enough energy level to integrate physical activity can be tricky.
Some claim that Vitamin B12 shots are their shining hope for weight loss. This article will define Vitamin B12, how it can support weight loss, its effectiveness, and ensure proper handling.
What Does Vitamin B12 Do?
Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin is critical in generating new red blood cells, ensuring healthy nerve and brain function, and synthesizing DNA, hormones, and neurotransmitters.
Animal sources like meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy are rich in B12. At the same time, non-animal sources such as fortified or enriched milk substitutes, grains, and nutritional yeast contain the said vitamin.
An untreated Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, muscle fatigue, intestinal problems, nerve damage, and mood disturbances.
So, is a B12 injection worth the shot?
How a B12 Shot Can Support Your Weight Loss Journey
Generally, Vitamin B increases your energy levels. Vitamin B6 and B12 provide excellent energy benefits.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine helps regulate glycogen, the stored glucose form that impacts energy levels and your appetite. Foods such as poultry, fish, and potatoes are excellent B6 sources.
On the other hand, Vitamin B12 plays a role in cell metabolism, impacting whether you feel energized or tired. Increased energy is one of the promising benefits of B12, making it easier to go to the gym and allowing you to work out harder.
But do they promote weight loss?
Effectiveness of Injecting Vitamin B12 for Weight Loss
Most of the participants for the Vitamin B12 weight loss research are people who opted for weight loss surgery. The supplemental shots helped protect them against B12 deficiency.
While there’s still a lack of research regarding a shot’s impact on humans’ weight loss efforts (there are studies involving animals), studies show that overweight people may have a B12 deficiency.
A 2020 review found that researchers linked B12 deficiency and weight gain in children and adults. They also noted a correlation between a lack of B12 and higher insulin resistance. Thus, not enough B12 may be a culprit of obesity.
At the same time, a 2014 study involving 976 participants reflected similar results. People with metabolic syndromes also had lower Vitamin D levels and higher body mass indexes. This syndrome also contributes to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, increasing your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Ultimately, while there was a connection between low Vitamin B12 levels and weight gain, it’s still unclear if B12 shots can promote human weight loss.
How to Get a Safe Shot
While B12 shots can help your weight loss journey, you must still practice precautions and guidelines to stay safe. It’s crucial to get the shots from reliable healthcare providers. A medical weight loss clinic might also offer Vitamin B12 injections.
Older research states that 1,000 micrograms per shot can help reduce Vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular B12 injections help maintain healthier B12 levels.
Some people experience different side effects with a B12 shot, such as abdominal and chest pain, dizziness, eye pain, cough, tinnitus, weight gain, and irregular heartbeat.
While some of these effects are just uncomfortable, others require a doctor’s appointment. That way, it can help them make informed decisions.
Get Effective Weight Loss Treatments from a Trusted Provider
While Vitamin B12 shots can help your weight loss journey, you must consider the possible side effects. While some of them are not concerning, it’s still best to consult with your healthcare provider to help you make informed decisions.
Melinda Silva, MD, offers effective MD weight loss treatments in San Diego to help you enjoy a healthier future and higher self-esteem. Contact us now to schedule a consultation today!
