Oct 16th, 2020

The Benefits of B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 is essential for health, and we can get this nutrient via the consumption of animal-based foods. However, when it’s impossible to get enough of this vitamin, getting B12 injections can restore the balance of this nutrient in the body. We discuss the many health and B12 anti-aging benefits of these injections.

The Many Roles of Vitamin B12

This vitamin plays many roles in our health. It helps our bodies produce healthy red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia. It can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by lowering levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with the increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Vitamin B12 has been known to improve depression symptoms in those who were found to be B12 deficient. It has also been found to be beneficial for the promotion of healthy nails, skin, and hair in those with a deficiency of the vitamin.

B12 Deficiency Risk Factors and Symptoms

A person can become deficient in Vitamin B12 when their diet contains insufficient amounts. Deficiency can also occur as a result of the body’s inability to absorb it completely from food. Older adults, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and those on strict vegan diets are all at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency include:

• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Feeling faint
• Heart palpitations
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Lethargy

Vitamin B12 injections can eliminate the above symptoms, as well as provide a way for the body to absorb this nutrient more directly and completely, and in a way that bypasses the stomach.

Benefits of B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 injections contain high levels of the synthetic form of the nutrient called cyanocobalamin. Some of the benefits associated with vitamin B12 injections are:

• Better concentration and energy levels
• A boosted immune system
• Improved sleep
• Improved metabolism and weight loss
• Restored healthy hair growth
• Improved mood

For those with a B12 deficiency who are unable to absorb this nutrient through their diet or digestive process, injections may be given every few weeks to correct the deficiency. Monthly injections may be ideal if a medical condition is the cause of your inability to absorb B12.

Are B12 Booster Injections Right for You?

If you are already eating a healthy diet and not experiencing the symptoms of a deficiency, you likely don’t need B12 booster injections. However, because deficiency doesn’t always cause symptoms, seeing your doctor for a vitamin B12 deficiency test is best before getting injections.

If you don’t get enough B12 in your diet due to veganism, gastrointestinal conditions, or low stomach acid due to aging, you may be at risk of a B12 deficiency and may benefit from injections. However, it’s best to confirm with a blood test first.

Dr. Peter H. Grossman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Dr. Grossman can administer B12 injections for deficiency correction or as part of anti-aging regimens. Visit Grossman Plastic Surgery online to schedule your consultation.