B12 Shots: Boost Energy, Immunity, Mood, + More

By April Segal PharmD

We’re willing to bet that you know at least one person who lives for their B12 shots! The energy and immunity boost are well worth it, but as you’ll learn there is so much more B12 does for the body. B12 shots are the original vitamin shots and have been around since long before the advent of vitamin shot + IV therapy bars. These quick and easy shots have become a mainstay for many people due to the fact that deficiencies are so widespread.

Here at Remedy we’ve teamed up with Dr. Scarpuzzi of Body Blu to offer you safe, non-toxic, and effective Vitamin B12 shots every Friday! Let’s jump right in and learn about why B12 is essential and why you may want to give it a shot.

Vitamin B12 in the Body

Vitamin B12 plays many vital roles in the body. This important vitamin, also known as cobalamin, is required for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and normal cellular function. It is also crucially important to the brain and nervous system, as it takes part in the production of myelin. Myelin forms a sheath around nerve cells, protecting them and enabling them to communicate more quickly and efficiently amongst one another.

Are You Deficient?

There’s many reasons why Vitamin B12 deficiency is a widespread issue. These range from inadequate dietary intake to malabsorption and more. A major reason for widespread, underdiagnosed B12 deficiency is that the ranges of B12 in the body that are currently considered ‘normal’ in the U.S. are not actually sufficient. People with B12 levels as low as 200 pg/mL are considered normal, but in actuality levels below 500 pg/mL are associated with symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. In other countries, such as Japan and Europe the lower limit is between 500 and 550 pg/mL (4).

Those who are likely to have a Vitamin B12 deficiency include:

vegetarians and vegans (especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding)
women with a history of infertility
women with heavy periods
those with gastrointestinal disorders like celiac, crohn’s, IBS
those with autoimmune diseases like pernicious anemia and lupus
those over 60 years of age
those using prescriptions such as PPIs, metformin, oral contraceptives, + antibiotics
frequent alcohol drinkers

Symptoms associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency include:

fatigue
weakness
brain fog + confusion
cognitive decline + memory loss
dementia
depression
premature aging
constipation
tingling or numbness in hands and feet
trouble balancing

Sources of Vitamin B12

Research shows that as many as 40% of people between 26 and 83 have low B12 levels (4). If you suspect you need a little extra B12, don’t worry! There’s a threefold solution to your problem: include plenty of foods rich in B12 in your daily diet, supplement with methylated B12, and get regular B12 shots!

The best food sources of B12 are found in animal products, so if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or some variation thereof, focus your efforts on daily supplementation and regular shots. Organic and pasture-raised liver, organ meats, beef, eggs, and dairy are rich sources of B12, alongside sustainably wild-caught salmon, tuna, shellfish, oysters, and clams. Unfortunately, there are no plant foods that can provide you with adequate B12. It’s a common misconception that fermented soy, seaweed, and brewer's yeast are good sources. For a list of our favorite supplement sources of B12, keep on reading!

Why Get a B12 Shot?

There’s a few reasons why getting a B12 shot is the most effective option to ensure adequate levels. If you have any of the health issues mentioned above, especially: current or past use of medications like birth control and metformin, gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut or IBS, or those eating vegetarian or vegan diets. Thanks to modern lifestyles and the advent of processed foods, many people struggle with nutrient absorption and gut inflammation - whether they know it or not.

Vitamin B12 shots deliver nutrients directly to cells, without going through the process of digestion, meaning instantaneous absorption and utilization of B12 throughout the body. Even if you don’t have health concerns and you’re taking a multivitamin, you can still benefit from a B12 shot!

We offer Vitamin B12 shots in the methylcobalamin form, which we’ll discuss further below. This form of B12 boosts metabolism, energy levels, brain function and cognition, mood, and immunity. It helps foster mental clarity and promotes deeper sleep at night. Who couldn’t use that?

All B12 Shots Are Not Created Equal

There’s a variety of reasons why the B12 shots we offer from Body Blu are the best available option! Firstly, other forms of cobalamin are not as easily absorbed as methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin on the other hand, is the most bioavailable form of Vitamin B12 as it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Our Vitamin B12 shots are vegan and totally clean. Unlike other Vitamin B12 injections, those we provide contain zero preservatives, parabens, or harsh chemicals commonly found in most B12 shots. Additionally, our shots contain less liquid which provides a much more comfortable experience as the nutrients are more quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. While a Vitamin B12 shot lasts anywhere from 5-7 days on average, you may still want to consider daily supplementation as well. Here are a few of the options available at Remedy!

What’s On the Shelf

Methyl B12 by Jarrow Formulas

This supplement provides B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, which is readily absorbed and utilized in the body.

MethylAssist by Pure Encapsulations

This supplement provides highly absorbable forms of Folate, Vitamin B6, and B12 (as methylcobalamin). This is an excellent choice for anyone who has three or more symptoms listed above.

Balanced B Complex by Mega Foods

This whole food, fermented B vitamin complex is another highly absorbable supplement that contains the full spectrum of B vitamins.

One Daily Multivitamin by Innate

If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, look no further! This multivitamin is available in a few different choices and is one of our best-sellers. As a whole food, fermented multivitamin this supplement is easily digested and absorbed.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve learned, our B12 shots truly are top of the line. In addition to all the incredible benefits that these shots boast, Dr. Scarpuzzi can also customize the shots to meet your unique needs! They have a menu filled with a variety of options in addition to simple Vitamin B12 shots. If you need a little Vitamin D boost before traveling or perhaps a full blend of vitamins + minerals to promote detoxification, look no further!

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