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Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves.
Pros:
1. It provides a much-needed boost of energy: As mentioned earlier, B12 is only found in animal products. Given that our body needs the vitamin, how can we get enough of it when our diet restricts the consumption of its sources?
2. It does help those who really have B12 deficiency: A serious deficiency can result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage. Preventing these is where getting a shot comes in handy but it’s best to consult with a doctor first.
3. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions: From ALS to Alzheimer’s disease, B12 shots are used in a wide variety of ways to boost the immune system to fight disease. Some even believe that it can become a shield to the natural aging process.
4. It takes a lot to reach toxicity levels: For the most part, the human body is able to flush out any excess vitamin B12 it contains in a short amount of time, meaning that only what your body needs will be absorbed into your system. When there is an overdose, most people do not experience severe side effects.
5. Vitamin shots can often be self-administered at home: Although people can give themselves their own B12 shots, the initial prescription must come from a medical provider. If there aren’t any deficiencies in place, then it may be recommended that a different approach to your health needs besides the B12 be considered.
6. Fewer doses are needed: B12 shots are typically just once per week. When taking vitamin supplements, they are often taken every day. Miss one dose and you don’t receive the full therapeutic benefits.
7. Proper functioning of body parts: Because B12 is used for the proper development and functioning of various body parts including nerves, blood vessels, and the brain, its applications are vast. People use it to relieve the side effects associated with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, AIDs, asthma, vitiligo, mood stabilization, and other ailments.
8. Reduces hyperhomocysteinemia: B12 is effective in reducing a heart-related condition called (hyperhomocysteinemia) if taken with B6 and Folic Acid. It is also effective for an age-related eye disease called macular degeneration (AMD).
9. Utilization of the Dose: Another reason individuals prefer vitamin B12 injections over pills is the effectiveness. In order for the body to be able to use vitamin B12, oral pills must first be digested. Not only does this process take a long time, but the vast majority of the nutrient is lost during the process.
10. More Bang for Your Buck: Again, since injectable B12 goes directly into the bloodstream, your body will utilize the full dose. Will pills, you pay for a whole lot of supplements that your body never uses. Vitamin injections, on the other hand, ensure you get exactly what you pay for!
11. Various Supplemental Options: Injectable B12 comes in various forms, including methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. The concentration of the nutrient also varies. Therefore, you have a wide variety of purchasing options available.
12. Injection Sites: Those who dislike shots probably envision a bruised thigh as a result of repeated injections. However, that simply isn’t true!
Cons:
1. It’s not always the answer to increasing energy levels: B12 is water soluble and when taken in excess, the body will eliminate what it doesn’t need. This just means you’re just wasting your money if you’re not deficient. The B12 shot was made for those who truly have a B12 deficiency and need the injection to not just increase energy but to make sure their body functions as planned.
2. It has become somewhat widely available: Almost everyone is making claims about B12. You can go to a juice bar and find a product made to boost B12. You can head to a beauty store and find one that promises the same thing.
3. Not everyone can take these shots: There are some people who are allergic to B12 shots, although officially the allergy is to cobalt. Those who have Leher’s disease are also recommended against taking a B12 shot because it may harm the optic nerve and increase the chances of blindness.
4. There is no clinical evidence that B12 shots help with weight loss: One of the more popular reasons to take B12 shots as of late is for weight loss needs. There have been numerous studies that have attempted to show a link between weight loss and B12, but at best the B vitamin series can help people put weight on more slowly and that is it.
5. There is a risk of infection: Because these are injections instead of tablets or chewable vitamins, the B12 shots could pose an infection risk if the needles are not disposed of or sterilized properly. Not everyone takes the time to change their injection tools or to properly sterilize them and this inaction could lead to potentially life-threatening issues
6. They can be expensive: Because you’re receiving a week’s worth of vitamins in one dose, the cost of each injection tends to be a bit higher than a regular vitamin supplement. These costs are typically manageable for most households, but they may not be covered by an insurance provider if there isn’t a medical need to have the shots.
7. Not good for people with eye problems: People who have a hereditary eye disease known as Leber’s, should avoid B12 injections as this can cause damage to their optic nerve. If you are cobalt or cobalamin sensitive, B12 supplementation isn’t a good idea.
8. Storage and Handling: Injectable B12 needs to be stored in the refrigerator. This means you’ll need to pay special attention to the calendar when you purchase B12 injections. You’ll want to buy your supplements early in the week so they don’t end up spending the weekend at the post office!
9. Side Effects: The side effects of B12 injections are minimal. The most commonly reported side effects to include redness and itching at the site of injection. While there is a slight risk of more severe side effects, these are quite rare. However, should you experience any, contact your doctor right away.
10. Compatibility: Before starting any medication or vitamin supplement, a doctor should review your current conditions and treatments. Like anything else, certain health issues could interfere with the body’s ability to utilize the B12 injectable vitamins.
