Did you know that Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is also called the “energy vitamin”?
It’s considered the most versatile of all vitamins due to its vast range of abilities, including influencing fundamental nerve functions, processing carbs and fats, forming red blood cells, and producing DNA. Vitamin B12 has positive effects on both body and mind.
Naturally, B12 deficiency can lead to many health-related issues, the most common being weight gain. Vitamin B12 is used to catalyze weight loss, so being B12 deficient can affect your fitness and health goals. The body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, so you need to keep your Vitamin B12 consumption on track through food and supplements or you can get Vitamin B12 Injections Toronto-wide at Annex.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, i.e., once it is dissolved in water, it can be absorbed by the tissues easily. None of the types of vitamin B, including thiamine (Vitamin B1), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), niacin (Vitamin B3), and folic acid (Vitamin B9), can be stored by the body.
Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells especially good for people who have diagnosed anemia, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.
You can see you must make a conscious effort to keep all Vitamin B levels within a healthy range consistently in order to avoid any long-term illness.
Vitamin B and other water-soluble vitamins need to be distinguished from fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin D, which can be stored in the liver as a reserve. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by fat globules while travelling through the small intestine and then circulated to the entire body through the bloodstream.
Your body might not be absorbing the vitamin at a steady rate when you are taking supplements, and that’s where a Vitamin B12 shot can help accelerate the process. As B12 tablets do not absorb fast, if you are facing Vitamin B12 deficiency, it may be a good idea to discuss the viability of B12 shots with your health care practitioner or a naturopathic doctor who can provide Vitamin B12 injection treatment plans in Toronto.
When a B12 injection is administered to you, you can expect the following main benefit: Restoration of vitamin B12 in the cells, which leads to acceleration of B12 levels for circulation in critical organs. These can lead to positive changes such as higher energy levels, sharper focus, and heightened stamina.
Depending on your health status, a single shot of Vitamin B12 can also contribute to the maintenance of your nervous system.
As with any administered injectable or drugs, there are concerns about whether you require a prescription and whether the OHIP covers it. In Ontario, Vitamin B12 injections are not covered by OHIP. You can, however, select an extended insurance plan that covers the injection plus the appointment fees and specialized treatment costs related to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 injections are prescription medications, and you can buy them at pharmacies near you, provided you get a prescription to show to them. If it is not commonly available in your area, and you are a regular shopper at drug marts, you can ask them to source it for you.
It’s best to follow your health practitioner’s or naturopathic doctor’s instructions regarding the usage of these injections.
How Do B12 Injections Work?
Once you inject Vitamin B12 into your bloodstream, it converts the food you ingest into glucose so that the body can process it to produce energy. This energy powers your body through your daily activities, regulates stress hormones and balances the immune system and nervous system.
B12 shots skip the digestive system as they enter the bloodstream directly. This makes B12 injections the most absorbent form of the vitamin. Usually, a patient notices an increase in stamina within a couple of days of the first injection. That is also when your health practitioner will know if this route is viable for you or not.
B12 injections are administered like any other injection, typically in the thickest part of the upper arm muscles.
B12 shots are generally considered safe and may be recommended if you have a lab-confirmed deficiency. The frequency of how often you have to take the shot will depend on the level of deficiency.
Post-injection care is also straightforward. You can return to your usual activities right after receiving the injection.
A pharmacist or health practitioner is authorized to administer the first dose of the B12 injections in Ontario, for education and demonstration. You can self-administer the injection as well after that.
Usually, one B12 injection plus visit charges can cost anywhere between $50-$80. Our team is licensed to administer the B12 injection so that you don’t have to do it yourself. With lower-income groups in mind, our B12 injection is priced at 15 dollars.
It’s worth noting that the B12 dosage that is suitable for you depends on various factors, including age, gender, and general health history. If you are using an injection, you need to follow the schedule decided by your healthcare practitioner. Adults (19-64 years) are usually recommended to consume about 1.5 micrograms a day or more if they are not getting sufficient B12 from their diets.
At Annex Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto, you will receive holistic vitamin therapy through B12 injections as per a comprehensively tailored plan that meets your requirements and concerns.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
The following signs may point to your B12 level being low, and a simple diagnostic test can confirm whether the cause of these symptoms is indeed a Vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Odd sensations such as numbness or tingling around your arms, legs, and hands.
- Inability to walk without a struggle due to balancing issues.
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Memory loss, difficulty in concentrating, and cognitive difficulties
- Anemia or iron deficiency anemia
- Muscle cramps
- Shortness of breath
- Erratic moods and possible signs of mental health disorders such as depression
- Irregular or halted menstruation
- Inflamed tongue
- Low energy
- Hair
Your Vitamin B12 deficiency may also be a symptom in itself of other diseases such as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or other gut-related disorders.
What Are the Benefits of a Vitamin B12 Injection?
The overarching benefits of Vitamin B12 injections are that they will boost the production of red blood cells, help the body convert carbohydrates and maintain the functioning and balance of your nervous system. There are a host of other peripheral benefits which can be easily observed on a day-to-day basis:
Aids in Weight Loss
Vitamin B12 facilitates the conversion of fats that we consume through our diet into energy. Its involvement in the fat metabolism process has prompted researchers to study the effects of B12 deficiency on obesity. Several studies have linked B12 deficiency to obesity and a review concluded that B12 deficiency could also lead to a higher percentage of fat accumulation. A study conducted on pregnant mice, the species with a very similar biological and behavioral makeup to humans, also found that B12 deficiency led to high cholesterol levels and a significant increase in body fat percentage in pregnant mice. Another major study involving a sample size of 9,075 people also found that higher levels of B12 levels in the blood had a correlation with a lower risk of obesity. While the data suggests a correlation between weight loss and higher B12 levels, the larger consensus is that there could have been other potential factors involved — so the results remain inconclusive. What is largely agreed on, however, is that B12 deficiency can reduce energy levels and therefore make it harder to stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Think of it this way: More energy -> more capacity to handle stress -> fewer chances of burn-out and anxiety -> no extreme fluctuations in stress-induced weight.
Helps Reduce Stress
Vitamin B12, as much as it is called the energy vitamin, is also known as the anti-stress vitamin. It repairs your immune system and nervous system and keeps other potential health concerns such as a malfunctioning thyroid in check. With a healthy nervous system, over-production of the ‘stress hormone’ that causes the ‘fight or flight response’ (cortisol) can be prevented. Healthy levels of Vitamin B12 are crucial to avoid chronic fatigue and stress.
Helps Overcome Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of B12 deficiency. While there are many reasons why someone could feel fatigued, B12 is a part of the picture and correcting the deficiency can greatly improve energy levels. While naturopathic doctors wouldn’t prescribe B12 for most people without a lab-confirmed deficiency, studies show that B12 injections may improve endurance in athletes. It is essential to first pinpoint the root causes of fatigue before jumping to the conclusion that you need B12 injections. Inadequacy of macro-nutrients is just one cause of fatigue, and pumping yourself with Vitamin B12 shots will not help if the root cause is unrelated to B12 deficiency.
Aids in Treatment for Depression
Many factors can lead to you getting diagnosed with depression, and some patients may have to be on long-term medication to battle depression. Having sufficient levels of B12 has been linked to improved response to antidepressant medications, as several studies have shown. Depending on your case, your naturopathic doctor may consider including a Vitamin B12 injection in their holistic treatment plan for depression.
Protects Against Heart Diseases
A study about cardiovascular diseases among vegetarians found that if the lack of Vitamin B12 in vegetarian diets is not balanced with supplements or injections, then the cardiovascular benefits of vegetarian food will become redundant. That means that even though there seems to be no link between high Vitamin B12 levels and risk of heart diseases, there is enough of a relationship for you to prioritize Vitamin B12-rich foods in your vegetarian/vegan diet to gain full advantage of the many benefits related to heart disease. Those on a vegan diet naturally eliminate protein sources such as chicken, eggs (the health benefits of eggs are endless and might warrant inclusion in your diet), and fish, which have high amounts of B12. They might also be at risk of deficiency. Addressing this deficiency with B12 injections might be a viable option. One guardrail for how to maintain a healthy vegan diet is that you should not be missing out on any of the nutrients that animal products provide, and you need to find appropriate vegan food swaps to prevent any nutritional deficiency. Homocysteine is an acid that gets released when protein is being metabolized. In high concentrations, homocysteine can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes since it can damage arterial walls. Homocysteine levels rise when enough Vitamin B12 antibodies are not present. Vitamin B12 injections may come in handy to address this issue as well.
Conditions That May Benefit from B12 Injections
- Celiac disease – Celiac patients may have micronutrient deficiencies, one of which includes Vitamin B12. This can lead to neurological problems, and so, streamlining Vitamin B12 levels through B12 injections is an option worth exploring.
- Crohn’s disease – Those with Crohn’s disease may suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency because of a surgery that makes it difficult for orally administered Vitamin B12 to get absorbed in the body after the digestive system is operated upon. For such individuals, B12 injections will come in handy.
- Diabetes – Studies have shown that those with Type 2 and Type 1 Diabetes have a higher tendency to have insufficient Vitamin B12 in their body. Naturopathic solutions for Type 2 Diabetes include adopting a specific diet that contains healthy fats and proteins that are usually rich in Vitamin B12.
- Migraines – Although there is no concrete research forging a direct link between migraines and B12 injections, those with migraines can benefit from Vitamin B12 injections since high Vitamin B12 levels can help with high levels of homocysteine, and thus, reduce the intensity of the migraine.
- Nerve pain (caused by diabetes, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) – Since Vitamin B12 balances the nervous system, a lack of it can lead to nerve damage and degeneration of the spinal cord. Vitamin B12 injections will help in this case.
- Thyroid disease – Naturopathic treatments for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include addressing Vitamin B12 levels. As Thyroid disorders can impact your mental health, it might be worth exploring if thyroid disease is the cause of emotional and mental health issues. Checking your B12 level and possibly incorporating B12 injections might be your naturopath’s suggested treatment route.
How Do B12 Injections Work?
Once you inject Vitamin B12 into your bloodstream, it converts the food you ingest into glucose so that the body can process it to produce energy. This energy powers your body through your daily activities, regulates stress hormones, and balances the immune system and nervous system.
B12 injections skip the digestive system as they enter the bloodstream directly. This makes B12 injections the most absorbent form of the vitamin. Usually, a patient notices an increase in stamina within a couple of days of the first injection. That is also when your health practitioner will know if this route is viable for you or not.
B12 injections are administered like any other injection, typically in the thickest part of the upper arm muscles.
B12 injections are safe insofar as even if you face a side effect, your body will automatically eliminate the vitamin via urine. The health practitioner will prescribe the injection, usually monthly or bi-monthly, so keeping track of the injection schedule is not hard.
Post-injection care is also straightforward. You can return to your usual activities right after receiving the injection.
A pharmacist or health practitioner is authorized to administer the first dose of the B12 injections in Ontario, for the purpose of education and demonstration. You can self-administer the injection as well after that.
Usually, one B12 injection plus visit charges can cost anywhere between $50-$80. Our team is licensed to administer the B12 injection so that you don’t have to do it yourself. With lower-income groups in mind, our B12 injection is priced at 15 dollars.
It’s worth noting that the B12 dosage that is suitable for you depends on various factors, including age, gender, and general health history. If you are using an injection, you need to follow the schedule decided by your healthcare practitioner. Adults (19-64 years) are usually recommended to consume about 1.5 micrograms a day or more if they are not getting sufficient B12 from their diets.
At Annex Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto, you will receive holistic vitamin therapy through B12 injections as per a comprehensively tailored plan that meets your requirements and concerns.
Schedule a Call Now!
Figuring the intricacies surrounding Vitamin B12 injections might seem overwhelming. This introductory guide will help you recognize that it might be time to contact a medical professional if you are facing symptoms that indicate a B12 deficiency. With most of the preliminary details mentioned here, you are now more informed and can be more involved in the treatment process by asking the right questions.
Vitamin B12 is one of the most crucial nutrients that our body processes. Not having enough of it or not knowing that your body cannot process Vitamin B12 may lead to long-lasting detrimental effects. Take the first step to addressing potential Vitamin B12 deficiencies to build a healthy version of you by scheduling a consultation or initial patient visit!
FAQs About B12 Injections
Who Is B12 Injection For?
A B12 injection is a viable treatment option for anyone displaying signs of Vitamin B12 deficiencies, such as fatigue and weakness, mood swings, memory loss, inability to walk, or muscle cramps. People who follow strict vegan diets are also likely to need Vitamin B12 injections since their vegan diet may not prioritize Vitamin B12.
Where Can I Get B12 Injections?
It is crucial to get B12 injections only after consulting a health practitioner and only from a place licensed to sell/administer B12 injections. It is best to refrain from self-diagnosing Vitamin B12 deficiencies. If you suspect you might need them, visit us at Annex Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto to treat your issues and get you a B12 injection, if needed.
Are B12 Injections Covered By OHIP?
Insurance companies do not cover Vitamin B12 injections. Still, it is best to check with your insurance provider to confirm if they have a plan for flexible reimbursement of specific treatments and if you qualify for that plan. Regardless, we will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to process any possible reimbursements.
How Long Do B12 Injections Last?
There are many variables involved in a treatment program with B12 injections. It is best to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to understand the full scope of the treatment and what the relevant timelines would be based on your health history. Generally, the effects of Vitamin B12 injections start waning after a week.
Are B12 Pills The Same As B12 Shots?
B12 pills and B12 shots administer the same vitamin with the same goal of addressing Vitamin B12 deficiencies. The only difference is in the form of Vitamin B12. While Vitamin B12 tablets are readily available, easy to use (you just pop it in your mouth!), and cheaper, the rate at which the vitamin absorbs in tablet form is relatively slow. Depending on your health practitioner’s recommendation, you may also have to consume these tablets frequently.
Vitamin B12 shots absorb more quickly since they are being directly injected into your bloodstream, and they do not have to be administered as frequently as oral tablets.
