Which form of B12 shot/pill should you take?

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 6 years ago · 6 min read

What Is a B12 Shot?

Vitamin B12 assists in many important functions of the body.  

A B12 injunction is most commonly inserted on the mid-thigh or glute area of the body. Some practitioners will recommend the abdomen area as well. 

The injection can be prescribed as often as once a week or as little as once a month, depending on the dosage needed for the benefits sought. A prescription is needed to receive the shot. 

Although there are over-the-counter options to take as pills or liquids, B12 is something to consult your doctor about before looking for where to get B12 shots. 

The Road to B12

B12 shots are not for everyone, many places only offer this option to those 18 years and older. People with specific allergies may be turned away as well. 

The best way of knowing if B12 is for you, and how much you need, is by talking to your doctor. They will likely run blood tests and have a discussion with you about your health before disclosing where to get B12 shots. 

Your doctor's assessment includes things like your age and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It also includes an in-depth look at your diet and blood levels. Keep in mind that as you grow older or if you're pregnant, your intake of the vitamin should increase. 

The latter, however, is the real science behind what your body needs. 

Sometimes people think taking B12 is a quick fix to feeling tired or weak.

However, they may actually be experiencing more than a just a vitamin deficiency. Taking a blood examination is the best way to uncover what is really happening in your body. It can even point to early signs of being at risk for serious issues, like anemia or stroke.

Other times, it really is as simple as altering your diet. If this is the case, then you don't have to go through the trouble of finding out where to get B12 shots.

This is common for vegetarians or vegans, who can amp their fortified grains and cereals to get more of this vitamin. Those that have a wider diet can increase their intake of meat, shellfish, and dairy to boost their B12 intake without a shot. 

If a B12 deficiency is extreme, taking the right steps to get a shot prescription can help in many ways. 

What Are the Benefits of B12? 

B12 has the power to boost your energy and mood while lowering fatigue and irritability.

It is needed to produce a sufficient amount of red blood cells. It also supports and enhances the nervous system. Additionally, iy promotes healthy skin and hair, since it's needed to make new cells. 

Many people consider amping up their B12 levels when they experience an overwhelming amount of tiredness or signs of depression.

It's almost like going without good sleep for a long time, and then finally getting a good night's rest.

Others express interest in vitamin B12 because they're trying to shed a few pounds or to combat an overactive appetite.

No matter your reasons, there are many positive effects of increasing your B12 intake. 

B12 can provide mental clarity and prevent forgetfulness. It also regulates body functions to fight bloating, constipation, or shortness of breath. As mentioned, B12 can aid in weight loss. However, keep in mind that weight loss works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle choices. 

Additionally, B12 is also a smart choice if you are reaching a certain age. Those that reach age 50 are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency. 

This is because many people at this age start taking supplements like aspirin and diabetes medicines. While these medications are certainly helpful, they can also get in the way of regular B12 absorption.

Another factor in the digestion process is the changes elderly people experience in their stomach lining. This also alters the intake and use of important vitamins.

Others at risk of B12 deficiency include cigarette smokers and regular alcohol drinkers.

Those with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes as well as a history of digestion issues and gastrointestinal surgeries may find themselves asking where to get B12 shots as well. 

B12 Shots vs's Supplements

Just as the deficiency of vitamin B12 can occur in many forms, there are various options when it comes to B12 intake as well. 

Why go through the trouble of getting the shot prescription and having someone administer it regularly, when you can opt for pills or liquids you can take on your own.

The answer is simple. Shots are far more effective. Thus, knowing where to get B12 shots is important. 

Let's take a look at why. 

The most general reason is that shots are better absorbed in the body. By having a direct injection in to the bloodstream, B12 can bypass the regular track of digestion.

The digestion track is vital for our daily function.

However, it often uses up much of our nutrients before they can get to where they are needed. Think of a shot of nutrients taking the expressway instead of getting stuck in rush hour.

Knowing where to get B12 shots administered on the body can be the difference between putting enough B12 in the body and actually absorbing it.

This is often what happens with those that suffer from symptoms mentioned above. People think there is enough B12 in their diet, which may be the case. However, the body is not fully using everything coming in.

The digestive track has to be in top-notch shape to get the most out of everything we eat or swallow.

With as much as 20% of the population suffering from IBS, and many more dealing with other digestive issues, it is no surprise to see pills are not doing the trick. Shots are the logical, more powerful alternative. They sink right in and get to work.

B12 and Other Lifestyle Choices 

The body often works in teams. To combat negative symptoms, you need to consider what combination of tactics works best. 

By now, you probably have noticed B12 is no quick fix. It is a good start to a healthier life, though. Knowing where to get B12 shots is just the beginning. 

Before you head to your closest administrator, really consider the benefits available to you and how you plan to maximize them. In other words, take a look at your goals and your tools.

If you are looking to lose weight, do you understand the importance of physical activity and dieting?

B12 does not directly slim the numbers on the scale. What it can accomplish, though, is improving energy levels. This is a catalyst to becoming more active over time. This way, you can take on the challenge of introducing regular exercise in your routine. 

Another scenario is those suffering from digestive issues. Regulating vitamin levels like B12 is a good start, but not the whole story. 

This is why blood tests beforehand are so important. Sometimes, doctors can discover deep, underlying issues like thyroid dysfunctions. 

Such conditions like hypothyroidism are the real causes behind digestion problems discussed. B12 shots are then just a band-aid to a bigger problem. They improve the levels of one vitamin. However, they do this without solving the issue that's really preventing other nutrients from making it past digestion and stomach lining. 

Hyperthyroidism is a very specific, unique case in each individual. Treating it with the right dosage of B12 is just one step in fighting a bigger beast. 

Are B12 Shots Right for You?

Thanks to this post, you're now more aware of just a few of the many benefits that B12 shots offer. However, remember that patients should always talk to a doctor about their hormone and blood levels before increasing or decreasing nutrient intakes. 

Many people are excited to discover where to get B12 shots due to the trends in weight loss topics and other benefits. While this can be true in some cases, the most effective use of B12 happens when there is a clear symptom or problem as defined by a specialist. 

This ensures the right diagnosis, dosage, and length of treatment. There are times when a short trial run is enough to boost mood and energy. Other cases require regular injections to keep more serious issues, like digestion problems and depression, at bay. 

To find out if B12 is right for you, and where to get B12 shots in your area, talk to one of our specialists today.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.