The Complete Guide to Vitamin B12 Injections: Types, Benefits, and What to Expect

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and aiding in the formation of red blood cells. However, some people may struggle to absorb enough B12 through their diet alone, leading to deficiencies that can cause a range of health issues. Vitamin B12 injections offer an effective way to address this deficiency, and understanding the different types can help you choose the best option for your needs.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psycholocial symptoms including:

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Sore mouth or tongue

• Weight loss

• Decreased appetite

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Vision disturbances

• Confusion and brain fog

• Feeling depressed or irritable

Types of Vitamin B12 Injections

1. Hydroxocobalamin

   • What it is: Hydroxocobalamin is a natural form of B12 found in foods like meat, fish, and eggs.

   • Benefits: This form of B12 remains in the bloodstream longer than cyanocobalamin, which means fewer injections may be needed. It’s also more effective for people who have difficulty converting B12 into its active forms. It is also best tolerated by individuals who may be sensitive to methyl donors due to a slow COMT reaction. If you have ever had a B12 injection and felt angry or anxious after, this may be a sign that you have a slow COMT.

   • Considerations: Hydroxocobalamin is often preferred for treating vitamin B12 deficiency due to its longer-lasting effects and better absorption. It is also the safest if you do not know your genetic status for MTHFR or COMT.

     
     

2. Methylcobalamin

   • What it is: Methylcobalamin is an active, coenzyme form of B12 that the body can use immediately without needing conversion. Meaning it does not need to swap out the cyano molecule in order to become active.

   • Benefits: It’s particularly beneficial for supporting neurological function, making it a preferred choice for people with nerve damage or neurological conditions. It’s also free from potential allergens and additives. This is also the preferred choice for individuals with MTHFR mutations due to their inability to methylate properly.  

   • Considerations: Methylcobalamin can be more expensive than other forms, and it may require more frequent injections compared to hydroxocobalamin due to its shorter retention time in the body.

     
     

3. Adenosylcobalamin

   • What it is: Adenosylcobalamin is another active form of vitamin B12 that plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and energy production.

   • Benefits: It’s particularly effective in supporting energy levels and is often used by individuals with chronic fatigue or mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells.

   • Considerations: Adenosylcobalamin is less commonly available as an injection but can be beneficial when used in combination with other forms of B12.

     
     

4. Cyanocobalamin

   • What it is: Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 commonly used in injections. It's the most widely used as it is the cheapest form.

   • Benefits: It is effective at raising B12 levels in the body and is cheap, making it a popular choice for treating deficiencies.

   • Considerations: Cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule, though it’s present in such small amounts that it’s generally considered safe for most people. It has to also be converted into the other forms in order for the body to use it. If you have any MTHFR genetic mutations, this is not the right form of B12 for you. Individuals with kidney conditions should also not use this form of B12 due to the possibility of a buildup of cyanide in their body.   

Who Needs Vitamin B12 Injections?

• Vegans and Vegetarians: Since B12 is primarily found in animal products, those following a plant-based diet are at a higher risk of deficiency.

• Older Adults: As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at absorbing B12 from food, increasing the need for supplementation.

• People with Digestive Disorders: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, individuals who are on proton pump inhibitors  (PPIs), or those who have had certain gastrointestinal surgeries may struggle to absorb B12 through food alone. You need to have adequate stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) in order to absorb most vitamins and minerals.

• Individuals with Pernicious Anemia: This autoimmune condition prevents the body from absorbing B12, making injections a necessary treatment.

• Individuals on Weight Loss Injections: A side effect of some weight loss injections such as semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists is vitamin B12 deficiency. This is due to a decreased gastric emptying and reduced stomach acid production which can affect the body’s ability to absorb B12.

  
  

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections

• Boosts Energy Levels: B12 is crucial for converting food into energy, and injections can provide an immediate energy boost for those with a deficiency.

• Improves Mood and Cognitive Function: B12 supports the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and cognitive functions.

• Supports Heart Health: Adequate B12 levels help lower homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Enhances Skin, Hair, and Nail Health: B12 plays a role in cell production, promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails.

  
  

What to Expect During and After an Injection

• The Procedure: Vitamin B12 injections are usually administered intramuscularly, often in the arm or thigh. The injection process is quick and relatively painless.

• Post-Injection Effects: Some people may experience mild side effects such as redness at the injection site, dizziness, or nausea, but these are generally short-lived.

• Frequency: The frequency of injections varies based on individual needs, ranging from weekly to monthly.

  
  

Vitamin B12 injections are a highly effective way to boost B12 levels in individuals who cannot get enough from their diet alone. With various types available, including hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin, there’s an option to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy levels, support neurological health, or address a specific deficiency, B12 injections could be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine. Here at Luxe Nova Medical Aesthetics & Wellness we provide both hydroxocobalamin and methylcobalamin injections. If you are interested on supplementing your B12, schedule a consult with Sarah today to see which would be the right form for you!

If you are experiencing symptoms of B12 deficiency, it is important to have a medical evaluation to ensure that is indeed the cause. Some diseases can mimic each other so it is important to always be evaluated by a health care provider.