B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 Injections: Good or Bad?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common. While supplementing with injections is considered safe in most cases, here’s what you should know before you try it.Vitamin supplements are very popular.People often believe they’ll act as a safety net and help to ensure adequate nutrient intake.Supplementing with vitamin B12 is particularly common, because deficiency is widespread.In fact, many people regularly get injections with vitamin B12.These are claimed to help with energy levels, brain function and weight loss, to name a few.This article reviews B12 injections and whether they are something you should consider.

What is vitamin B12 and what does it do?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt. The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop.

Potential health benefits

Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences.

In fact, low blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to several health problems.

Brain function

Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to a decline in brain function.

A 2020 study found that those with vitamin B12 deficiency may present with cognitive disorder, though the deficiency was not shown to be a direct risk factor for cognitive decline (13Trusted Source).

However, results have been mixed and treatment with vitamin B12 wasn’t effective at improving brain function in people with normal brain function (14Trusted Source).

Depression

It’s been suggested that there may be a link between low vitamin B12 levels and depression.

However, one review found that treating depression with vitamin B12 didn’t reduce the severity of symptoms.

Nevertheless, it was suggested that taking the vitamin on a long-term basis could help prevent a relapse into depression (15Trusted Source).

Currently, there is a lack of quality research in this area. Higher quality studies are needed to find out if there is a link between vitamin B12 and depression (16Trusted Source).

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the loss of bone mass results in weaker bones and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been linked with reduced bone mass, though clinical trials have not definitively supported the efficacy of B vitamin supplements in treating fractures (17Trusted Source).

Recent research states that the role of vitamin B12 and bone health is not well established. Additional studies are needed (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that causes you to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes.

In people aged 50 and over, adequate consumption of vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration.

A 2013 study linked low vitamin B12 and folate levels with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (20Trusted Source).

Although the reduction in risk can’t be attributed to vitamin B12 only, it does suggest that getting enough may be important.

Other claims

Recently, vitamin B12 injections and infusions have become popular among healthy people who don’t appear to have a deficiency.

Advocates of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood.

However, there is little to no evidence to support these claims.