A lot of people are interested in Vitamin B-12. Many who have used it express how they love it! Others say it does nothing. B-12 shots are relatively new in the fitness industry and FACTUAL evidence is hard to come by, BUT Solitto Fitness and Nutrition reached out to an amazingly smart individual and asked her to do a little investigation! Keep in mind that with all supplements YOU have to work so THEY can have a positive effect.
Here is some information that can help you decide if you should try B-12 shots or not. We want you to decide for yourself.
B12
Shots: Pros & Cons
By:
Kira Olson, BS Exercise Physiology
ProAnox
Systems Inc. Health & Operations Manager
Vitamin B12, also
known as cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin vital for performing many body
functions, including building DNA, supporting brain and nervous system
function, and synthesizing fatty acids.
B12 plays a key role in energy, growth and appetite. Most commonly, it is found in dairy and
animal products. Since B12 naturally accelerates the rate of metabolism, it is
becoming a big weight loss craze in the form of injectable shots. The following
highlights some pros and cons of B12 shots:
Pros:
-Improved
absorption via injection into the muscle and rapid release into the bloodstream
(particularly useful for those with malabsorption problems)
-Boosts energy
and metabolism, thus decreasing fat storage
-Retains nearly
all the B12 vs. pill form
-Boosts mood
& concentration by increasing levels of serotonin (especially helpful with
depressed patients)
-Thins the blood
to prevent stroke & maintain cardiovascular health
-Treats B12
deficiency & anemia and possibly effective for age-related macular
degeneration
Cons:
*No scientific
proof of weight loss effects
-Expensive: about
$65 per shot plus sometimes ~$200 for an initial consultation with a physician)
-Helpful only to
people with a B12 deficiency
-Should be
supervised by a physician and is not advised for long term use
-Should NEVER
replace a healthy diet
-Excess B12 is
excreted in the urine (aka. a waste)
-Common side
effects: mild diarrhea, nausea, pain at injection site, swelling sensation,
headache, joint pain (rare cases: rapid heart rate, coughing, chest pain)
-Can interfere
with the effectiveness of some medications (eg. Chloramphenicol might decrease
the effects of B12 by decreasing new blood cells)
-Not advised for
people with Leber's disease (hereditary eye disease) or sensitivity to cobalt
or cobalamin
It is also
important to note that people who opt for B12 shots are typically those already
conscious about their weight or following a strict diet (such as a vegan or
vegetarian diet); therefore, B12 will provide them with increased energy,
allowing them to exercise more frequently and harder. The result? Weight loss.
The bottom line
is that more research needs to be done in this area. Although B12 injections are not likely to
harm your health, the most important thing is to eat a healthy, balanced diet
and include physical activity in your daily routine. Before choosing expensive shots with possible
side effects, try incorporating more foods that are rich in B12. Resist the lure of quick and easy solutions,
and work for your health. You're
worth it.
