Vitamin B12 plays many essential roles in your body. It’s involved in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, energy metabolism, and keeping your nervous system running. Without it, your body can’t work properly!
As we age, however, it’s more common to be B12 deficient. Worse still, it’s sneaky! The symptoms of B12 deficiency range widely from cognitive problems to balance issues or weakness. They can happen very quickly or very slowly. That makes it easy to miss and hard to diagnose.
So we love B12. But we also love questions. We’ve been compiling the most common ones we hear from patients–see below.
If you’re wondering if B12 shots are a fit for you, book a 15-minute complimentary “meet-the-doctor” visit with one of the StoneTree Naturopathic Doctors. We can help.:)
-The StoneTree Team
Why do we recommend a B12 shot over supplements?
- Faster, and better impact. B12 shots are injected directly into the muscle. Some people don’t absorb nutrients effectively through their gastrointestinal system, so injections allow us to bypass that and get to your bloodstream faster.
- Easier treatment. A monthly B12 shot almost always keeps levels where we want them. Some people find it easier to take a monthly shot than to remember to take an oral supplement every day.
Why do we recommend monthly B12 shots for people over 50?
- Decreased Absorption. As people age, their bodies may become less efficient at absorbing vitamin B12 from food due to changes in stomach acid production or gastrointestinal function. This can increase the risk of B12 deficiency.
- Increased Risk Factors. Older adults may have higher risk factors for B12 deficiency due to gastrointestinal disorders, dietary factors, or certain medications (like proton pump inhibitors or metformin) that can interfere with B12 absorption.
- Neurological Health. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining neurological health. Deficiency can lead to symptoms such as memory problems, neuropathy, and mood disturbances. Since older adults are already at risk, ensuring adequate B12 levels can be important for maintaining cognitive function.
- Prevention of Anemia. B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Regular B12 supplementation can help prevent or manage anemia in older adults.
- Easier Compliance. Monthly B12 shots provide a consistent and convenient way to ensure adequate B12 intake for older adults who may have difficulty maintaining a regular supplement regimen or who have conditions that affect B12 absorption.
Why is a monthly B12 shot good preventively?
- Consistent B12 Levels. A monthly B12 shot helps individuals maintain consistent levels of vitamin B12 in their bodies. This consistency helps ensure that they have an adequate supply of B12 to support various bodily functions, including nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
- Supporting Overall Health. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including energy metabolism, cognitive function, and nerve health. By maintaining optimal B12 levels preventively, individuals can support their overall health and well-being, potentially reducing the risk of conditions such as cognitive decline, neuropathy, and anemia.
- Risk Reduction. Certain factors, such as age, medications, gastrointestinal disorders, and dietary habits, can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular B12 shots can help mitigate this risk by providing a consistent source of the vitamin, regardless of individual factors that may affect absorption or intake.
- Convenience and Compliance. Monthly B12 shots are a convenient and straightforward way to keep B12 levels where they should be. They are simply much easier for many patients. Easier means more consistent, and more consistent is better!
How do we measure B12?
Your vitamin B12 levels are typically measured with an inexpensive blood test. The test specifically looks for the amount of B12 in your blood serum.
But my doctor says my B12 lab values are too high?
Testing B12 levels shortly after receiving a B12 shot can lead to artificially elevated results, as the injection introduces exogenous B12 into the bloodstream.
Waiting several weeks after a B12 shot allows time for any injected B12 to be metabolized and cleared from your system, providing a more accurate reflection of your body’s B12 status.
Does the type of B12 shot matter?
At StoneTree, we use methylcobalamin (methyl B12), a compounded form of B12. Medical offices generally use cyanocobalamine (cyano B12).
Both are effective in addressing B12 deficiencies, but there are some differences between them:
- Bioavailability: Methylcobalamin is considered to have higher bioavailability than cyanocobalamin. This means that methyl B12 is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body. Some research suggests that methyl B12 may be better retained in the body and may lead to higher B12 levels in tissues over time compared to cyano B12.
- Methylation Support: Methylcobalamin is involved in the methylation process, which is essential for numerous biochemical reactions in the body, including DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and detoxification. Some individuals may prefer methyl B12 supplementation, believing that it provides additional support for methylation processes.
- Detoxification of Cyanide: Cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule, which is naturally occurring and generally considered safe at the low doses found in supplements. However, some individuals may prefer to avoid cyanide exposure altogether. Methylcobalamin does not contain cyanide, making it a preferable option for those patients.
Can I do this type through my doctor?
Most medical offices use cyano B12, which has more preservatives and lasts longer on a shelf. The methyl B12 we use needs to be compounded by a compounding pharmacy and as a result, has a shorter shelf life.
Book a 15-minute complimentary “meet-the-doctor” visit with one of the StoneTree Naturopathic Doctors to find out if B12 shots are right for you!