When it comes to peak immune and nerve function, energy, and a healthy metabolism, it’s important to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to get what you need from food and supplements, which is why people are turning to the B12 booster shot and IV infusion.

What Exactly is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also known as methylcobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin containing the mineral cobalt. It occurs naturally in animal products including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products and is also available in oral form or through booster injection or IV infusion.

Why Do We Need It?
B12 is integral for proper neurological function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells and immune cells. It plays an important role in energy metabolism, nerve function and immune function. A B12 deficiency is often characterized by diarrhea, a beefy red tongue, and most commonly by pernicious anemia. In elderly people, a deficiency can result in depression and impaired mental health function with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, B12 deficiencies are associated with the inability to lose weight, adrenal fatigue, low sperm count, depression, tinnitus, and insomnia. Some common proton-pump-inhibiting medications for indigestion or dyspepsia including Pepcid, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zantac can decrease absorption of B12 or deplete B12 stores.

B12 deficiency is common in people with HIV and diabetics who take Metformin as well as those who practice a vegan diet—since it’s only found in animal products—people who suffer from Crohn’s disease or other gastrointestinal issues, and older adults.

Why Not Just Take The Pill?
Why should you get a booster injection or IV infusion when you can just take a pill? With oral supplements, there is no way to be sure that the body absorbs enough B12 to affect positive metabolic change. However, when administered through the B12 booster shot or IV Infusion, the body is able to absorb 100% of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients with no fillers—like some capsules or pills—allowing immediate results.