Vitamin B12 shots are proven to have a lot of health benefits. Along with that, they are also being used by individuals who are looking for additional support for weight loss. But do B12 shots for weight loss really work?
It is no doubt that vitamin B12 is used to improve bodily functions such as DNA synthesis, red blood cells formation, and breakdown of some macronutrients. This ability of vitamin B12 could be the reason why some individuals ask support from it – breaks down carbs, protein, and not to mention it converts fats to energy too.
Sources of Vitamin B12
There are several ways on how you can get vitamins B12 – foods, supplements, and diet.
1. Food
Majority of the individuals who consume vitamin B12 get it from certain foods that they consume. Some of the good sources of vitamin B12 you may consider are the following:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy
Even though majority of the vitamin B12 sources are animal protein-based foods, there are also available sources for vegetarians which include the following:
- Fortified cereals
- Nutritional yeast
- Plant milks with vitamin B12
2. Supplements
According to research, vitamin B12 deficiency could be a cause of health concern. This is why for some individuals who are not getting enough vitamin B12 from the food that they eat, they then consider supplements that contain vitamin B12.
There are a lot of vitamins and supplementations available at your local drugstore which contain a decent amount of vitamin B12. One of the most common sources of vitamin B12 is B complex supplements which contain all the eight B vitamins that you need.
Aside from OTC drugs, vitamin B12 may also be derived from injections or ‘shots’ as they call it. Unlike supplements and food sources, vitamin B12 shots contain a higher content of vitamin B12 than the usual. However, these shots are only administered to individuals who happen to have health concerns or who are having a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 shots are also prescribed by a doctor.
3. Diet
One great way of preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is to make sure you are getting enough of it through your diet. As mentioned above, there are certain foods which you can include in your everyday meal to make sure that you are getting enough amount of vitamin B12.
Since incorporating vitamin B12 with diet may be a challenge, you may refer to the nutritional information to make sure the food choices you include in your diet are ‘fortified’ or rather, contains a good amount of vitamin B12.
According to a study, you will be needing to consume at least 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day. So far, experts claim that both men and women should consume the same amount of B12 as a daily requirement. Only pregnant women will be needing to consume a higher amount since she will be needing it during breastfeeding.
Risk Factors and Complications
It is no doubt that vitamin B12 serves a lot of purposes for one’s health. However, as emphasized above, vitamin B12 deficiency could also lead to some ailments such as megaloblastic anemia – a condition that arises due to a low red blood cell count.
Individuals who will be more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency would be the vegans and the vegetarians. This is because most of the sources of B12 are animal protein-based foods. This is why it would be necessary and advisable for them to consider getting enough vitamin B12 from supplementations or injections rather.
Some individuals who have certain health conditions such as the following may also be limited from vitamin B12.
- Patients with HIV
- Patients who had gastrointestinal surgery
- The elderly
- Patients with digestive disorders
- Patients with celiac disease
- Patients with Crohn’s disease
Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss
Aside from the improvement of body functions that vitamin B12 contributes to an individual, there are also some claims that vitamin B12 is beneficial for weight loss.
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Boosts Calorie Burn
In order for vitamin B12 to help you shed pounds, you have to make sure first that you are getting enough vitamin B12 because B12 deficiency can only stop your body from burning calories.
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Boosts Energy
another amazing contribution of vitamin B12 in terms of weight loss is that it also helps increase your energy.
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Improves Sleep
You should know by now that one way to lose weight is to get enough sleep and rest. If you are deficit from vitamin B12, you may suffer from insomnia and sleeping disorders. With the help of vitamin B12, you can help improve your sleep and at the same time, increase chances of weight loss by being well-rested.
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Supports Immune System
Vitamin B12 deficiency could weaken your immune system. As a result, you will be more prone to illnesses.
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Reduces Recovery Period
Having problems working out again due to a sore body? Don’t worry. Proper or enough supplementation of vitamin B12 could help decrease the recovery period. Having said, you may then get back to your weight loss training in no time.
Other Benefits of vitamin B12
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Improves Mood
In order to avoid negative emotions, vitamin B12 must also be present in the body. This is because there are certain claims wherein depression could take place if the person is deficit from vitamin B12.
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Reduces Swelling
It is even believed that vitamin B12 has the ability to reduce joint and muscle swelling as well as inflammation.
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Promote Hair and Nail Health
Some experts suggest that vitamin B12 injections could help boost hair and nail health.
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Reduce Stress Levels
Aside from having health concerns, vitamin B12 deficiency may stress out the body. To combat this? Make sure you get enough vitamin B12.
So, does B12 really help with weight loss?
When it comes to providing the body with some health benefits, vitamin B12 can surely give you a hand with that.
However, the benefits of vitamin B12 in terms of contributing to weight loss is still being studied even up to this very day. Despite the fact, there are also claims from studies that vitamin B12 is also great support if you wanna shed extra pounds. What matters is that in order for you to effectively lose weight, you need to look after your health first.
Having said, make sure that you are providing your body with a decent amount of vitamin B12 at a daily basis to prevent other health concerns from taking place.
