B vitamins are vital nutrients that play important roles in the body, ensuring the cells are functioning properly and helping maintain the organs and bodily systems. B12 specifically, is essential for energy formation, DNA synthesis, creation of red blood cells and nerve health.

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Is a B12 shot or B cocktail (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12) right for you?

The vast majority of patients we see for B12 shots or B complex are those who are tired all the time and generally feel weak and run down. Is this you?

You may be showing other signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency including:

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• Depression or feeling low / Irritability

• Sleep issues

• Fatigue / extreme tiredness

• Brain fog / Confusion

• Muscle weakness

• Anaemia

• Infertility

• Recurrent miscarriages

• Low sperm count

• Lacy of energy

• Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

• Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands

• Sore and red tongue

• Swollen tongue

• Mouth Ulcers

• Cracks around the mouth

• Disturbed vision

• Psychological problems which may include depression and confusion

• Problems wit memory, understanding and judgement

• Skin rashes

• Scaly skin on the lips

• Nausea

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhoea / Constipation

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What’s the difference between a B12 shot + B Complex?

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Both B12 and B cocktails are injections that are quick to administer and are great for helping to replace what your body can’t make.

 

• B12 shot: 1ml vitamin B12 (1mg)

• B Complex: 1ml B12 + 1ml B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12)

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If you’re not sure which is best for you, all our vitamin therapies come with a free consultation with our IV clinician. They can advise you on what is most suitable, based on your goals or any symptoms you may have.

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If a product contains the vitamin B complex, it should have some of each of the following:

• Vitamin B1 – thiamin. Vitamin B1 is vital to the healthy growth and function of organs, including the brain and heart.

• Vitamin B2 – riboflavin. The body needs vitamin B2 to break down fats and drugs.

• Vitamin B3 – niacin. The body needs niacin to maintain healthy skin, nerves, and digestion. Doctors sometimes prescribeTrusted Source high doses of niacin to help improve cholesterol levels.

• Vitamin B5 – pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 is essential for the health of the brain and nervous system.

• Vitamin B6 – pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps the body make new red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It also helps keep the immune system strong.

• Vitamin B7 – biotin. Biotin is essential for healthy hair, nails, and nerve function.

• Vitamin B9 – folic acid. The body uses folic acid — or folate, its natural form — to make DNA and genetic material. Before and during pregnancy, sufficient amounts of folic acid help to reduce the riskTrusted Source of certain birth defects.

• Vitamin B12 – cobalamin. The body’s nerve and blood cells require vitamin B12. Adequate levels of B12Trusted Source also prevent pernicious anemia, which is a deficiency of this nutrient.

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BENEFITS:

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• Ensures the body’s cells are working properly

• Helps convert food into energy

• Aids in creation of new red blood cells

• Essential for healthy body tissues

• Aids with proper functioning and development of the brain

• Supports skin cell health

• Cell health

• Growth of red blood cells

• Energy levels

• Good eyesight

• Healthy brain function

• Good digestion

• Healthy appetite

• Proper nerve function

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Complex injections help with a number of health concerns, including:

• Chronic Fatigue

• Weight Loss

• Chronic Pain

• Blood Sugar Control

• Nerve Pain

• and More

• hormones and cholesterol production

• cardiovascular health

• muscle tone

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In women

• B vitamins are especially important for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. These vitamins aid in fetal brain development as well as reduce the risk of birth defects.

• For expectant mothers, B vitamins may boost energy levels, ease nausea, and lower the risk of developing preeclampsia.

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In men

• Increase testosterone levels in men, which naturally decrease with age.

• Help men build muscle and increase strength.

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What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

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For most people, it is thought that eating a healthy diet is sufficient to get enough vitamin B12. But if your diet isn’t optimal, or if your body has an underlying issue, it may not absorb enough B12 – which can lead to health problems. What can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency? Some of the more common underlying issues we see in the clinic include:

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• Pernicious anaemia: This is an autoimmune disorder caused by a lack of red blood cells when the body is not able to absorb enough vitamin B12.

• A vegetarian or vegan diet: B12 is most abundantly found in animal products. It is often the case that those with vegetarian or vegan diets are deficient in B12 and absorption can be erratic.

• Low stomach acidity: This is an increasingly common problem, especially for those who take antacids to counter perceived high stomach acidity. Normal acid levels are required for optimal B12 absorption.

• Gut issues: Many people have ‘subclinical’ gut issues. If you have a lot of gas, acid reflux, belching, loose motion and/or constipation, brain fog, migraines and/or joint pains, you probably have a gut issue like SIBO, leaky gut or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These issues can cause havoc with the absorption of nutrients and many people don’t realise that they have gut issues as symptoms can appear very gradually.

• Stomach disorders: People with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may not be able to absorb enough B12 from food.

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Are you vegan or vegetarian?

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Most people get all the B12 they require through the food they eat (think meat, poultry, fish, and dairy), but if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’re at risk of a deficiency. Vitamin B12 is made by bacteria and is mostly found in animal products and a few selected fortified products. It’s presence in plant based products have decreased over the years due to high levels of hygiene in agricultural practices which kills off these bacteria that make the B12.

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Tip: Vegan sources of B12 include nutritional yeast (Marmite), algae, seaweed, certain mushrooms and fortified foods.

Read more: How to go vegan properly. Are B12 shots the answer?

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CONTRA-INDICATIONS:

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Although many people can and do benefit from this treatment, we won’t carry it out if you have:

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• Allergy to it (hypersensitivity)

• Cardiac Arrhythmia's

• Medicine Interactions

• Acutely unwell

• Currently on Antibiotics (tetracycline)

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Kidney Problems

• Liver Problems

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HOW MANY INJECTIONS ARE NEEDED:

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The frequency of appointments will depend on the condition you are hoping to address. It’s recommended more sessions to start, such as one or two sessions a week for four weeks, then tapering to one treatment every other week, and finally slowing to monthly maintenance treatments. This will restore the nutrients lacking and sustain levels for optimal health.

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