B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells.

The essential vitamin is also known to convert food into energy and plays a vital role in orchestrating key body functions.

Person's who are deficient in Vitamin B12 as determined by blood work, most Vegan's and strict Vegetarians, some adults over the age of 60 and those who have a medical condition or are taking a medication that depletes B12.

Pregnant women can benefit from B12 and often the amount found in a prenatal vitamin is sufficient. There are circumstances where a woman may be Vegan or Vegetarian while pregnant and require additional B12-these circumstances require a medical consult with MD/NP.

Vitamin B12 is typically found in the foods we eat and we often get enough with eating a well balanced diet. B12 is found in animal foods such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and milk or fortified breads/cereals.

Although the indication for B12 injections is for deficiencies, B12 is a water soluble vitamin which means it dissolves in water upon entering the body. Although there is little risk of overdosing with B12 injections there are still side effects that can occur.

• pain, swelling or itch at the injection site

• diarrhea

• headaches

• feeling dizzy/lightheaded

• hot flushes

• nausea and/or vomiting

B12 injections are given once a month.

B12 is given by Intramuscular injection.

The site used is the upper arm (deltoid muscle). The area is thoroughly cleansed with an alcohol wipe and the product is drawn up into a syringe with a 25g x 1" needle added.

This is the same needle that is used for flu shots.

It's recommended that you wear a shirt that makes the upper arm accessible (t-shirt or tank-top).

There is a TON of mixed information on the internet regarding B12 for energy. Although some experts claim this is a proven fact, there is no solid evidence to support these claims.

Person's deficient in Vitamin B12 experience a positive benefit from the injections. B12 deficiency often causes symptoms like fatigue/generalized weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, memory difficulties, irritability and numbness/tingling in extremities.