What is a B12 Injection?

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the well-being of people.

This vitamin usually protects DNA molecules, nerves, and brain cells. It also supports the human body. Moreover, it also stimulates the production of serotonin, known as “feel good hormone.”

This hormone can help boost people’s moods.

Naturally, this vitamin is found in animal products such as meat, oily fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians or vegans may fall short of this vitamin if they don’t balance or supplement their diet carefully.

Vitamin B12 exists in four chemical forms: methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin.

What is Methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring coenzyme that is found in many food sources.

It works synergistically to cover up most of the vitamin B12 needs in the human body. This form is the most bioavailable type of vitamin B12. It means the human body absorbs this chemical form more easily. As methylcobalamin is naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk, and eggs. Therefore, this form is readily available in many people’s daily diets.

Furthermore, methylcobalamin is the most activated form of vitamin B12 that is used in the liver, brain, and nervous system.

Methylcobalamin differs from cyanocobalamin as the cyano group at the cobalt atom is replaced with a methyl group. Furthermore, methylcobalamin features octahedral cobalt (III) center and can be obtained as red bright crystals.

The pharmacological form of methylcobalamin can be used for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

When it’s injected into the muscles as a regular IM shot or when ingested orally, it doesn’t tax the body with the need for conversion.

In cases presenting with a severe B vitamin deficiency, Methylcobalamin injections are highly recommended.

What is Hydroxocobalamin?

Hydroxocobalamin is a man-made injectable form of vitamin B12.

It is normally produced by gut bacteria in the digestive tract when food sources are broken down. However, it is generally developed in a laboratory by extracting it from microorganisms.

In supplement form, hydroxycobalamin is only available on prescription and is given by injection under the medical supervision of a doctor. This form of vitamin B12 is readily converted to adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin by the body after entering into the bloodstream. Later, it will be available for cells to absorb and use it.

Hydroxocobalamin is used to treat low levels of vitamin B12 (deficiency) that results from poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, or cancer.

Certain medical conditions such as pernicious anemia may require patients to continue receiving injections every month.

Furthermore, it occurs as an odorless dark red orthorhombic crystal. In injectable form, it appears as a clear dark red solution.

A pure form of B vitamin, Hydroxocobalamin is suitable for older individuals who wish to address B vitamin deficiency, for those with inflammatory skin conditions, and for those who desire to improve the condition of their hair, skin and nails.

How much is a B12 injection?

The B12 injection is £50.

How often should I have a B12 injection?

This varies between individuals and depend on many factors such as your metabolism, the current B12 level in your system, your activity level etc.

There are several different dosing regimens depending on the need. If there is no known deficiency as per blood tests, then it will just be as often as needed, no strict protocol, but we recommend, one shot weekly for 4 weeks, then just maintenance.

Our nurse is connected to the current national B12 international research, which is actually led by the surgeon she works with.