B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins, which are important for maintaining the normal rate of metabolism. If the diet fails to provide adequate amounts of these vitamins, then vitamin B shots or injections can be required at times. Know more about these supplements, through this WellnessKeen article.
Vitamin B is a group of eight water-soluble vitamins, all of which take part in a range of biochemical reactions taking place within the human body. These eight B-complex vitamins are known as vitamin B1 ( thiamine), vitamin R2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
A deficiency of these vital nutrients can cause several health problems, including anemia, pellagra, depression, and beriberi. The deficiency of vitamin B can occur as a result of insufficient dietary intake or impaired absorption. Meat and meat products, beans, whole-grain cereals, lentils, brewer’s yeast, potatoes, molasses, fish, milk, eggs, and nuts are some of the good sources of B vitamins. So, by including them in your diet, you can avoid deficiencies of B vitamins.
But sometimes, supplementation can be required in order to prevent and treat the symptoms produced by the deficiencies of B vitamins. Supplements are usually required to treat a deficiency of vitamin B12. This vitamin can be found mainly in animal food. The plant food sources usually do not contain this crucial vitamin, and hence, vegetarians are at an increased risk of developing a deficiency of this vitamin. Supplementation that can provide the eight B vitamins, including vitamin B12, can become essential in such a situation.
Vitamin B Shots
The main advantage of using shots or injection of B vitamins over the oral supplements is that, they can be administered directly into the bloodstream. When we take oral vitamin supplements, a great portion of the vitamins can go out of the body with urine, as B vitamins are water soluble. But vitamin B injections can be administered directly into the bloodstream. This can be quite beneficial, especially for the elderly, as the ability to absorb vitamin B12 might decrease with advancing age.
So, vitamin B shots can ensure that these nutrients go directly into the bloodstream, and they are utilized properly by the body. With these shots, one can get all the eight crucial B vitamins. This in turn, can help accelerate metabolism. Vitamin B1 can increase the rate of metabolism, and boost the health of the nervous system. Vitamin B2 can facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is considered very important for the maintenance of the skin, nerve sheaths, and the cornea of the eye.
Vitamin B3 can help metabolize food, and maintain the health of the nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. It is also essential for healthy skin. Similarly, other B vitamins can also play an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and this is the reason why a large number of people use vitamin B injections for weight loss. Vitamin B12 shots are quite popular in this regard. However, the shots by themselves may not reduce body weight. But they can increase metabolism, and the level of energy, which may prompt an individual to do more intense exercises, that can help reduce weight.
Apart from these, vitamin B12 can facilitate the normal functions of the nervous system, synthesis of DNA and fatty acids, and the formation of red blood cells. It can speed up metabolism, and energy production as well. Similarly, folic acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and the synthesis of DNA. Deficiencies of B vitamins can therefore, disrupt all these vital life processes. Vitamin B shots can provide all the important B vitamins in the required amounts, so that these important biological functions can be carried out smoothly.
Side Effects
One can expect to experience some pain and tenderness at the site where the injection has been given. A small number of people can develop an allergic reaction to the shots, which can manifest in skin rash or hives, itching, tightness in the chest, and breathing difficulty. An overdose can cause mild gastrointestinal problems, headaches, nausea, cramps, muscle pain and weakness, and palpitations. These side effects are rare, but if they appear, be sure to inform your health care provider as soon as possible.
Vitamin B shots should be taken only after consulting a qualified health care provider. Only a health care provider can help you find out whether supplementation is required. Your health care provider can also help you figure out what type or form of supplementation will be suitable for treating the deficiency symptoms. Along with taking supplementation, be sure to follow a healthy diet, that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.