General FAQs
Vitamin B12 is an “essential” nutrient, meaning that it is not produced in the body. It is mainly found in animal products (fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy), although some foods are fortified with B12. Because vitamin B12 is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body and must be replenished regularly. Vitamin B12 is vital to optimal health, and thus, it is the base of all our nutrient cocktails and IV formulas.
Everyone’s optimal level of Vitamin B12 is unique. On average, the value of > 600 pg/ml is sufficient, but B12 LOVE medical professionals recommend > 900 pg/ml for optimal wellness.
Fatigue, nerve pain, sleep disturbances, moodiness, cognitive decline, and tremors. Systems affected by B12 deficiency: neurological; hematologic; immunologic; vascular; gastrointestinal; musculoskeletal; genitourinary.
While they are not a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle, nutrient injections and IVs are a fantastic way to boost your energy and overall wellness on a regular basis. Because they bypass the digestive tract and can cross the blood-brain barrier, the nutrients and hydration in injections and IVs are 100% absorbed by our bodies’ cells. Whether you’re battling an illness or simply preparing for a big week, you will feel the benefits faster!
Vegetarians, vegans, people 50+ years, people who drink alcohol, people with digestive issues, anyone regularly taking Prilosec and Tums, or people who have recently had a medical procedure using nitrous oxide.
Yes! We recommend measuring Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and MMA to determine the most accurate level of Vitamin B12 in your body. Visit our sister company Urban Medicine to schedule a lab test appointment.
Yes! Nutrient injections and IV Vitamin Drips are completely safe. In fact, our founder and CEO first began administering B12 injections to her pregnant patients during her time as a midwife. We offer Vitamin B12, Methylfolate, and B6 to pregnant and nursing women.
No. There are no known contraindications with any medications.
Large amounts of Vitamin B12 are in liver, beef, salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, and clams. Smaller amounts are available in eggs, yogurt, cheese, and cereal products fortified with Vitamin B12.
Yes. Unless advised by your physician and/or a B12 LOVE medical practitioner, there is no reason to stop taking your oral vitamins and other medications while receiving treatments from B12 LOVE.
B12 LOVE Treatments
While everyone’s response to the treatments will be different, clients generally feel some noticeable benefits within 24 hours. As a rule, the more depleted you are, the faster your body will go through the nutrients. Most of our loyal clients report feeling the benefits for up to a week.
Bruising at the injection/IV site. A small bruise and/or soreness at the site are completely normal. The bruise should fade as a normal bruise would. The soreness should also go away within a few days. Let B12 LOVE medical staff know about it the next time you visit.
Pink or orange colored urine. You may notice a slight pink or orange tint to your urine for 1-2 days post treatment. This is completely normal and does not mean you are “wasting” your nutrients. The color is from red crystalline structures that naturally occur in Vitamin B12
Allergic reactions. While allergic reactions to the nutrients or equipment used are rare, it is possible. Generally, these reactions occur during or shortly after treatment, and so, are easy to recognize. B12 LOVE’s medical professionals are trained and prepared to treat adverse reactions. Always let the staff know if you have any known allergies to food, medication, or other substances before receiving a treatment.
With some exceptions, most of our nutrients are safe to get as often as you feel is necessary. We find that the more stress people are under, the more often they need to visit for an injection or IV. The majority of clients enjoy getting treatments 3 – 4 times per month.
The nutrients offered at B12 LOVE are generally safe and effective for the majority of the population. During your initial visit, B12 LOVE medical staff will go over your health history to determine if there are any contraindications. Always let the staff know if you have any known allergies to food, medication, or other substances before receiving a treatment.
Additionally, while children can most certainly benefit from our nutrients, B12 LOVE does not offer injections to children under 13 years of age or IVs to persons under 18 years of age. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. B12 LOVE offers specific injection and IV formulas for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
B12 LOVE’s trained and licensed medical staff go to great lengths to ensure that all treatments are delivered comfortably and in an efficient manner. Injections are generally quick, easy, and received with minimal discomfort. While wait times vary, most injection clients are in and out within 15 minutes and report minimal to no “down time” or negative side effects after the injection.
While each individual’s body and experience is unique, IV clients can expect their treatment to take approximately 60-90 minutes. Most IV clients report feeling refreshed and/or relaxed after their treatment with minimal to no “down time” or negative side effects.
The number of treatments varies by person and health situation. The first IV drip at B12 LOVE can take up to 90 minutes. Following IV vitamin drip treatments are around 45-60 minutes and could be given weekly. Frequency depends on your preference and personal treatment plan for a long-lasting and maximum benefit.
IV treatments are administered by licensed naturopathic doctors and registered nurses. The treatment involves a small, expertly-inserted needle, with minimal discomfort. B12 LOVE only uses top quality health care supplies and the highest available grade of nutrients compounded in the U.S.A.
No. However, we highly recommend making an appointment if you are on a strict time schedule or if you plan on getting a with a group.
The three reasons why it can take 45+ minutes is because:
1) Your safety is our top priority. Therefore our medical team provides a comprehensive intake to determine if and which IV is appropriate.
2) We handcraft our IV drips on site, and upon arrival, which maximizes the potency of the nutrients in the IV drip.
3) We pack our IV drips with many nutrients (hence the color of the bags), because of this, first time IV clients may experience a slight achiness in the arm where they are receiving the IV drip. This feeling is entirely normal, and everyone has different levels of sensitivity. To help reduce any achiness, we offer a slower drip rate for first timers to ease the discomfort.
B12 LOVE Locations
Yes, we do take appoinments and it’s highly recommended that you make an appointment if you are on a strict timeline or if you are visiting with a group.
Yes. Please eat a substantial meal before coming in to receive a service.
Clients with a scheduled appointment are usually in and out within 5-10 minutes when receiving a vitamin injection. For those getting an IV Vitamin Drip, we recommend giving yourself 45-75 minutes. Please keep in mind that times may vary based on day and location.
Visit any of our locations and our experienced medical staff can guide you in the right direction.
Licensed naturopathic doctors, trained naturopathic medical assistants, and registered nurses administer the injections.
Naturopathic doctors are primary care doctors trained at board-accredited 4-year graduate schools. Training includes clinical physical diagnosis, pathology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, pharmacology and more.
Injection and IV Vitamin Drip visits allow for 5-minute consultations. If you would like to speak with a medical professional about specific health issues, goals, and ailments, let him or her know. B12 LOVE will be offering brief wellness consultations (20 minutes) and focused consultations (40 minutes) starting in mid-February 2022, and we’ll be happy to add you to the waitlist.
A member from our medical team will do a brief intake on your first visit. During the intake, he or she will listen to your health concerns, allergies and health goals and will recommend a shot for that visit. These recommendations may vary from week to week.
While Vitamin B12 is totally safe and necessary for kids, B12 LOVE does not treat people under 13 years of age. All patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. Young children receiving injections of any kind should consult with his or her doctor during a patient care appointment.
B12 LOVE is constantly researching the vitamin/nutrient market to source the best injectable vitamins for our clients. As a result, occasionally, we will not have access to all of the vitamins/nutrients on our menu. We do our very best to supply all vitamins/nutrients on our menu at every Happy Hour location, but providing only the finest quality products is always our main priority.
B12 LOVE Nutrients
We use Methylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin which are the superior, most bioactive forms of injectable Vitamin B12.
B12 LOVE offers a vast range of bioavailable nutrients that can help support modern day lifestyles, including:
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin & Hydroxocobalamin)
- Vitamins B5
- Vitamin B6
- B-complex
- Biotin
- Vitamin C (IV only)
- Vitamin D (injection only)
- Taurine
- Magnesium
- Zinc, Selenium, Calcium (IV only)
- L-Carnitine
- MIC – Methionine, Inositol, Choline
- L-Lysine
- Glutathione
- CoQ10 (injection only)
- NAD+
- Amino Blend
Yes! Our nutrients are sourced on a bacteria medium that is plant-based. B12 LOVE carries only the highest quality, bioavailable nutrients from reputable compounding pharmacies in the U.S.A.
The “detox effect” can include fluish symptoms for 24-48 hours. This side effect subsides with additional injections and your body becomes more efficient in eliminating toxins and free radicals. Please feel free to email us at support@B12Love.com and we can make some suggestions to reduce these symptoms.
Clients may notice a specific, usually pleasant, taste after an injection that includes B Complex. This is normal and indicates that your body is utilizing the injection.
Payments & Purchases
No. In fact, all of our services are valid until they are redeemed.
Yes. You can redeem your shot package at any of our locations.
No. B12 LOVE is not affiliated with any insurance companies. Payment is required at the time of the service.
B12 LOVE accepts cash, all major credit cards, and apple pay.
Unused Injections, Injection packages, IV VItamin Drips, and opened products may not be returned or refunded.
This can be done easily by creating an online profile on our system. To do so, please use this link and click “Need new password?” and enter the email address that you used when first registered at one of our locations. Once registered, you can:
- View remaining shots in your package
- Purchase individual shots, packages, or gift cards
- update your account information
Nutrient Information
Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and it helps in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12 works closely with vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, to help make red blood cells and to help iron work better in the body.
Treatment for: Fatigue, insomnia, depression, chronic pain, herpes, anxiety, brain fog, anemia
Food sources: Animal based: fish, beef, dairy, eggs, poultry.
B5 synthesizes and metabolizes fats, proteins, and coenzyme A.
Treatment for: Energy, adrenal stress, acne, allergies, helps breakdown fats and carbs
Food Sources: Liver, mushrooms, grains, dairy, meat, veggies, nuts, sweet potatoes, avocados, dark leafy greens
Caution: Can keep some people awake.
Vitamin B6 helps the body make several neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another. It is needed for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood, and melatonin, which regulates the body’s internal clock of sleep and wake cycles.
Treatment for: PMS, insomnia, depression, morning sickness, neuropathy
Food sources: Potatoes, bananas, meat, poultry, fish, grains
Caution: Injection might sting a bit.
B Complex plays an important role in keeping our bodies running like well-oiled machines. These essential nutrients help convert our food into fuel, allowing us to stay energized throughout the day.
Treatment for: Immune support, neuropathic pain
Food Sources: Brewer’s yeast, leafy greens
Medication Interactions: Birth control depletes all B vitamins. Alcohol depletes B vitamins.
Caution: Injection might sting a bit.
Along with helping the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates, biotin has been linked to improving hair health and maintaining proper functions of the nervous system.
Treatment for: Hair growth, skin, nails, diabetes, depression, low biotin (pregnancy can deplete biotin)
Food Sources: Egg yolk, liver, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, veggies
Caution: Interferes with thyroid lab results
LIPO assists in lowering serum cholesterol levels. Choline promotes a healthy liver by enabling it to metabolize fatty deposits. It works with inositol to help emulsify fats and cholesterol.
Treatment for: Prevents fatty liver, balances blood sugars, helps control carb cravings, insomnia, lowers triglycerides, anxiety, diabetes
Food Sources: Eggs, soy, dark leafy greens
Caution: Caution if have bipolar disorder.
This combination provides the benefits of B12, MIC, L-carnitine, and some of the B complex vitamins. It has a much lower level of B5 than a B5 injection. B1 is depleted with alcohol consumption.
Treatment for: weight loss support, cardiac and skeletal muscle support, nerve function, fatigue, lipid support
Food Sources: L-Carnitine is found in animal products (meat, fish, poultry, and milk).
Medication Interactions: Valproic acid, AIDS medications, statins deplete L-Carnitine.
Glutathione is the master antioxidant and detoxifier of every cell in your body. It is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant produced by the body. It prevents cellular damage caused by free radicals and peroxides.
Treatment for: Detoxification, liver health, immune support, allergies, Parkinson’s, brightens and lightens skin
Food Sources: n/a
Caution: Injection might sting a bit.
Detox reaction: Feeling fatigued, slightly nauseous, slightly flu-ish for 12-48 hours, but noticeable increase in energy and well-being after detox subsides.
NAD is the coenzyme form of vitamin B3 (niacin; nicotinic acid; niacinamide) is a universal cellular electron transporter, coenzyme, and signaling molecule present in all cells of the body and is essential for cell function and viability. Levels are highest in newborns and steadily decline with age.
Treatment for: diabetes, heart disease, vascular dysfunction, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and vision loss. May promote mitochondrial health and homeostasis, genome stability, neuroprotection, healthy aging, and longevity and may aid in treating addiction.
Food Sources: fish and all kind of mushrooms
Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding
Mediation Interactions: N/A
Caution: ramp up slowly — increase by 10-20 mg with each dose to get to optimal dosing. Some may experience temporary symptoms for 2-10 minutes (shortness of breath/ heaviness in chest, pain behind eyes, energetic flow in legs, bowel stimulation)
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Orally, magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
Treatment for: high blood pressure, arrhythmias, muscle tension and pain, stress and anxiety, asthma, headaches/migraines, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, diabetes/metabolic syndrome prevention, PMS, osteoporosis, restless leg syndrome, insomnia.
Food Sources: Legumes and tofu, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds), chocolate, coffee, dairy products, and meat.
Contraindications: advanced kidney disease, hypermagnesia, certain cardiac conditions (AV block, myocardial injury), hyperparathyroidism, myasthenia gravis
Medications Interactions: may increase effects of BP medications and muscle relaxants. Many medications decrease Mg in blood (see detailed list)
Caution: Injection might sting a bit. Magnesium Sulfate is not water soluble.
Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3.
Treatment for: Vitamin D deficiency, immune support, mood, bone health, fatigue, autoimmune diseases
Food Sources: Fortified food, cod liver oil, oily fish.
Caution: Injection contains sesame oil. Vitamin D is not water soluble.
CoQ10 is essential in the production of energy in the form of ATP and is a significant antioxidant, preventing free radical generation and modifications of DNA, proteins, and lipids. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. CoQ10 deficiency is a known cause of mitochondrial disease.
Treatment for: congestive heart failure, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraine prevention, MS, Peyronie’s disease, fertility (female and male), statin-induced myopathy, fatty liver, vision and hearing loss, sleep apnea
Food Sources: meat and seafood in small amounts; mostly produced in the body
Contraindications: pregnancy (before 20 weeks), breastfeeding
Medication Interactions: statin medications inhibit the body’s ability to make coQ10. May interfere with some chemotherapy medications – check with an oncologist.
Dose: 20mg/ml 1 cc 1 x week.
Caution: check carrier oil for any allergies. Must be given alone using Z-technique
A sulfur-containing amino acid important in the metabolism of fats. It is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine.
Treatment for: Stabilizes cell membranes, cardiovascular health (congestive heart failure), diabetes, cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver, eye health, muscle recovery, mood (calming, concentration, mood), can lower blood pressure
Food sources: Animal products
Caution: People with epilepsy, patients receiving chemotherapy treatments, and people on lithium.
An amino acid made in the liver, this increases mitochondrial function and helps produce energy. Found mostly in the skeletal and cardiac muscle, it is cardioprotective.
Treatments: weight loss, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility (male and female), PCOS, hyperthyroid, myocarditis, congestive heart failure, muscle wasting.
Food sources: red meat, dairy
Contraindications: seizure disorder, chronic diarrhea, hypothyroid (hypothetical)
Medication Interactions: may increase effects of coumadin. Some meds deplete L-carnitine (see detailed sheet)
A combination of both essential and non-essential amino acids, this may help boost metabolism, boost energy levels, increase endurance, and help to burn calories and fat. It may be useful for those who engage in regular, aerobic exercise.
Treatments: digestive disorders and malabsorption, energy, exercise performance, stress, immune support
Food Sources: fish, dairy, meat, chocolate, nuts (high in arginine), seeds, watermelon (high in citrulline!)
Contraindications: seizure disorder (glutamine), mania (glutamine), herpes (arginine) ** unlikely in these doses
Medication interactions: anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications, anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications, erectile dysfunction medications (see detailed sheet)
Dose: .5-1 cc IM or IV up to 2 x week
Caution: none
An essential amino acid, L-lysine inhibits the replication of the herpes simplex virus. It also increases the absorption of calcium, and is important for collagen synthesis. L-lysine may also affect the metabolism of serotonin.
Treatments: Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) and viruses in the herpes family (EBV, shingles, HHV6), improving athletic performance and muscle strength, wound repair, osteoporosis, stress, and anxiety.
Sources: meat, dairy, eggs, fish, legumes
Contraindications: n/a
Medication interactions: n/a
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for human survival. It not only protects the body’s cells from damage, but it is also needed to maintain the health of skin, teeth, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels as well as a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant, antihistamine, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial.
Treatments: immune support, stress, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, postoperative pain, wound healing, cognitive impairment, anti-aging
Food Sources: citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, cantaloupe and strawberries.
Contraindications: G6PD deficiency, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, cancer (dep on oncologist)
Medication interactions: chemotherapy (dep on oncologist). Alcohol, estrogen, diuretics, aspirin deplete Vit C
Dose: (500 mg/cc) IV only — 3 to 100 cc, up to 3 x week
Calcium (Calcium Gluconate or Calcium Chloride) — IV only
Calcium is essential to the function of our nervous and muscular systems, the coagulation of blood, and for normal contractility of the heart. Calcium also affects the secretory activity of endocrine and exocrine glands. Important for healthy bones and teeth.
Given with vitamin C in order to prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium). Only available with IV’s.
Treatment for: hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia (high potassium), and hypermagnesemia. Muscle cramps and spasms, arrhythmias, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, PMS, dysmenorrhea
Food Sources: Dairy products, sardines, seaweed, collards, bok choy, spinach, broccoli, almonds, brazil nuts, tahini, tofu
Contraindications: cardiac arrest, kidney stones or kidney disease, hypercalcemia (high calcium blood levels), hypo or hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroid, sarcoidosis
Medication interactions: thiazide diuretics, lithium, digoxin, some blood pressure medications. Many medications deplete calcium levels
Selenium is a cofactor for many antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, and for the conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form. Also important for cell growth and survival. Selenium enhances immune function and has antiviral effects.
Treatment for: Autoimmune thyroiditis, immune support, anti-aging, male infertility
Food Sources: Brazil nuts,organ meats, seafood, and nutritional yeast
Contraindications: careful with those with autoimmune diseases (not thyroid), iodine deficiency, pre/post surgery
Medication interactions: careful with blood thinners, immunosuppressant medications
Zinc promotes wound healing and enhances immune function. It is anti-inflammatory and an antiviral against some viruses. Zinc also promotes the conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form.
Treatments: immune support, cognitive function, wound healing, reduction in taste and smell, osteoporosis, male and female infertility.
Sources: beef, poultry, seafood, and grains
Contraindications: Renal Impairment, Hypersensitivity reactions
Medication interactions: thiazide diuretics. Zinc affects absorption of tetracycline, quinalones, penicillamine
FYI: B12 LOVE is constantly researching the vitamin/nutrient market to source the best injectable vitamins for our clients. As a result, occasionally, we will not have access to all of the vitamins/nutrients on our menu. We do our very best to supply all vitamins/nutrients on our menu at every location, but providing only the finest quality products is always our main priority. We greatly appreciate your understanding.