General FAQs
What's Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is water-soluble and not produced in the body. Vitamin B12 must come from your diet; your body does not make it. For the body to utilize Vitamin B12, it must be absorbed in the ileum of the small intestine with the help of intrinsic factor, a substance secreted by the stomach.
How much Vitamin B12 do I need?
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.
What are the symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Fatigue, nerve pain, sleep disturbances, moodiness, cognitive decline, and tremors. Systems affected by B12 deficiency: neurological; hematologic; immunologic; vascular; gastrointestinal; musculoskeletal; genitourinary.
Who needs Vitamin B12 injections?
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.
Is there a way to test my Vitamin B12 levels?
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.
Are Vitamin B12 injections safe during pregnancy and/or while nursing?
Yes! Vitamin B12 shots 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.
Will a Vitamin B12 injection interfere with my medications?
No. There are no known contraindications with any medications.
Is Vitamin B12 found in food?
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.
B12 LOVE Injections
Why get a Vitamin B12 injection?
Injections bypass the digestive tract and has a direct route to the cells; it is readily metabolized, and you will feel the benefits faster!
What forms of Vitamin B12 do you use?
We use Methylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin which are the superior, most bioactive forms of injectable Vitamin B12.
Is your Vitamin B12 vegan?
Yes. The Vitamin B12 that we use is locally sourced on a bacteria medium that is plant based.
Where do you get your Vitamin B12?
We get our injectable vitamin solutions from various compounding pharmacies in California.
How quickly do you notice results from Vitamin B12 injections?
Usually, results are felt within the first shot, unless you are significantly Vitamin B12 deficient.
How long will B12 from the injection remain in my body?
This varies from person to person. It depends if the person has a B12 deficiency to begin with and the person’s lifestyle.
Are there side effects from vitamin/nutrient injections?
A small bruise and/or soreness at the injection site can occur. The bruise will fade as a normal bruise would. The soreness will also go away in 1-3 days. Allergic reactions can happen with any intramuscular injection. The medical professionals on-site are trained and prepared to treat any reaction.
How often should I receive a B12 injection?
We recommend getting an injection once a week for five weeks to start. At the end of five weeks, review additional health goals with your healthcare professional and determine an appropriate schedule for future injections.
B12 LOVE Drips
How often should one receive an IV vitamin drip treatment?
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.
What is the difference between a Myers’ Push and a Myers’ Cocktail?
A Myers Push is a combination of vitamins and minerals in a syringe that you administer through a small butterfly needle. It takes very little time and safe for almost everyone. We go a step beyond this to add extra nutrients and place in a small IV bag, therefore referred to as a Myers’ Cocktail. The classic Myers’ Cocktail named after John Myers MD who used nutrient IV therapy to treat fatigue, upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergies, migraines, and many other disorders. The Myers’ Cocktail has many variations today. We take the classic Myers’ and add in many more nutrients. We call ours The Fillmore.
Who administers the IVs?
IV treatments are administered by licensed Naturopathic Doctors teamed with Naturopathic Medical Assistants, 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 locally in California.
Do I need to make an appointment for an IV vitamin drip at the B12 LOVE lounge?
No. However, if you are pressed for time, or coming with a group of 3 or more, then we highly encourage that you make an appointment.First time IV visits will require time to register in the system and a longer medical intake, so please allow for up 90 minutes. Although, times may vary on a case by case basis. Subsequent visits for IV drips may take 45-60 minutes.
Why does it take 45+ minutes to get in IV drip at the B12 LOVE Lounge?
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
Do you take appointments?
We do take appointments for IV Vitamin drips (only available at our IV Lounges). As for Vitamin Injections, we do not take appointments. Vitamin injections are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Do I need to eat something before visiting?
Yes. Please eat a substantial meal before coming in to receive a service.
How long does a visit it take?
Clients are usually in and out within 5-20 minutes when receiving a vitamin injection. For those getting an IV Vitamin Drip, we recommend giving yourself 60-75 minutes. Please keep in mind that times may vary based on day and location.
Which injection is best for me?
Visit any of our locations and our experienced medical staff can guide you in the right direction.
Who administers the injections?
Licensed naturopathic doctors, trained naturopathic medical assistants, and registered nurses administer the injections.
What is a naturopathic doctor?
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.
I want to speak more in-depth with your medical team. When is a good time to do that?
Happy Hours only allow for 5 minute consultations. If you would like to speak with a naturopathic doctor about specific health issues, goals, and ailments, let him or her know. Most B12 LOVE doctors run successful and well-established patient care practices, and most offer free 15-minute consultations to potential new patients at their private practice.
How does your team know which shot is best for me?
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.
Can kids receive Vitamin B12 injections?
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.
Why don’t you have a certain vitamin/nutrient available?
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.
What is your Kindness Policy?
Kindness Policy: Aggression and/or rude behavior towards staff and/or clients will not be allowed at B12 LOVE Lounges or Happy Hours. Those unable/ unwilling to comply will be asked to permanently leave
What is your Pet Policy?
Pets are not allowed into an area where a medical service is performed unless your pet an ADA service animal.
Other B12 LOVE Nutrients
What is a “detox effect” from Glutathione?
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 info@B12Love.com and we can make some suggestions to reduce these symptoms.
Why can I “taste” the B Cocktail injection?
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
Do shot packages expire?
No. In fact, all of our services are valid until they are redeemed.
Can I use my shot package at any B12 LOVE location?
Yes. You can redeem your shot package at any of our locations.
Does B12 LOVE accept insurance?
No. B12 LOVE is not affiliated with any insurance companies. Payment is required at the time of the service.
What forms of payment do you accept?
B12 LOVE accepts cash and all major credit cards.
What is your return policy?
Unused shots, shot packages, and opened products may not be returned or refunded.
Can I check my B12 LOVE account to see how many shots I have remaining in my package?
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
Vitamin & Nutritional Information
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin or Hydroxocobalamin)
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.
Methylfolate
Methylfolate is the active form of Folic Acid.
Treatment for: Anemia, prevention of miscarriages, depression/dementia, restless legs
Food Sources: Leafy greens, berries, salmon, spinach, eggs, dairy, grains
MIC (Methionine, Inositol, Choline)
MIC 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.
B5 (Dexpanthenol)
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.
B6 (Pyridoxine or Pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
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.
Lipo Formula (B12, B complex, MIC, L-Carnitine mixed)
Treatment for: Immune support, weight loss, supports cardiac and skeletal muscles, nerve pain, fatigue
Food Sources: L-Carnitine is found in animal products (meat, fish, poultry, and milk).
Caution: Injection might sting a bit. Contains MIC, caution if have bipolar disorder.
B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6)
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.
Biotin (B7)
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
Glutathione (GSH)
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.
Taurine
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.
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium sulfate also increases water in the intestines. Orally, magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
Treatment for: Heart issues, muscle cramps, pain, headaches/migraines, anxiety, fatigue, stress, hypertension, PMS
Food Sources: Almonds, tofu, spinach, beans, chocolate, etc.
Caution: Injection might sting a bit. Magnesium Sulfate is not water soluble.
Vitamin D
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.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Promotes healing and supports the immune system. Vitamin C also functions as an anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. Intravenous administration of vitamin C reduces the severity of the common cold. Only available with IV’s.
Calcium Gluconate
Given with vitamin C in order to prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium). Only available with IV’s.
Selenium
Functions as an anti-oxidant. It is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and for the conversion of thyroid hormone to it’s active form. Selenium enhances immune function and has antiviral effects. Only available with IV’s.
Zinc Sulfate
Zinc promotes wound healing and enhances immune function. It is anti-inflammatory and an anti-viral against some viruses. Zinc also promotes the conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form. Only available with IVs.
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 Happy Hour location, but providing only the finest quality products is always our main priority. We greatly appreciate your understanding.