As our company name not-so-subtly implies, we have a lot of love for Vitamin B12. It’s not only the namesake of our business, but also the base of all our nutrient formulas. Given the wide range of health issues and goals our nutrient injection and IV drips address, many clients have asked exactly what it is that vitamin B12 does. How can one vitamin offer so many seemingly unrelated (or even contradictory) benefits?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in multiple body systems, including the formation of red blood cells, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA, amongst other things. With all of these responsibilities, it’s no wonder we see such a broad spectrum of benefits from this amazing nutrient.
The B12 Boost
On one end of the spectrum, vitamin B12 is known to energize and enhance mental and physical performance. However, the energy boost that people get from B12 is what we like to call “calm energy”. Unlike caffeine or other stimulants, B12 doesn’t give you a wired or buzzy feeling. It provides a balanced level of energy that feels natural and manageable.
Clients that suffer from brain fog and lack of focus may also notice a brain boost from vitamin B12. When combined with other B vitamins and certain amino acids, the energizing effects are beautifully enhanced. Specifically, our “Focused & Fearless” injection (B12 + Taurine + B5) is an example of this combined mental and physical boost. Our “Mini Fountain of Energy” takes it to another level with those three nutrients, plus the added benefits of Carnitine, Glutathione, and B-complex.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for a well-functioning brain and nervous system. Its role in the brain is so important that research suggests vitamin B12 might play a role in preventing dementia.
Megan Wong, RD
Metabolism and Weight Loss
While vitamin B12 itself won’t shed the pounds for you, it does help the way our bodies absorb and utilize nutrients. Instead of turning these nutrients into fat, B12 helps turn them into energy. Studies have shown that supplementation with B vitamins can effectively reduce weight gain and plasma levels of lipids.
Interestingly, vitamin B12 also functions as a cofactor for methionine synthesis (the “M” in MIC). Methionine supports weight loss (and overall health) by helping to remove heavy metals within the body while breaking down fat deposits. This helps to prevent a toxic build-up of fat in the arteries. Methionine is also converted to cytosine, a precursor of Glutathione, which is an essential antioxidant that aids in detoxification of the liver.
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, our “Ultra Weight Loss” injection with extra strength B12 gets the job done. We recommend doing it weekly for at least 8 weeks.
Reducing Stress, Inflammation, and Pain
For clients with anxiety, insomnia, migraines, chronic pain, and inflammation, vitamin B12 – along with certain other nutrients – helps to calm and restore balance to the nervous system. In fact, it’s well-established that B12 plays a role in synthesizing serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. People who are deficient in B12 may suffer from irritability, agitation, mood swings, migraines, insomnia, and even gastrointestinal distress.
For example, our “Mini Fountain of Muscle Recovery” injection and “Chillax” IV formulas utilize the calming benefits of extra strength vitamin B12, along with Magnesium, various amino acids, and other water soluble vitamins.
Enhancing Immune Function
The body’s ability to create new immune cells and initiate an immune response requires B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. Specifically, in clinical studies of immunological or neurological disorders, such as autoimmune diseases and HIV infections, some immunoprotective effects of vitamin B12 have been reported. Vitamin B12 not only supports the immune system directly, but its ability to help aid sleep, improve digestion, and suppress excessive inflammation allows the body to better fight off infections.
The past year has illustrated the importance of keeping your immune system healthy. In fact, our “Kick Butt Immune” IV drip with extra strength B12 is still the most requested service of all time on our menu!
Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy and Nursing
Vitamin B12 is not only safe to give during pregnancy, it can actually help prevent birth defects, including some that can be fatal. It’s also extremely helpful for pregnant and nursing mothers who suffer from nausea and fatigue. In fact, our Founder and CEO, Dr. Shannon Wood Gallegos, ND, first began administering vitamin B12 injections to her pregnant patients during her practice as a Licensed Midwife. Not surprisingly, she saw remarkable improvements in their energy level, mood, sleep, and overall functioning.
Got questions about vitamin B12 or other nutrients? Send us a message or visit one of our Bay Area locations.
