Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce. B12 is obtained through food, usually found in animal products. The vitamin is essential for healthy nerves, cells, and blood, too. B12 shots can aid in weight loss, a boost of energy, improve your mood, improve your memory, and support healthy skin, hair and nails.

Eating foods that are rich in vitamin B12 does not always do the trick. People usually absorb synthetic vitamin 12 with more ease. That is why injections can often be such a great option. A shot of Vitamin B12 allows the body to absorb the essential vitamin immediately. The shot can last up to two weeks or up to a month. 

An estimated 6% of people in the US aged 60 or older have a vitamin B12 deficiency, while about 20% have low to normal or borderline deficient levels. If you lack significant amounts of vitamin B12, that could lead to nerve damage, stomach issues, and anemia.

Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Older adults
• People with plant-based diets
• People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease