Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system and for creating red blood cells. Most people who eat enough animal products, which is the only source of vitamin B12, get enough of this vitamin. But some people, particularly those with absorption issues or those with a diet lacking in animal products, may need to find supplemental sources of vitamin B12.
A common way to supplement a diet with vitamin B12 is through injections. There are two different injection methods and several B12 injection sites. To learn more about how to give a B12 shot you may refer to another one of our articles. To learn about vitamin B12 injection sites, read on.
Vitamin B12 Injection Sites
Determining which B12 injection sites to use depends upon the age of the recipient and who is administering. The four most common vitamin B12 injection sites are:
1. Upper arm. The upper arm is often used for adults who are young or middle-aged. Older adults can also use this site if the muscle in the upper arm is well-developed. This muscle is called the deltoid and it covers the shoulder and the uppermost part of the arm. Doses higher than 1 mL should not be administered in this site.
2. Buttocks. The upper, outer buttock on either side of the body is another one of the common B12 injection sites. This is also known as the dorsogluteal site. Only a professional should use this site as it is located close to major blood vessels and the sciatic nerve, both of which could be damaged if an injection is administered improperly.
3. Outer hip. This site is also used for people ranging in age from 7 months to adults. Located on the side of the body above the hip, this is also called the ventrogluteal site. Most professionals prefer this site because there are no major blood vessels or nerves that could be punctured from the injection.
4. Thigh. The thigh is most often used by people who self-administer injections and for infants and small children. The target muscle, vastus lateralis, is halfway between the groin and the knee, slightly off-center towards the outside of the body.
Injection Methods
There are two injection methods that can be used for any of the vitamin B12 injection sites: intramuscular and subcutaneous. The injection procedure and effectiveness vary between these methods.
Intramuscular injections are more common because they tend to have better results. In this type of injection, the needle is inserted at a 90 degree angle, which puts the needle deep into muscular tissue. When the vitamin B12 is pushed through the needle, it will immediately be absorbed by the surrounding muscle. Thus this is a very effective and safe way to ensure that all of the B12 is being absorbed.
Subcutaneous injections are just below the skin as opposed to deep in the muscle. For this type of injection, the needle is inserted at a 45 degree angle. The outer skin may be pulled away from the muscle tissue to ensure that the needle does not pierce the muscle. The best site for this type of injection is the upper arm.
Combining B12 with Lipotropic Nutrients
There are several vitamin B12 injection sites and a few different types of vitamin B12 injections. Most injections just contain vitamin B12, though more and more people are choosing to buy lipotropic injections to supplement weight-loss programs. Lipotropic injections contain amino acids in addition to B12, which work in tandem to speed up the metabolism and thus assist in weight-loss efforts.
Getting all the Vitamin B12 You Need
If you are looking to boost your energy, combat a deficiency or speed up weight loss efforts, check the vitamin B12 injection options available in our store.