Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse—and it helps make you feel like a powerhouse, too. This vitamin is essential for several body processes that are necessary for daily life. That includes one of the most important: the immune system. You need a healthy immune system to fight off diseases and maintain a vibrant state of wellness. Sometimes, however, you may need to support your vitamin B12 intake, and that’s when a B12 shot can help you.

Vitamin B12 Basics

B12 is a water-soluble vitamin also called methylcobalamin. You need to consume vitamin B12 every day because it’s not produced by the human body. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, the average adult age 19 or older needs 2.4 mcg of B12 daily (or 2.6 mcg for pregnant women and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding).

Here are some of the main roles vitamin B12 plays in health maintenance:

• Assists with central nervous system function
• Helps form red blood cells
• Encourages DNA production
• Maintains sharp cognitive function and elevated mood
• Heightens energy levels by assisting in metabolic function that converts food into energy
• Guards against anemia
• Converts the homocysteine protein, which may help with cardiovascular and neurological health

Does B12 Boost Your Immune System?

In addition to those numerous functions, vitamin B12 also offers critical immune system support. Cells in a strong immune system thrive on oxygen, which is delivered via red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is integral to red blood cell production, ensuring the immune system gets the oxygen it needs. Because of this, a B12 deficiency can interrupt the intricate processes involved in immunity, weakening your body’s defense system against disease. Therefore, it’s important to get enough B12 for immune system support and recognize the signs of a deficiency.

Signs of B12 Deficiency

You may lack vitamin B12 if you don’t get enough of this micronutrient in your diet or if you have a digestive system disorder that prevents proper B12 absorption. Other factors may increase your likelihood of a B12 deficiency, such as:

• Cigarette smoking
• Some prescription medications
• Alcohol use disorder
• An autoimmune disorder related to the endocrine system
• Gastrointestinal issues, including gastric bypass or disorders, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease
• Old age and a correlated decrease in stomach acid
• A plant-based diet low in foods containing vitamin B12

You may be susceptible to a range of symptoms if you’re vitamin B12 deficient. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Impaired brain function 
• Feeling weak or faint
• Numbness or a prickly feeling in your extremities
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Anxiety and Depression
• Heart palpitations
• Constipation 
• Lower visual acuity

A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to pernicious anemia. This is when the body can’t make red blood cells due to an inadequate supply of B12. 

How to Get More Vitamin B12 for Your Immune System

The typical way to get the recommended daily amount of B12 is to consume it as part of your everyday diet. That means eating foods that are rich in animal proteins, which are the main source for B12:

• Dairy products
• Beef
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Grains fortified with B12

Vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat animal products may include a B12 supplement in their diet. However, they need to make sure the supplement provides acceptable amounts of vitamin B12 made from high-quality ingredients. Alternatively, many people find vitamin B12 shots and IV infusions incredibly effective. 

B12 Injections and Infusions 

Shots and drip IVs are innovative delivery methods for vitamin B12 that provide positive results. That’s because B12 shots and IVs deliver B12 straight to the bloodstream and bypass the digestive tract entirely. This allows for maximum absorption and fast-acting relief for any symptoms you may be feeling. 

In comparison, oral B12 supplements must first pass through the digestive system. That means it takes them longer to get to work, and there’s less B12 absorbency. In fact, injections and infusions may be more beneficial for people deficient in B12 due to a digestive issue or because they are older and have less stomach acid.

It’s easy to get a vitamin B12 injection or infusion with a reputable provider. Working with your health history and symptoms, a medical professional will deliver treatment during a brief session. An intramuscular injection contains vitamin B12 only; an IV infusion, on the other hand, can also contain other vitamins and minerals you need to bolster your overall health.

Some people choose to get injections or infusions regularly to maintain immune system support. But you can also use B12 shots for cold and flu symptom relief. For instance, vitamin B12 is a key component of a Myers’ Cocktail. This is a great multipurpose IV with many uses because of its unique combination of vitamins and minerals that ease common symptoms such as fatigue and low energy levels. Many people use a Myer’s Cocktail as they recover from illnesses to feel better faster. You can also customize these IVs with medications that address symptoms such as nausea or body aches and pains. 

B12 shots have the potential for mild side effects, such as redness where the shot was injected or light diarrhea. It’s important to tell your injection or infusion provider if you are taking certain medications, as they may not interact well with the B12. These may include antibiotics, birth control pills and aspirin. Certain medical conditions should also be noted, such as kidney disease, low potassium and other nutritional deficiencies. 

Use Rocky Mountain IV Medics for B12 Treatment

We’re experts in using B12 for the flu, colds, other illnesses and general immune system support. We have locations throughout Colorado where we offer responsive, reliable mobile service at your home or office. When you contact us, we will be at your location within an hour. 

Our menu of IV and injection packages is priced affordably, and we also have a VIP program with attractive promotions and specials. Support your immune system with B12 and schedule an appointment online today!