B-12 for weight loss, morbidly obese pt. best injection site?

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

I've taken B12 IM for pernicious anemia for over two years. I have not lost any weight. I've never heard of B12 being given sc.

The Mayo Clinic says there is no evidence that B12 injections promote weight loss.

http://mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-b12-injections/AN01400

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

Weight loss:

intake

In my hospital we respect the first law of thermodynamics.

summerrose_10 · Sep 13, 2009

B-12 inj. use to always be IM. However, while reading the tiny little bottle one day, it actually says it can be given s.q.

When I mentioned this to a friend who has given herself this inj. for many years, she replied "I go IM because otherwise it leaves a little brown dot, that never fades away".

So...yeah it can be s.q.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

Weight loss:
intake
In my hospital we respect the first law of thermodynamics.

I have to agree with hypocaffienemia. Educate your patient on uses of B12 as well as healthy ways to lose weight, (i.e. caloric output must be greater than caloric intake in order to lose weight as related to a low fat high fiber diet coupled with regular exercise.)

mondkmondk · Sep 13, 2009

They are trying to beef her up for gastric bypass...she is in our nursing home until then. She can't walk, but does have her mind, very alert. I just wondered about the injection sites is all...thank you!

Blessings, Michelle

morte, LPN, LVN · Sep 13, 2009

while hypo is technically correct, the potential relationship between B12 and wt loss would be an increased energy level = more activity.....and she will need to continue the B12 inj after sugery, for ever.....the surgery interfers with absorbtion.

>30yrsRN · Sep 13, 2009

also slow metabolism TSH,Free T 3,Free T4

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

while hypo is technically correct, the potential relationship between B12 and wt loss would be an increased energy level = more activity.....and she will need to continue the B12 inj after sugery, for ever.....the surgery interfers with absorbtion.

Therein lies the rub: Does vitamin B 12 actually increase energy in those without pernicious anemia or vitamin deficiency or is it the stuff of old wives' tales?

morte, LPN, LVN · Sep 13, 2009

Therein lies the rub: Does vitamin B 12 actually increase energy in those without pernicious anemia or vitamin deficiency or is it the stuff of old wives' tales?

i suspect some of each, if you have neuro issues that are do to B12 def, which you can have w/o p.a.

then yes, but i do think some of the "diet docs" may have over done this in the past.....though B12 def. is extrememly common in this country in the over 50 crowd.....r/t decreased absorbtion. The blood test is not reliable and the lower limit in this country is much too low...homocysteine/methylmalonic acid testing is better, but not absolute......and, as i said post gastric bypass she will need to cont. supplementation for ever,

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

I self administer B-12 injection weekly IM primarily for the energy boost. I do feel a significant difference and it also helps with my chronic fatigue. I feel substantial difference when I fail to take one. It also was easier to self administer and not pay out the 50.00 the doc charges for each injection lol. Cost me $1.00 each injection to self administer. I also ensure I intake enough of the other B vitamins and folic acid. You can actually buy b-12 on the internet w/o a rx. Yes many utilize this for extreme diets and those that are vegetarian primarily as the diet lacks in red meats. I have tried the sublingual supplements with no effect and the gi system doesnt process the oral supplement b-12. Being a water soluable vitamin there is little chance of overdose. But to expect the b-12 itself to result in weight loss is a myth. Many people also use lipotropic injections in conjuncton with same. You see alot of body builders also using these same injections.

morte, LPN, LVN · Sep 13, 2009

I self administer B-12 injection weekly IM primarily for the energy boost. I do feel a significant difference and it also helps with my chronic fatigue. I feel substantial difference when I fail to take one. It also was easier to self administer and not pay out the 50.00 the doc charges for each injection lol. Cost me $1.00 each injection to self administer. I also ensure I intake enough of the other B vitamins and folic acid. You can actually buy b-12 on the internet w/o a rx. Yes many utilize this for extreme diets and those that are vegetarian primarily as the diet lacks in red meats. I have tried the sublingual supplements with no effect and the gi system doesnt process the oral supplement b-12. Being a water soluable vitamin there is little chance of overdose. But to expect the b-12 itself to result in weight loss is a myth. Many people also use lipotropic injections in conjuncton with same. You see alot of body builders also using these same injections.

very small amounts are indeed absorbed, but the dose needs to be in the one mg - 5mg range, since it is only ~1/1000 that is absorbed...... if you are giving yourself shots weekly, how much per shot?....because it shouldnt be nec to give the usual 1000 mcg more often than 1 mnthlty if you are storing.....