The weight loss market is continually developing and researching new products and services to assist in weight loss. While being overweight and obese increases the chance of developing serious diseases, some weight loss treatment plans may not be safe or effective. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a vital nutrient needed by the body to maintain energy levels. This vitamin is often used as an injection or sublingual application for weight loss by alternative medicine practitioners; however, scientific research regarding this use has deemed B12 as ineffective.
Vitamin B12 Purpose
Vitamin B12 is a member of the B complex vitamins, which are mainly used by the body to transform carbohydrates into glucose, or energy. Vitamin B12 is primarily responsible for supporting the production of RNA and DNA, which is the body's primary genetic material. It also works to maintain healthy nerve cells, which is why it is commonly used to enhance cognitive performance. Some of the primary uses of vitamin B12 include treatment of fatigue, breast cancer, male infertility, heart disease and asthma.
Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections have risen in popularity as many celebrities and athletes proclaim this form of B12 consumption causes a dramatic increase in energy. While supporters of B12 injections for weight loss claim these shots increase metabolism and energy, thus causing weight loss, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the Mayo Clinic states that no scientific evidence is available to support these claims. Like any injection, B12 shots may cause pain and irritation at the injection site.
Sublingual B12
Sublingual ingestion of B12 refers to the placement of a B12 tablet under the tongue, allowing the active compounds of the tablet to dissolve and directly enter your blood stream through the sublingual glands. Those who are worried about B12 injections often choose this painless method of consumption. However, current scientific evidence does not support the use of sublingual B12 for weight loss.
Conclusion
While the notion of injecting or consuming B12 sublingually may seem promising -- as this vitamin does help the body maintain normal energy levels -- the use of this vitamin for weight loss is not effective. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., reports the only individuals likely to experience a boost in energy from supplementation of B12 are those with a B12 deficiency. Since B12 does promote healthy energy levels, it may be possible that supplementation with this vitamin indirectly causes weight loss by providing necessary energy to exercise. Because vitamin B12 may cause adverse interactions with some medications, discuss the use of B12 with your physician prior to starting a B12 injection or sublingual routine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin); Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin B-12; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2003
- Mayo Clinic; Are Vitamin B-12 Injections Helpful for Weight Loss?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; July 2010
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin B-12; June 2011
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