What's Covered on This Page
- Signs Your Body May Be Running Low on B12
- Why Injections Outperform the Supplements on Your Shelf
- How Quickly Do You Notice Results and How Long Do They Last?
- Staying on Track with Your B12 Injections 365 Days a Year
- How soon will I feel a difference after my first B12 injection in Murrells Inlet?
- Why don't B12 pills work as well as injections?
- What should I expect during my first appointment?
- Who is most likely to have low B12 levels?
- Do I need blood work before getting B12 injections in Murrells Inlet?
- Can digestive problems affect how well my body absorbs B12?
Need vitamin b12 injections?
Book An Appointment. Call Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre now.
Signs Your Body May Be Running Low on B12
Many patients come to our Murrells Inlet office thinking that they just need a good night's sleep. In the middle of the day, people may feel exhausted, distracted, and unreasonably foggy-headed. But what usually gives them away is their B12 levels.
B12 deficiency isn't necessarily marked by any one symptom in particular. It creeps up on people. By the time it's recognized that you have B12 deficiency, you probably only realize your levels are lower now than they've been for some time now.
These are the most common symptoms for B12 deficiency:
- Low energy, and it doesn't really get better when you sleep
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Memory problems, difficulty focusing, "brain fog"
- Changes in mood, like irritability or feeling down
- Weak in the muscles, or overall weakness
Some folks near the Inlet Square area come in because their balance feels slightly off. Others mention that their tongue looks swollen or smooth. These aren't symptoms that should be downplayed; they're indicators that there is a medical problem that has been ignored for some time. According to the National Institutes of Health, B12 deficiency can cause damage to the nervous system before a blood test indicates anything.
Of course, older adults, people over age 50 in particular, tend to have the lowest B12 levels, though vegetarians and those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery are also at a higher risk. As people grow older, B12 doesn't get absorbed as easily. However, younger adults are not safe, and B12 deficiency can result from stress, poor nutrition and certain medications like antacids or diabetes drugs.
Who are the typical patients who present at our clinic? Usually, they're people in their 40s or 50s who've tried different sleep hygiene techniques, cutting back on caffeine, and adding vitamins from the vitamin store. It doesn't make any difference. That's when they finally realize that the problem isn't as simple as that.
The good news is that finding a B12 deficiency is relatively simple. With a short interview and blood tests, our team here at my office will be able to determine exactly where your levels stand. You don't have to wait around to find out if you are B12 deficient or not.
Why Injections Outperform the Supplements on Your Shelf
That bottle of B12 pills sitting in your medicine cabinet might not be doing much for you.
B12 pills have to go through your stomach and intestine, get absorbed through the intestine and then enter the bloodstream. According to the National Institutes of Health, oral B12 has a 1 to 2 percent absorption rate. A 1,000-microgram tablet would be expected to result in a 10 to 20-microgram dose. So basically 98 to 99 percent is wasted!
Vitamin B12 injections do away with all of that. B12 is directly injected into a muscle, and absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately. No guessing how much you're absorbing, no extra steps. You get the dose your body needs every time.
We see this all the time in our Murrells Inlet clients. They're on pills for B12. They've been taking them months and months, or maybe even years. Yet, they're still tired, still brain-foggy, and coming in wondering, "Is it something else?" But when we do labs and put them on injections, they can notice the change almost immediately.
Within the first week or two, they're already feeling the difference. And it's not just about the feeling of energy. It's that your body can now actually use the B12:
- Red blood cell production ramps up, so your whole body is now better oxygenated.
- Your brain, nerves, and hormones get the support they need to feel better mentally and emotionally.
- Your metabolism gets what it needs to get better energy from what you eat.
If you have certain digestive disorders, including pernicious anemia, or have had gastric bypass surgery, oral B12 will simply not work because you can't absorb it correctly. Studies such as this one published in PMC highlight the role of malabsorption from mucocutaneous disorders like epidermolysis bullosa can lead to deficiencies that cannot be addressed adequately with oral supplements. Pills won't correct these conditions. Injections can.
Almost everyone sitting in our Murrells Inlet office already has B12 supplements at home. It's not that they are not trying hard enough, or trying in the right direction. They are just trying to absorb it orally, when the real problem is absorption. There is a big difference between "taking a B12" and "getting a B12," and this is where the injections come in.
And this is where most of our Murrells Inlet clients say they wish they made the switch a lot sooner.
What to Expect at Your Appointment From Start to Finish
You come in, sit down, and we chat. That is exactly how all visits start at our Murrells Inlet office. No rushing, no confusion, you know what you're getting. Here's what a typical Murrells Inlet appointment looks like from beginning to end:
- Brief check-in and medical history review. We will discuss any symptoms you are currently experiencing, current medications, and if you have not had lab work done, we can do that right here.
- The B12 will be given where the doctor recommends. Most of our patients will have the injection in their upper arm or the hip region. This will involve 10-20 seconds to prep the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- The injection. This is the most anticipated part. With a very fine needle and quick application, it only takes a moment. Less than 30 seconds.
- Rest in the clinic for a moment. This is just to make sure everything is okay. Very rare to have any kind of reaction but just to be sure, we ask you to sit down for a few minutes.
- Schedule your next appointment to determine your follow-up frequency based on your blood results and how you are feeling.
The whole appointment usually runs 15 to 20 minutes, and most of that is just talking with us.
We do get a ton of new patients who are nervous about the needle. No judgment at all here but everyone leaves smiling because we hear it all the time: "It wasn't as bad as I was worried it was going to be." It is not a deep needle. The shot is pretty superficial and you usually get through it without much discomfort.
People walk into our Murrells Inlet office on their lunch hours and walk right back to work. There is no downtime and no bandage. There might be a little bruise for a day or so. And people love hearing this but there is some research that shows B12 can cause a little boost in energy, especially the first day or two after your shot.
You might not necessarily feel that right away in the office or with the very first one or even the second one but it is very common for patients to tell us this.
It is going to take weeks of injections to really feel the difference in your mood and energy levels. You might not even notice at first, and that is because your body needs time to build those stores back up. The first one or two shots will not give you that immediate improvement you might expect. But most of our regular patients do find that they begin to feel a little more energetic after they get the B12 shot.
We are licensed and skilled B12 injectors. We don't want to rush you at all. We want you to stay in the office until you have your shots done and we want you to tell us how you are feeling. If you have questions at any point we want you to ask us.
How Quickly Do You Notice Results and How Long Do They Last?
Most patients see results the very next or second day after receiving their B12 shots, with improvements including boosted energy, clearer thoughts, and better sleep.
We always tell our patients that, "This one injection isn't going to make you feel different. It takes weeks for B12 to build up in your body." The first time, or even the second time, a person receives B12 shots, you might not notice any difference. They say, "It's a little bit better but it's gone pretty quickly," and you'll tell them, "Yes, that's right, your body took that B12 in and it's not there anymore. But if you come back every week for a month or so you'll notice a big difference in your overall level of energy." So the very first time someone gets a B12 shot they probably won't feel much of an effect, even though they might experience a bit of an energy boost after the very first one, but it usually only lasts for about a week.
When it comes to B12 shots, results can vary slightly from person to person. But in most cases, people notice improvements after about three injections:
- Day 1 through Day 3: Most people feel better mood and increased energy
- Week 2 through Week 4: Better sleep quality; sharper thinking
- Week 6 through Week 8: Increased energy, with regular injections
- Month 3 and beyond: Deeper healing effects
How long each B12 shot will last is different for everyone. It is important to be active and exercise if you can, eat properly, and minimize stress so that you can see the best results. Some folks come in every week at first, then shift to every two or three weeks once their levels stabilize. Others do well on a monthly schedule.
You might be wondering, "What if I miss a visit?" If you don't come in one week, the effects won't just disappear immediately. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin; your body keeps what it needs and excretes the excess through your urine. You have some wiggle room, but if you fall off your schedule for too long, those signs of fatigue will inevitably return, and they almost always arrive on the scene before any other symptom does.
We take note of your blood levels and feedback, using that information to determine whether to change the frequency of your treatment over time. That's exactly the purpose of working with a licensed healthcare provider, not just buying vitamin supplements at the grocery store.
Need help with vitamin b12 injections?
Book An Appointment. Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre is ready to help.
Staying on Track with Your B12 Injections 365 Days a Year
We'd be lying if we told you that a single B12 injection could fix you.
Vitamin B12 injections deliver their best results when they form a consistent component of a regular treatment. B12 does not store like some other vitamins; your body will use only the amount it needs and then eliminate whatever is left. For this reason, if you receive a single injection of B12 and don't show up for six months, you will have to start all over again. At our Murrells Inlet, SC clinic, we see this all too frequently.
People feel miserable and come in, they get a shot, and they feel fantastic for the next several weeks. Then, gradually, they start to return to the way they felt before. The missing key is usually that consistency.
Typical B12 Injection Treatment Schedule
Many individuals begin their course of treatment with what is known as a loading phase. This means you visit us more often initially to build your B12 levels. Following that, the frequency changes based on your response. Here are some examples of what this might look like for a person in treatment:
- Weekly injections for the first 4 to 6 weeks
- Follow-up appointment to evaluate any improvement or side effects after 6 weeks
- The frequency of the injections will be extended as necessary depending on the results
- The frequency can continue to be adjusted as the seasons and your activities change
Several clients are able to come in for treatment during their lunch break. It takes that short amount of time. However, those who are consistent with the treatment will tell you at a 3-month visit that they are feeling totally different.
However, life is busy.
Murrells Inlet's summer season means the influx of tourists, daylight for longer periods, and more outside activity. Conversely, our winter season sees shorter days and less desire to be out in the world. Both seasons can deplete B12 quickly. Stress is also known to burn through B12.
It's true about alcohol and certain types of medications and even not eating enough green vegetables. Your need for B12 does not pause when life does.
We are happy to help you set up a treatment schedule that will work for you. We won't have you guess or try to remember the dates of your appointments; our staff will follow the protocol so that you don't have to. If your health condition changes or your activities change, we'll change your B12 treatment plan with you in mind. Feeling fantastic shouldn't be something that lasts for a few weeks.
You should expect that all the time.
Do you feel ready to build a treatment plan? Get in touch with us.
Vitamin B12 Injections are one of the medical weight loss services at Jolie Visage in Murrells Inlet. If you're considering more than one treatment, we'll help you build a plan that fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about vitamin b12 injections services in Murrells Inlet
How soon will I feel a difference after my first B12 injection in Murrells Inlet?
Many people notice a real energy boost within hours of their first shot, though most feel a clear shift within the first week or two. Results depend on how low your levels are and how long they've been dropping. If you've had a deficiency for months, your body needs a little time to catch up. Most of our Murrells Inlet clients say they wish they hadn't waited so long to come in.
Why don't B12 pills work as well as injections?
Oral B12 supplements have to survive your stomach acid and get absorbed through your gut lining first. According to the National Institutes of Health, only about 1 to 2 percent of an oral dose actually makes it into your bloodstream. Injections skip all of that. The B12 goes straight into muscle tissue and enters your blood directly. You get the full dose every time, with no guessing about how much your body actually used.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first visit starts with a quick health review — we talk about your symptoms, energy levels, and any medications you're taking. Then we pick an injection site, usually your upper arm or hip area. The shot itself takes under thirty seconds. Most people are surprised by how little it hurts compared to a blood draw. The whole appointment runs about fifteen to twenty minutes, and you can head right back to work after.
Who is most likely to have low B12 levels?
People over 50 are most at risk because your gut absorbs less B12 as you age. Vegetarians, people who've had weight loss surgery, and anyone taking medications for acid reflux or diabetes are also commonly affected. But younger people aren't off the hook either. Stress and poor diet can quietly chip away at your B12 stores over time. If you've been tired and foggy for no clear reason, your levels are worth checking.
Do I need blood work before getting B12 injections in Murrells Inlet?
Blood work isn't always required before your first injection, but it gives us a clear picture of exactly where your levels stand. If you haven't had recent labs done, we can order them right at our Murrells Inlet office. Knowing your numbers helps us figure out how often you should come in and track how well your body is responding over time. It takes the guesswork out of your care completely.
Can digestive problems affect how well my body absorbs B12?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons oral supplements stop working for people. If you have pernicious anemia, any kind of digestive condition, or you've had gastric surgery, your gut may not absorb B12 the way it should. Pills simply can't fix that. Injections bypass your digestive system entirely, so your body gets what it needs regardless of what's going on in your gut.