B-12 shots not only make you feel energetic, but it’s believed that it can help you lose weight and look great too. Debarati S Sen explores…
Overheard at a society party: I love doing Vitamin B12 shots — boosts energy, makes the skin glow and also helps in weight loss! Now, who wouldn’t want a wonder drug that did all of the above? Doctors say that Vitamin B12 shots do help increase you levels of energy.
Vitamin B12 is often promoted as an energising vitamin and used by sportspersons sometimes, say doctors. Dr Tejas Upasani says, “Some energy drinks also have this vitamin. It not only helps one feel better but also helps you deal with skin and hair problems.”
Wouldn’t models be the first ones to try out the shots then? Achala Sachdev, model coordinator says, “I have heard of Vitamin B12 shots being used by socialites but I don’t know any model in the city that does this without a prescription. A socialite in Delhi had told me it really works — and that these shots gave her great skin and helped to keep her weight in check.”
Mumbaikars lack Vitamin B12
Recently studies done in Mumbai have shown that most Mumbaikars suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. The startling statistics have shaken us all up. And now, doctors are saying that there is another vitamin that is very low amongst Mumbaikars — Vitamin B12. Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist states that a huge percentage of her clientele suffer from this deficiency. “It is everywhere suddenly. Around 80 per cent of my clients have Vitamin B12 and D3 deficiency. Maybe earlier testing for B12 deficiency wasn’t common, and it was assumed that low iron was leading to the symptoms of fatigue and loss of energy. In my family — my father, me and my son have all suffered from low Vitamin B12.”
Dr Tejas Upasani, consultant orthopedic surgeon says, “There is no recent study on Vitamin B12 deficiency but around one to two percent of my older patients and around 12 to 15 per cent of my younger patients show a Vitamin B 12 deficiency.”
Dr Firuza Parikh, IVF specialist says, “About 15 per cent of my patients show Vitamin B12 deficiency.” Consulting nutritionist and author of the book Eat Delete, Pooja Makhija says, “Around 90 per cent of my patients show Vitamin B12 deficiency.” Alarming isn’t it? So it doesn’t come as a surprise when we find out that there are many Mumbaiites opting for B 12 shots with or without a proper prescription.
What is alarming Pooja says, “Non-vegetarian food like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and milk products are the only natural sources of vitamin B12. So, it was predominantly the vegetarians who suffered from a deficiency but now, over the last year or so, even the non-vegetarians have low Vitamin B12.”
How would you know if you have a Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anaemia, weakness, loss of energy, nerve problems, hyper pigmentation of skin and hair problems too.
Shots vs pills
Doctors say that some people have certain conditions that prevent intestinal absorption of B12 orally from food or supplements and they need B12 injections. Dr Parikh says, “Pernicious anaemia, gastrectomy (removal of stomach), tropical and nontropical sprue, intestinal TB, fish tapeworm, alcoholism, certain diabetes medications ( metformin), gout medication (colchicine) and some anti-convulsants can inhibit absorption of B12 and therefore B12 injections maybe necessary for some patients.”
Dr Mursalin Shaikh, physician says, “Injectibles are better as this vitamin is best absorbed directly rather than orally.” Dr Upasani adds, “Elderly patients may have difficulty in absorption so shots are best for them. Sometimes sublingual (under the tongue) is better absorbed than oral pills.”
Is an overdose harmful?
No, say doctors. Since this is a water soluble vitamin an overdose does not harm. Dr Tejas assures, “The excess intake is flushed out of the system.”
Any harmful side effects?
Dr Shaikh, however, cautions, “Avoid having this vitamin at night. Around 10 percent of people who have this, complain of insomnia.”
debarati.sen@timesgroup.com
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