Where is the best place for a B12 shot? Well, it depends. Will you inject subcutaneously (SQ) or intramuscularly (IM)? How’s the fat distribution over your body? In other words, it’s not black and white. Let’s have a look at your best vitamin B12 injection sites.
B12 Injections: Where to Give Them?
The first question to ask yourself is, are you injecting subcutaneously or intramuscularly? We strongly advise readers who buy our B12 to inject SQ. Reason is, IM shots are painful and put people off self-injecting. There’s also a slight risk of nerve injury. In contrast, SQ shots are painless, don’t involve any such risk, and are great at delivering B12.
B12 Subcutaneous Injection Sites
Where to give a B12 shot subcutaneously? Here are four recommended spots:
Not shown above, the buttock is another place where B12 shots may be given. For self-injection purposes, we normally recommend to inject in the stomach (around the belly button, see the picture above). It’s going to be the best B12 injection site for most people, because this area tends to have the most fat, and is easily accessible.
If you need full instructions on how to inject, here are the guidelines we send our customers when they buy our injectable B12.
Intramuscular B12 Injection Sites
If you still insist on injecting IM (why would you?!)…
The three most common vitamin B12 IM injection sites are the thigh (the vastus lateralis), the upper-arm part of the shoulder (deltoid), and the hips. Look at these images:
Illustrations from Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care, Doyle & McCutcheon.
When you inject IM, hold the flesh firmly using your thumb and index finger. Then insert the needle in the center, and inject slowly. But again, if you’re self-injecting, SQ will be less painful (and thus more motivating). Also, SQ B12 injection administration sites are more accessible, making self-injection easier.
Need Injection Instructions?
If knowing where to give a B12 injection isn’t enough for you, we have complete instructions on how to give B12 shots. It’s very easy.
In any case, let us know if you need help.