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What is the best place to give yourself a B12 shot?
The answer depends on whether you’ll inject subcutaneously (SQ) or intramuscularly (IM). For SQ injections, it also depends on where your body tends to carry more fat. It’s not only about effectiveness—comfort matters too. More comfortable shots are easier to stick with, especially if you follow our daily injection routine.
Where to Inject B12
First, decide whether you’ll inject subcutaneously or intramuscularly. We advise readers who purchase our B12 product to inject SQ, because IM shots can be painful and may discourage self-injection. There is also the slight risk of nerve injury with IM shots. In contrast, SQ shots are almost painless, carry no risk of nerve injury, and are effective for delivering B12. Here are the best vitamin B12 injection sites for each method:
Subcutaneous B12 injection sites
Usually, the best places to give yourself a B12 shot subcutaneously are the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm, as you can see in this illustration:
Although not shown above, the buttock is another good site for B12 shots. However, for self-injection we recommend the area around the belly button. In our experience, it’s one of the best B12 injection sites because it’s easy to reach and usually has enough fat.
Do note that SQ needles are shorter, so be sure to order the correct type. Also, if you buy our injectable-B12 vials, we provide detailed guidelines for SQ delivery.
Intramuscular B12 injection sites
If you prefer intramuscular delivery, the best places for B12 shots are often the rounded shoulder muscle (deltoid), the thigh, and the hip. See these diagrams:
Source: Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care by Doyle & McCutcheon.
To inject IM, hold the skin firmly between your thumb and index finger. Then insert the needle into the center of the muscle and inject slowly. Again, if you’re self-injecting, SQ is easier to perform. It’s less painful, plus SQ injection sites are more accessible.
For most people, we definitely recommend SQ over IM.
Detailed Instructions
If you’re still unsure how or where to give B12 injections, visit our full instructions. They’re straightforward and easy to follow. Let us know if you need help.
All the best.