Yes, and extraordinarily well in many cases.
However, some forms of B12 work better than others. Methylcobalamin, one of the two active forms, is especially useful, and shows unique benefits to the nerves. In contrast, cyanocobalamin is a cheap, synthetic form. It may still increase B12 levels, but it is a demanding form, because it is slightly toxic and needs to be detoxified before it can be converted to a form usable by the body. Therefore, it is not nearly as efficient.
Let’s look at some studies.
How Well Do B12 Injections Work?
As we said, methyl B12 shots are very effective, and will work for a large range of applications. Clinically, they have long been used (in extremely high doses) as treatment to cyanide poisoning. Not only are they very effective in raising cellular levels of B12, but they also reduce homocysteine levels, therefore solving two problems at once for pernicious anemia patients. Their nerve-repairing capabilities are very promising, as they have been used effectively to treat patients with peripheral neuropathy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Bell’s palsy, as well as other neurological disorders.
Just how well do methyl B12 shots work?
Methyl B12 shots promote neuronal function, protect cortical neurons against neurotoxicity, produce improvements in heart rate variability, improve sperm count, motility, and concentration, enhance the light-induced phase-shift in the human circadian rhythm, and improve sensory nerve parameters in stroke patients.
This form of B12 is simply the most effective all-around form, which is why we chose it as our form of choice. It produces clinical results far superior to cyano B12.
In cyanocobalamin, the B12 is attached to a cyanide molecule that the body has to get rid of before it can convert the B12 to an active form. Unfortunately, this process steals away valuable glutathione from the body, which it needs for various other processes. It is especially risky to those with liver or kidney complications, who can’t clear cyanide away effectively. In people with pernicious anemia, the depletion of glutathione may increase homocysteine even further, thus only making things worse.
Therefore, we don’t recommend using cyano B12 at all.
Adenosylcobalamin is another active form of B12. Like methyl B12, it is also effective, although it lacks that very precious methyl group. In any case, a normal body can convert methyl B12 to adenosyl B12 as needed (and vice versa), so if you had to pick one, pick methyl B12 (for the methyl group), especially if you have pernicious anemia.
The fourth form is hydroxocobalamin. Like cyano B12, it isn’t active, but this form doesn’t contain any cyanide molecule, so there’s no need for detoxification. Its biggest strength is that it reacts with cyanide (CN), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which is why it is often used as an antidote against toxicity from these chemical compounds.
So, some forms of B12 work better than others. For most people, methyl B12 will work best, followed by adenosyl B12 and then hydroxo B12. We’d never use cyano B12.
Note:
Do B12 shots work for weight loss?
We wouldn’t count on it.
Inject Daily, For At Least 3 Months
How do B12 shots work?
Here’s the crucial part. B12 is water-soluble, and any excess you inject will quickly go out through the urine, sometimes within hours. For that reason, one shot won’t be nearly enough – unless all you’re trying to do is clear your body off of a particular toxicity. If you’re looking to fix a pre-existing deficiency, and enjoy the resulting energy and improved metabolism, you’ll want to inject daily for at least three months.
Why three months?
Because a red blood cell’s life cycle is 90 days. Only after 90 days of daily injecting will all the malformed red blood cells have been replaced by healthy ones. In fact, within the first 48 to 72 hours, the B12 shots will lead to a rapid increase of immature red blood cells, and over the next 90 days, the subsequent, gradual correction of anemia.
Summary: Do B12 Shots Work?
Yes, but keep these guidelines in mind:
- If you’re trying to get more energy and enjoy the other benefits of B12, the shots will only work if you were deficient in B12 in the first place.
- Pick the right form. Methyl B12 is best, followed by adenosyl B12 and then hydroxo B12. Avoid cyano B12, which is synthetic, slightly-toxic, and inefficient.
- Before you gauge results, inject daily for at least three months.
Best of luck.