Vitamin B-12 injections? Scammy? Useful? (kidneys, blood, doctor, prescription)

[chiroptera]

I had a complete physical this morning with a new (to me) doctor. I liked him and his staff.

However, there were little posters hung throughout the practice encouraging clients to ask about B-12 injections, touting benefits such as increased energy, better digestion and cognitive functioning and so on.

I meant to ask about them just out of curiosity, but forgot. Nobody tried to "sell" me anything, including these shots. But it made me curious. A quick google returns results ranging from "OMG dangerous beware big pharm" to "very useful for some conditions and at least cannot hurt."

Any thoughts or experiences with B-12 shots?

[suzy_q2010]

If you are not deficient in B12 the shots will do nothing except improve the bottom line for the practice selling them.

[chiroptera]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

If you are not deficient in B12 the shots will do nothing except improve the bottom line for the practice selling them.

I'm still reading google results but it seems you may be correct and they are apparently touted as a weight-loss "cure" too. Maybe they're a good up-sell for the practice because I live in one of the fatter states.
I'm skinny and probably not B-12-deficient according to what I've read so far. So I wouldn't be a target consumer in this regard.

[Irishiis49]

My last blood test revealed I was very deficient in B-12...my doctor has me coming in every 3months for a B-12 shot...My doctor doesn't charge me for the shot because I pay $1800 yearly for a concierge plan...so there would be no motive in having me get them...

[Teddy52]

Originally Posted by chiroptera

i had a complete physical this morning with a new (to me) doctor. I liked him and his staff.

However, there were little posters hung throughout the practice encouraging clients to ask about b-12 injections, touting benefits such as increased energy, better digestion and cognitive functioning and so on.

I meant to ask about them just out of curiosity, but forgot. Nobody tried to "sell" me anything, including these shots. But it made me curious. A quick google returns results ranging from "omg dangerous beware big pharm" to "very useful for some conditions and at least cannot hurt."

any thoughts or experiences with b-12 shots?

scam !

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

One of my elderly great-aunts had to have them and she was much better once she started taking them. It is NOT a scam if you need them. Otherwise, it is useless.

[chiroptera]

Irishiis...do you notice any real benefit from the shot?

Teddy, you said "scam!" Why? Need cites. Cite-less opinions don't count.

[Hopes]

I have a B-12 deficiency. I need the shots for my very survival.

I've never heard of MD's promoting B-12 injections for energy.

That's something a chiropractor's office or a naturopath would promote.

You basically urinate out any B-12 your body doesn't need.

[MaryleeII]

You could try the tablets, they're sub-lingual, just under the tongue. a lot cheaper, and I do think they help me.

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by MaryleeII

You could try the tablets, they're sub-lingual, just under the tongue. a lot cheaper, and I do think they help me.

My husband is B12 deficient due to Crohn's disease. He was told he needs a shot every 3 months and hasn't been doing that so when he got his most recent lab results it was too low. Now he's got a prescription so he can do it at home. His doctor told him the tablets aren't as effective as the shot, at least in hubby's case.

It's not always a scam but it can be if there isn't a deficiency. A chronic deficiency can damage the kidneys or liver (I don't remember which).