WildnSwole is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
There are a lot of different opinions on whether or not B complex vitamin supplements are necessary.
Some people swear by them, while others believe that you can get all the nutrients you need from a healthy diet.
But what about B12 injections? Are they necessary?
Let’s compare B Complex vs B12 injections and see which one is the best fit for you!
Table of Contents
Difference Between B Complex and B12 Injections
A B complex vitamin is a combination of eight B vitamins, while B12 injections just contain vitamin B12.
B complex vitamins are important for converting food into energy, while B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells.
B12 injections are often prescribed to people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
They are more effective than oral supplements in raising blood levels of the vitamin.
The B complex vitamin is commonly taken orally, but can also be injected.
Both the Complex and B12 injection is usually given by a doctor or nurse and is similar to a flu shot.
The B and B12 injection is a prescription medication, so it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
You can also find many different brands of over-the-counter B12 and B complex vitamins, and they all contain different amounts of each vitamin.
Ingredients in B Complex Vitamins
B complex vitamins consist of eight water-soluble vitamins that work together to help the body convert food into energy.
These vitamins include:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Biotin (B7)
- Folic Acid (B9)
- Cobalamin (B12)
Each of these vitamins has a specific role in maintaining optimum health within the body.
For example, thiamine helps the body’s cells to produce energy, riboflavin helps to protect the cells from damage, and niacin aids in metabolism.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B Complex
The benefits of Vitamin B Complex include:
- Increasing energy levels
- Helping to regulate moods
- Supporting healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails
- Promoting cognitive function and memory retention
- Improving digestive system
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- Reducing the risk of heart disease
- Protecting against some forms of cancer
- Thiamine promotes proper nerve function
- Folic acid aids in the metabolization of amino acids
- Niacin assists in raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) which is good cholesterol, and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
Cons of Vitamin B Complex
- It can interact with other medications.
- It can cause certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- It’s not always clear how much of each type of vitamin is in a particular product.
- The products can be expensive.
- Taking too much vitamin B can lead to side effects such as skin rashes, headaches, and dizziness.
- Vitamin B Complex Injections could cause infections.
- If you have certain health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, you should speak to your doctor before taking it.
- Not everyone’s body can properly absorb oral vitamins
- Oral forms take longer to start working in comparison to a B complex Injection.
Where To Get Your Complex B Vitamins
The elements of a B complex vitamin are found in many animal sources.
These include organ meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some other food types include vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
They are also available in supplement form.
The most common type of form is B complex pills. Many stores sell them over the counter.
You can even purchase them online through merchants like Amazon.
Some pharmacies also offer Vitamin B complex Injections with a prescription.
Ingredients in Vitamin B12 Injections
Common ingredients in Vitamin B12 Injections are:
- Vitamin B12 (as either Methylcobalamin or Cyanocobalamin)
- Sodium Chloride
- Ammonium Sulfate
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
And that’s it! Pretty simple, right?
But don’t be fooled- these ingredients pack a powerful punch when it comes to improving your Red Blood Cell Production.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections
There are many benefits of Vitamin B12 injections as the body builds it up. Some of these include
- Feel the effects faster than pill forms – An Intramuscular B Vitamin injection will go into the bloodstream directly.
- This means that it doesn’t have to go through the digestive system first. Making it a more efficient way of getting your nutrient fix.
- Feel refreshed – B12 is essential for energy production, and a deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness.
- Improved mood – It is necessary for the production of serotonin, which is known to regulate mood. A deficiency can result in depression or anxiety.
- Better sleep – Helps to regulate melatonin production, which can improve sleep quality.
- Stronger bones – It is required for the absorption of calcium, and a deficiency can lead to bone thinning or osteoporosis.
- Enhanced cognitive function – Vitamin B12 is involved in many cognitive processes, and a deficiency can lead to memory loss or impaired thinking skills.
- Healthier skin, hair, and nails – Because it is vital for the production of red blood cells, a deficiency can cause dry skin, thinning hair, or brittle nails.
- Reduced risk of certain diseases – B12 has been linked to a reduced risk of some diseases, including heart disease, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.
Improvement varies on an individual basis, as treatment continues talk with your doctor to see whether you should raise or lower your doses.
Cons of Vitamin B12 Injections
Negative effects of Vitamin B12 injections include:
- Injection site discomfort or pain
- Soreness at the injection site
- Feeling of fullness in the stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Allergic reactions (rare)
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Where To Get Your B12 Vitamin Injections
There are a few different places you can go to get your B12 injections. One place is a doctor’s office or clinic.
You can also find B12 injections at some pharmacies. Another place you can get them is from a naturopathic doctor or a nutritionist.
There are also a few companies that sell B12 injections online. You can order them and have them shipped to your house.
One company that sells B12 injections is called Blue Horizon Medical Clinic. They have an online store where you can buy injections.
You can also purchase over-the-counter B12 in pill, liquid, tablet, and even patch forms.
Dangers of Vitamin B Deficiencies
If you’re not getting enough vitamin B, you may start to experience some of these dangerous symptoms.
- Poor vision
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin problems
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Depression
- Reduction in Nervous system functions
- Anemia
- Impaired growth and development in kids
- Difficulty in digestion
- Headaches
- Heart problems
Vitamin B is essential for many different functions in the body, so it’s critical to make sure you’re getting enough of it.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be deficient in vitamin B, but don’t self-diagnose.
How To Know if You Should Be Taking B Vitamins
The safest way to determine if you need to take a vitamin B complex or vitamin B12 supplement is to ask your healthcare provider.
They may order a blood test to check your levels of these vitamins.
If you are deficient in either vitamin, your provider may recommend that you take a supplement.
Here are some common reasons to take these supplements:
- Following a vegan diet, or other restrictive diets may lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12
- Certain medications can also cause drops in Vitamin B
- Pernicious Anaemia diagnosis
- Depression
- Digestive issues
Final Summary of B Complex vs B12 Injections
There are many different ways to get your daily dose of vitamins, but the two most popular methods are oral supplements or vitamin injections.
One of the main advantages of taking a B complex supplement is that it provides all of the essential vitamins that make up this group (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).
This is significant because it may be difficult to meet all of your nutrient needs through diet alone.
By taking a single pill, you can be sure that you’re getting adequate amounts of each nutrient.
In comparison, when you get a b12 injection you are only receiving supplemental doses of this one particular vitamin.
While an injection may be more beneficial for those with absorption issues, for most people taking a B Complex pill is the best way to go.
It’s more affordable and easier to take than having to receive regular injections.
In the end, the decision to take one over the other depends on your particular deficiency, Dr.’s recommendation, and preference.
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/thiamine-vitamin-b1/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-Consumer/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-niacin/art-20364984
https://ivboost.uk/b12-vs-b-complex/
https://gloantiaging.com/types-vitamin-b12-injections-and-benefits/
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-b12-side-effects#side-effects
https://www.betternutrition.com/supplements/vitamins/when-to-take-b-vitamins/
B Vitamins FAQ
Is It Better To Take B12 or B Complex?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best one to take between B12 and B complex may vary depending on your individual needs.
However, it is usually recommended that you take a B complex supplement to get all of the different types of B vitamins, as opposed to just taking B12.
This is because B complex vitamins work together synergistically, and each vitamin has its own unique set of functions that contribute to overall health.
What Is B Complex Injection Good For?
One of the benefits of B complex injections is that they can help improve energy levels.
They can also help improve cognitive function, memory, and mood. Additionally, injections can help support the health of the immune system.
Can You Take B Complex and B12 Shots Together?
Yes, you can take B complex and B12 shots together.
However, it is recommended to get the proper testing done beforehand to see if you need both.
Remember that a B Complex does include a lower dosage of B12 in its formula. This amount will be adequate for most users.
Is Vitamin B Complex the Same As Vitamin B12?
The answer to this question is no. B complex is a combination of eight B vitamins, including B6 and B12.
Vitamin B12 is only one of the components of a B complex Vitamin.
