There are many reasons that people decide to take b12 shots. By far, the most common and widely accepted reason is that they have a B12 deficiency or are beginning to display B12 deficiency symptoms.  Another reason that people take B12 injections is that they are trying to lose weight.  The idea of B12 supporting weight loss is becoming more common, and many medically supervised weight loss plans are offering B12 injections as a regular part of their program.

Of course, there are many other reasons that individuals decide to supplement with Vitamin B12.  The reality is that far more people than you may realize would benefit from a B12 shot.  One study conducted at Tufts University looked at 3,000 adults over the age of 26.  They found that 65% had B12 levels in a range that was low enough to lead to serious health issues.  40% of these individuals were at the low end of the “normal” range, which means that it is very unlikely their doctor would discover their deficiency.

Although neurological symptoms begin to display in the low normal range, it is not uncommon for people to brush these symptoms off as being caused by aging or stress.  Since low levels of B12 have been scientifically linked to the development of chronic disease, the fact that it so commonly goes undiagnosed is a major concern.

Should you be concerned about your levels of B12?  Let’s look at some common factors that increase your risk of developing low levels of B12.

• Are You Over 45?  B12 absorption becomes more difficult as we age, thanks to a decrease in the amount of intrinsic factor our bodies produce.  Intrinsic factor is critical to the proper absorption of B12.
• Do You Smoke? It is estimated that 54% of all smokers have a B12 deficiency.
• Are you a heavy drinker?  Alcohol can deplete your body’s stores of vitamin B12.