Are Vitamin Injections Just a Fad?

One prick promises immunity, energy and sculpting, but is this LA trend worth the hype?

 If you're feeling drained or fatigued, or your metabolism could use a lift, there's a simple solution that doesn't involve pills, surgery, or the gym—but it’ll sting. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham and Madonna are devoted to vitamin shots and IV drips: quick in-office procedures that claim to boost energy, make your skin radiant and even help you lose weight. With such high claims, the inevitable question is whether vitamin shots are simply a placebo effect delivered via a needle, or if they can actually elevate our tired bodies.

The popularity of vitamin shots, with vitamin B12 being the most popular, stems from the challenges that many of us face in getting enough nutrients through diet and oral supplements alone. B12 injections provide an energy boost and aid in metabolism and fatigue. 

According to the Pernicious Anaemia Society, one in ten people in the UK is vitamin B12 deficient. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that promotes the health of the body's nerve and blood cells as well as the production of DNA, the genetic material found in all cells. 

The Physicians Desk Reference has found that nutrients in liquid form are absorbed 80-90 percent on average, whilst nutrients in pill form absorb 10-20 percent. However, whether to inject, ingest, or infuse vitamins is a contentious issue. 

Mineral absorption from oral supplements is influenced by the time of day, whether they are taken with a meal and the form in which they are taken. Because vitamin absorption by the gut is less effective than a shot directly into a muscle or vein, a higher oral dose is often required —and because your local drugstore is unlikely to stock very high-dose over-the-counter pills, you may require multiple doses to play catch up. 

Weekly vitamin shots are a quick and easy way to boost your nutrients without having to worry about how many supplements you need to take or if any have been missed. 

The specific shots you can get—or require—depend on your medical practitioner, your specific health concerns and your willingness to fork out some serious cash per shot.

These shots should be taken in combination with a healthy diet and fitness routine and it's worth noting that very few scientific studies have proven the dramatic claims of vitamin injections; though anecdotal evidence suggests that they can work for a short period of time. 

Persuaded? Before attempting this, as with any dietary supplement, consult with your doctor first.