Vegans and vegetarians are the obvious candidates, since B12 is only found naturally in animal products. But even meat-eaters can run low, especially if you’re over 50, have had weight-loss surgery, or take metformin for diabetes. The list is longer than you’d think, and it includes you if you drink more than a couple of coffees a day—caffeine messes with B12 absorption.
Another sneaky culprit: stress. Chronic stress burns through B12 like a bonfire in a hurricane. So if you’re juggling work, family, and a Netflix habit, your levels might be tanking without you noticing.
How To Give Yourself Vitamin B12 Shots (with video!)
What about the “instant energy” claim? Is it real or hype?
It’s very real, but only if you’re actually deficient. If your B12 levels are normal, an injection is like pouring premium fuel into a car that already has a full tank—you won’t feel a thing except maybe a sore butt. For the deficient, though, the boost can feel like someone turned on the lights in a dark room.
That said, it doesn’t last forever. Most people need a shot every month or every few weeks, depending on their lifestyle. And no, it won’t replace sleep or magically erase your to-do list. If only.
