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Behind The B12 Fad: Shot May Not Be The Miracle Energy Fix It's Made Out To Be

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Energy is something many of us want more of, which has some turning to a quick jab to get the fix they need.

B12 shots have been called a miraculous energy enhancer and are becoming a popular trend at spas and medical clinics across the country.

But it may not be what the doctor ordered, according to some local physicians.

Doctors say there's no doubt the shots bring more energy to those who are deficient, but it falls flat for those who aren't. With a number of celebrities promoting its perks, physicians are trying to separate fad from fact.

The craze has people like Nicki I'anson considering whether to get B-12 shots to help boost her daily workouts.

"You come into the gym and you don't want to do anything, and you go oh gosh, and you go, take a little B12 you know? Hey, I'm ready to go," she said.

The vitamin has been marketed as a miracle cure for everything from fatigue to depression to helping you shed those stubborn extra pounds.

"It is critical for nerve function, for thinking clearly, for having a good mood. For making red blood cells, for fighting off anemia, for getting energy," said family physician Dr. Eric Tepper.

But what's the science behind the practice.

"For people who are deficient, giving them a B12 shot does act like a miracle drug helping them with a whole myriad of symptoms," Tepper said. "For people who are not B12 deficient, it really does nothing more for them than a placebo will."

The bigger issue, according to Dr. Tepper is even a good jab can go bad, especially if it's not administered by a medical professional.

"Any time you break the skin, you run the risk of infection," he said. "You can inadvertently instead of injecting in the muscle, you can inject it in a vein … You can get B12 toxicity, you can wind up with damage to the nerves, increase in risk of cancers."

A long list of local spas and wellness centers promote the injectable jolt, but none were able to talk to CBS13.

Tepper says it's important to get a blood test to determine if you're B12 deficient first before you fall for the fad.

"When you're getting a shot, you want a medical professional who is there giving it to you is actually prepared to deal with that as opposed to someone who works in a spa," he siad.

For I'anson, she'll continue to weigh before shaking up her routine.

B12 shots typically cost between $15 and $50. Tepper says if you're not B12 deficient, your body won't absorb the extra dose.

He says B12 deficiencies are commonly found in certain groups, including the elderly or those who take medications for chronic illnesses or intestinal disorders.

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