Lipo B12 Shots: Do They Really Work for Weight Loss?
Lipotropics are compounds that promote fat release and removal from the liver. Alongside a low-calorie, nutritious diet and exercise, lipotropics can help you lose weight. Some of the most common lipotropic nutrients are:
- Methionine
- Inositol
- Choline
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Branched-chain amino acids
- L-carnitine
- Betaine
The exact combination and ratio of ingredients can depend on where you purchase your Lipo-B12 shots.
Table of Contents
What are lipotropics?
Lipotroics are nutrients that help the liver function better and support detoxification reactions. Detoxification is the process of converting harmful substances into benign compounds, such as carbon dioxide and water.
Lipotropic agents also support the flow of bile and fat from the liver. This makes it easier for the liver to process fats and use them for energy. People have used lipotropics for various reasons, including weight loss and to help their liver function better.
Ultimately, lipotropic formulas seem to increase S-adenosyl methionine, which is the major lipotropic compound in the liver, and glutathione, a potent detoxifying compound.1
Methionine
Methionine is an antioxidant. It helps neutralize unpaired electrons that are a byproduct of cellular metabolism. Methionine can also be converted into sulfur-containing molecules that protect body tissues, modify DNA and maintain cellular function.
Inositol
Inositol is a sugar alcohol that affects neurotransmitter production and how your body handles glucose. Inositol may help improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that ushers glucose into body cells, where it can be used for energy. Insulin resistance is when your pancreas does not produce insulin effectively, or your body cells do not respond to it as well. Insulin resistance is closely related to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Improving insulin sensitivity can help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Choline
Choline is usually classified as a B vitamin. It is used to help your body cells generate energy and support metabolism. Choline is also a precursor to acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter involved in memory, thinking, learning, and muscle contraction.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods and added to others. However, vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common. Nearly 6% of people under age 60 and 20% of people over age 60 are deficient in vitamin B12.2
Vitamin B12 is essential for growth, cellular reproduction, blood formation, neurologic function, and DNA and protein synthesis.
How much weight can you lose with B12 lipotropic injections?
The research on lipotropics is unclear, and research studies have drawn inconclusive results. Lipotropic nutrients all support fat metabolism and boost cellular energy. Unfortunately, these cellular processes are so complex that it is virtually impossible to track the effect of a single nutrient on the weight-loss process.
For example, researchers have noted that restricting methionine instead of supplementing with it may increase insulin sensitivity and weight loss.3 However, the dosage and administration may make a difference.
In addition, if you lack one of these nutrients in your diet, you may notice a bigger effect on weight loss and energy than someone who does not.
How long does a Lipo B12 shot last?
The effects of a lipo B12 injection are expected to last a few days. About 50% to 98% of vitamin B12 is excreted from the body within 48 hours after the injection. However, vitamin B12’s half-life is about six days in the blood, so you may experience benefits from it for about a week.
How often should you get a Lipo B12 shot?
How often you get lipo B12 shots may vary depending on the formulation. Typically, they are injected into the muscle once per week.
Does the Lipo shot help with weight loss?
If you have vitamin B12 deficiency or lack one of the other lipotropic nutrients in your diet, a lipo shot can help restore your levels and help your liver function optimally.
Lipotropic nutrients support cellular metabolism and energy production. It would make sense that lipotropic nutrients should promote fat loss.
Are lipotropic injections worth it?
Lipotropic injections are prescription-only. Talk to your doctor about their potential benefits for you. You will probably notice the most benefit if you are deficient in one of the nutrients in lipo-B12 and restore your levels. This will help your liver function optimally, supporting your weight-loss efforts.
Looking to purchase and get a Lipo B12 prescription? Shop Invigor Medical today!
References
- Pizzorno, J. E., & Murray, M. T. (2020). Textbook of natural medicine – E-book (5th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
- Allen LH. How common is vitamin B-12 deficiency? Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Feb;89(2):693S-6S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26947A. Epub 2008 Dec 30. PMID: 19116323.
- Plaisance EP, Greenway FL, Boudreau A, Hill KL, Johnson WD, Krajcik RA, Perrone CE, Orentreich N, Cefalu WT, Gettys TW. Dietary methionine restriction increases fat oxidation in obese adults with metabolic syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 May;96(5):E836-40. doi: 10.1210/jc.2010-2493. Epub 2011 Feb 23. PMID: 21346062; PMCID: PMC3085194.
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