Good hygiene, a fresh single-use needle and safe disposal remove most of that risk
Meat, fish, and dairy products all naturally contain B12
61 Buesing, S., Costa, M., Schilling, J
Both types are delivered as intramuscular injections, but lipotropic shots are designed to target fat metabolism more aggressively than B12 alone
For patients seeking weight loss who request B12 injections, GPs should: Assess for genuine deficiency through appropriate blood tests rather than empirical treatment Provide education about the lack of evidence supporting B12 for weight loss in non-deficient individuals Explore underlying concerns about weight and energy levels, addressing these through appropriate channels Signpost to evidence-based resources such as NHS weight management services according to local pathways Patients should contact their GP if they experience unexplained fatigue, neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, balance problems), or signs of anaemia (pallor, breathlessness, palpitations), as these may indicate B12 deficiency requiring investigation
While B-12 supplements and foods fortified with the vitamin are readily available, vitamin B-12 shots are only available by prescription, so a clinical diagnosis is always necessary