Home / Energy & Wellness / Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12
A nutrient your body uses to make red blood cells. Weekly injection.
- Methyl- or cyanocobalamin
- Labs may check your level
- Pharmacy on your label
Compounded methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin injection
Vitamin B12 helps your body make red blood cells and turn food into energy. Injections skip the gut, which helps if your diet or body makes it hard to get enough.
- Form
- Injection
- How often
- Usually once a week
- Labs
- Your provider may check levels
- Made by
- State-licensed compounding pharmacy
Choose your plan
No charge unless a provider approves · Start assessment
12-month price lock · Licensed providers · Pharmacy named on every label
Quick answer
Vitamin B12 at a glance
Vitamin B12 helps your body make red blood cells and turn food into energy.
How it’s taken: injection, usually once a week.
It starts at $59/mo at Surna, with provider care included.
A prescription from a licensed provider is required. It’s compounded by a state-licensed pharmacy and is not FDA-approved.
Updated
How Vitamin B12 works
B12 comes mostly from animal foods. People on plant-based diets, older adults, and people taking certain medications like metformin or long-term acid reducers are more likely to run low.
An injection delivers B12 directly, without relying on absorption in your stomach. We offer two forms: methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin.
What to expect
Everyone responds differently. Your provider checks in and adjusts your plan along the way.
Before you start
Your provider may order labs to check your B12 level.
Weeks 1–4
Weekly injections. Your provider checks in on how you’re doing. Individual results vary.
Ongoing
Your dose and schedule are adjusted based on your levels and how you feel.
Is it right for you?
Your provider makes the final call after reviewing your health history and labs.
Often a good fit
- People on a plant-based diet
- People taking metformin or long-term acid reducers
- Low B12 on labs or ongoing tiredness
Usually not a fit
- Allergy to cobalt or vitamin B12
- Leber's disease, an inherited eye condition
Not a complete list. Tell your provider about all health conditions and medications.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild. Your care team is a message away if something doesn't feel right.
More common
Get medical help right away for
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing
For a medical emergency, call 911.
How to take it
Always follow the directions on your label and from your provider.
Pick your day
Inject on the same day each week, with or without food.
Choose your spot
Inject under the skin of your belly, thigh, or upper arm, rotating spots each time.
Store it properly
Follow the storage directions on your label. Many injectables need to be refrigerated.
Vitamin B12 questions
Why an injection instead of a pill?
Injections skip the digestive system, which matters if absorption is the problem. Your provider can tell you whether a pill might be enough.
Can I take too much B12?
Your body clears extra B12 fairly easily, but your provider still sets a dose that matches your levels.
Methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?
Both raise B12 levels. Cyanocobalamin is the most studied and lowest-cost form. Methylcobalamin is an active form some people prefer. Your provider can help you choose.
Related treatments
See if Vitamin B12 is right for you.
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review your options.
Important safety information
Last updated
Do not use if you are allergic to cobalt or vitamin B12, or if you have Leber's disease. Injections can cause pain or irritation at the injection site. Seek emergency care for signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Compounded medication, prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for individual patients. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Prescribed only if your provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you.
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk with your provider and read the full prescribing information or medication guide.