Where to give B12 vitamin shots?
Where to administer vitamin B12 injections, an easy guide
There are many locations you can use to administer a vitamin B12 shot into the body. It is likely that each person will have their own favorite location to give and receive shots, depending on ease of use and personal choice.
We’re all different! Individual pain tolerance, health status, preference and reasons for self-injecting, and the desired outcome of the vitamin play a role in determining the ideal site of injection for each and every one of us. But don’t worry - we’re here to help you decide on which is best for you.
Upper arm injections
The upper arm is generally recommended for younger vitamin B12 users. One of the many perks of being young! This is because the muscles within the upper arm are denser between the teenage to middle-aged years.
With the arm location, it is useful to have someone help you administer the shot. This is preferred area of doctors and nurses because in most cases there is minimal fat in the shoulders deltoid area where the injections are given.
More: How to inject vitamin B12 in your arm
Outer Hip Injections
The outer hip is appropriate for those aged seven months or over. There are very few complications with this injection site, as there are no major nerves or vessels to worry about, and it’s also an easy-to-reach spot.
Stomach injections
The stomach is generally an area with additional fatty tissue (however much we hate to admit it), so it is the perfect location for those who would rather administer subcutaneous injections. It is also not so painful, so it’s great for those of us that have a bit of a sensitive side.
The rule of thumb is to inject at least 2 inches from the belly button.
More: How to inject vitamin B12 into your belly
Injecting in upper buttocks
The buttocks are another, although slightly less common, place to inject. Since the buttocks are quite close to major nerves and blood vessels, it is not the easiest location because it requires accurate placement.
It is also a rather fatty area, so if you prefer intramuscular injections, you should stick with the other options or use longer needles.
If you prefer to inject into the buttocks, it’s best to have another person help you deliver the shot due to the difficult to reach location. It’s also probably best to choose someone you’re comfortable with!
Injecting in the thigh
Our thighs are yet another place you can efficiently administer your B12 injection. Due to ease of access and length of the thigh muscle, it is appropriate for users of all ages to choose the thigh as the perfect spot.
It is also a relatively easy place to self-administer B12 shots, as you won’t have to bend over backwards in order to reach certain areas! Despite this, if you have too much excess fat and injecting intramuscularly, the thighs may not be the best place for you.
Intramuscular vs. Subcutaneous injections
There are two types of injections: intramuscular and subcutaneous. Both methods are effective, but the decision is all down to you. Make yourself familiar with the locations and techniques, and you’ll be full of that great vitamin B12 stuff as soon as you’re ready!
More: Intramuscular vs Subcutaneous B12 Injections
Intramuscular injections are administered directly into the muscle. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be built like a bodybuilder to inject using this method. The thighs are naturally a great location for this technique. Intramuscular injections can lead to more discomfort than the subcutaneous option. However, this method delivers the effects of the B12 vitamin quicker and is therefore the preferred location for many of our dedicated users.
Subcutaneous injections are inserted into the fatty tissue within the body. The benefits of using B12 injections subcutaneously are dependent on the user – many would rather administer the shots with as little pain as possible.
All in all, there are plenty of places for you to administer your B12 shot, so there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
There are also many other informative articles on our site for you to read. We recommend to consult a health professional for proper training and to feel reassured before injecting at home.
Injecting yourself can be a daunting task, but many people swear by the benefits of B12 injections, and it’s certainly worth learning how to do it properly.
Reported benefits include increased energy, metabolism, mood; sleep efficiency and immune system function; which we could all do with a little extra of at one time or another.
Ensure that you are comfortable with the process of administering a B12 shot and you’ll be a pro in no time. Be sure to check out our store to see our products – they’ll help you put a spring in your step!
Tips
It’s good practice to massage the injection site for a couple of minutes after the injection. This helps ease any discomfort quicker and disperse the B12 into your body.
Remember to alternate locations, such as left thigh-right thigh, left arm-right arm and different locations around the belly, hip and buttocks.
Sources:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/311570-the-best-places-to-give-vitamin-b12-injections
https://b12vitaminstore.com/b12-injections
https://b12vitaminstore.com/blog/post/how-to-perform-a-subcutaneous-injection-of-vitamin-b12
https://b12vitaminstore.com/how-to-give-intramuscular-injecton-vitamin-b12
https://b12vitaminstore.com/default/blog/post/how-to-inject-vitamin-b12-in-your-arm/
https://www.restartmed.com/b12-injection-sites/
