FAQ

Here’s pretty much all you need to know about our B12 shots

Do I need an appointment to get a shot?

OFFICE LOCATIONS:

You are welcome to walk in without an appointment at our office locations however we highly recommend scheduling one as the days are often dynamic and filled with a variety of appointments. Click the button below if you would like to see the schedule in real-time to avoid any long waits:

BOOK SHOT APPOINTMENT

FIRST TIME VISITING:

Your first time to see us will take a couple minutes longer to complete + sign an electronic Informed Consent on our iPad. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions + let us know if you have any concerns about our injection therapy.

Why would anyone need a nutrient injection?

Everyday life contributes to the congestion + buildup of harmful toxins in the body from processed foods, pollutants + stress that can lead to an unhealthy life experience. Our Injectables aim to support the immune system, nourish, detoxify + rejuvenate the body, as well as target specific goals like increase energy, improve focus, boost vitality, promote weight loss, reduce pain, decrease inflammation, balance hormones … concerns that plague those of us living in the modern world. Many health conscious individuals choose to drink fruit smoothies, vegetable juice + nectar elixirs to improve their nutrient status + health. However, some people have sensitivities to certain foods, including fruits + veggies. In addition, not all the nutrients from eating or drinking your fruits + veggies get absorbed through the digestive system. There can be many calories involved, not to mention a load of sugar, which may promote inflammation that can lead to disease processes in the body. Our Unconventional Juice™ (nutrient shots) consists of many of the same nutrients as drinkable nectar including vitamin C, B1, B6, folate, magnesium, choline + several others that are not found in fruit + veggie elixirs like vitamin B12. By injecting these nutrients directly into your muscle tissue, they are immediately disseminated throughout your entire body for immediate utilization. Typically only a single digit percentage of nutrients gets absorbed when taken orally whereas injecting the nutrients bypasses the digestive tract + is 100% in your body to do its good work.

Is a B12 shot with more fluid more effective?

Not necessarily. It depends on the milligrams (mg) per milliliter (ml) of the solution that’s being used. We use concentrated nutrients so we don’t have to use as much fluid for a kinder, gentler, more comfortable injection experience. The more fluid there is in a syringe for a shot, the more chance you will feel it. As illustrated below, if a solution of 1 mg/ml B12 is used for your shot + you get a 2.5 ml (2.5 CC) shot, you will get 2.5 mg of B12. Whereas, if 5 mg/ml B12 is used + just 1/2 ml (1/2 CC) is administered, you’d still get 2.5 mg of B12 – it’s the same dose but using less fluid with less risk of cramping in the muscle, meaning a more comfortable shot experience! (Yay!)

Both syringes contain the exact same dose of B12. Which one do you want injected?

Do you offer discounts on shots or have specials?

Yes! We offer all our flagship and specialty shots in packages of 12 at a 20% discount – available every day all the time to everyone. Packages never expire and our system keeps track of your visits so there’s no need to have a punchcard or anything like that.

Do you have gift cards available?

Yes! We offer both physical gift cards + eGift cards. You can load money on someone’s account for future use. If they don’t have an account set up with us, no worries! We will set one up for them when you request the virtual “gift card.” All the recipient will need to do is fill out our informed consent the first time they visit us, which typically only takes 3-5 minutes.

Can I get a shot “to go”?

No, sorry. Shots are medicine + need to be handled as such. We do not dispense shots to leave our premises. The shots are pulled up + administered on-site by our licensed doctors + fully trained + qualified naturopathic medical assistants. For sterility issues, a shot needs to be administered once it is pulled up. We would not be able to guarantee sterility, authenticity or proper administration of a shot if a formula leaves our premises. Your safety + health is our number one concern.

Where on the body do you inject the shot?

Our shots are intramuscular injections, meaning the fluid gets injected into your muscle. If you’re simply getting B12 alone, it can be injected into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Shots other than a straight B12 shot will be administered in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle. But no worries … we don’t need much ‘southern exposure’! It’s not technically on the buttocks, it’s just above it!

Do the shots hurt?

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Our staff is very proficient + a shot typically causes little to no pain. It has a lot to do with how relaxed you are during the injection (mind + body), if you have just exercised (causing tense muscles) + how hydrated you are (as well as the awesome technique, of course)! We will instruct you on how to stand + breathe for relaxation for the most comfortable experience. Being well-hydrated (+ nourished) is beneficial. If you come in wearing heels, it may be beneficial to kick them off.

Will I bruise after receiving a shot?

Everyone is different. If you are taking a medication or supplement that thins the blood – warfarin, Coumadin, aspirin, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, garlic – your risk of bruising from a shot increases. Other reasons for bruising include, but are not limited to, thinning skin, vasculitis, purpuric dermatosis, platelet deficiency, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, vitamin C deficiency, moving your body during the injection, or dehydration. It’s important to remain still + relaxed until you’re told “you’re all set”!

Are the injectable solutions sterile? Where do you get them?

Yes. Our sterile injectable solutions are provided from certified compounding pharmacies, including certification from PCAB. The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) is a nonprofit organization that provides a voluntary accreditation program for compounding pharmacies across the country. Formed by eight of the nation’s leading pharmacy organizations, PCAB promotes, develops + maintains principles, policies + standards for improving the quality of pharmacy compounding nationwide.

If I take a B12 supplement or it’s in my daily multi-vitamin, why would I get a B12 shot?

Many people have trouble with nutrient absorption due to the presence of intestinal inflammation, poor gut health, or a deficiency of Intrinsic Factor – a glycoprotein produced in the stomach that is essential for B12 absorption, whether from an oral supplement or food providing B12 (mostly liver, red meat + clams). Injecting nutrients intramuscularly sidesteps this issue by delivering nutrients directly to the cells, feeding your body instantaneously for immediate utilization.

Why is vitamin B12 important for health?

Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function + DNA synthesis. It is an important cofactor in many physiologic biochemical pathways in our body + helps provide our cells with energy. Because it’s so important for health, it’s the foundation of most of our injections.

Will getting a B12 shot keep me awake at night?

B12 is not a stimulant like coffee is, but it’s generally best to experience a vitamin B-containing shot prior to 6:00 PM or so. Getting a shot that contains B vitamins too late in the day may promote insomnia that night + possibly even vivid dreams. However, B12, while providing cellular energy by day, is known to help promote deeper, healthier sleep when it comes to bedtime.

How do I know what type of shot I need?

You get to call your own shots! You decide, with the guidance of our experts, what shot would benefit you the most. Maybe you need a little more energy. Maybe you’re getting ready to work out + want to increase your endurance. Maybe you’re feeling under the weather + need to boost your immune system. Maybe you have tendonitis + need some pain relief. If you can’t decide on a shot or there’s more than one that you’d like, you can get two shots during one visit, or we can formulate a shot specifically for you based on your presenting symptoms + goals.

Are there any side effects to the shots?

Side effects are generally non-existent or mild. On occasion, you may experience some discomfort, bruising, redness, itching, inflammation, muscle hypertonicity, or redness at or around the site of injection that could last from a few minutes to several days. Less frequent side effects may include lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, warmth or flushing. True allergic reaction is extremely rare. However, if you experience throat swelling, a pruritic (itchy) body rash, dangerously low blood pressure (may result in lightheadedness, fainting or feeling weak), or symptoms associated with anaphylaxis (including throat swelling or trouble breathing) following administration of an injection, visit your nearest emergency department or urgent care facility without hesitation or call 9-1-1. If you know you are allergic to any of the ingredients in a shot — please avoid it! Methionine (part of “MIC”), taurine + glutathione are sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfur is the eighth most prevalent element in the human body + no one is allergic to sulfur itself. Sulfur is not to be confused with Sulfa drugs or sulfites, which are allergenic. Discomfort or pain is more common when you are dehydrated, tense, or you’ve just worked out the muscle we’ve just injected … or (C) … all of the above! The key is to relax, be well-nourished + hydrated!

Can I get too much B12? I just had blood work and my B12 is off the charts! Should I be concerned?

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has not established a UL (Upper Limit) for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. In Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin + Choline, the IOM states that “no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food + supplements in healthy individuals.” Most B vitamins have no known upper limit (UL) for intake with little to no possibility of toxicity. The exceptions are B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) + folic acid (vitamin B9). These three B vitamins are generally considered safe even when double the recommended dose is taken. However, there are some vitamin-drug + vitamin-disease interactions that should be avoided. Please consult your personal physician who knows your medical history + current health status before beginning injection therapy. This is especially important if you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, have a disease condition or are taking medications including, but not limited to, antibiotics + chemotherapeutic drugs, to be sure there aren’t any contraindications or interactions. If you’ve received more B12 than your body needs at the time, your urine may have a pinkish tint to it. Not to worry, it’s just your body flushing out what is not needed. Or maybe you’ve just eaten some beets!

What are the natural medicines in your shots?

Sterile biological natural medications for injection are the basis of many of our specialty shots. We offer many different compounded formulas with different goals, but in general they are utilized to encourage or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection + disease. Sterile natural medicine solutions for injection are classified as immunomodulatory drugs (pregnancy/breastfeeding category C). Biological natural medicine therapy is natural + non-toxic, having no or extremely rare side effects, no known drug interactions + is compatible with subsequent allopathic (conventional) drug use. Many people have benefited from injectable biological natural medicine therapy. It helps shorten the duration + greatly reduce symptoms of acute conditions including, but not limited to, upper respiratory infection + influenza-type illnesses, as well as manage pain + chronic illness, oftentimes where allopathic medications have not offered relief. Biological natural medicine formulas for injection are very different from the individual natural remedies found in the green, yellow, blue + purple canisters at your local health store or practitioner’s office. The injectable natural medicine formulas are all different, but they all focus on drainage, detoxification, regeneration + oxygenation to promote healing from within.

Is it normal to taste the vitamins after getting a shot?

It can definitely happen, but not necessarily every time you get a shot. Some people will taste the nutrients on occasion, others never do. If it happens, it’s usually evident within minutes of getting a shot. It’s nothing to worry about … it’s just an indication of how quickly the shots get absorbed + transported throughout the entire body. Talk about fast absorption!

Is getting a shot full of nutrients better than getting nutrients from food?

Yes. The nutrients you receive in our injections bypass the digestive system for immediate absorption + utilization. They will stay in the body doing their good work for, on average, 5 days or so versus a few hours from food – that is if the nutrients from your food actually get absorbed.

Are there parabens or nasty preservatives in your shots?

Absolutely not. We use compounded sterile solutions where the only “preservative” used is a small percentage (0.9%) of Benzyl Alcohol. Some solutions may also contain NaOH (sodium hydroxide) to adjust the pH for a more comfortable injection experience. We avoid commercially available (pre-made, manufactured) B12 + injectable solutions because they are commonly made using more parabens than nutrients to promote a longer shelf life + allow them to be shelf-stored rather than needing to be refrigerated. In most commercially available forms of B12 we have found, there is commonly three times more parabens than there is B12 in solution, yielding an injection of toxic preservatives with a “side” of B12. If you receive a shot from any other provider, please be sure they are completely free of parabens + toxic preservatives. Paraben-containing B12 solution is cheaper + it’s possible, unfortunately, that a doctor will put money before your safety. (sigh)

Are there antibiotics in the shots like there are in vaccinations?

Absolutely not. Our substances are all sterile + do not need to be compounded with antibiotics like what occurs with certain vaccination types.

Are B12 shots organic?

The sterile solutions are compounded in a lab by accredited pharmacies. The ingredients of the injectable solutions are not from a farmed source, therefore they cannot be labeled “organic.” Organic usually denotes pesticide-free or the reduced exposure of pesticides on crops. The solutions are free of pesticides, parabens + harsh chemicals.

Is your B12 vegan?

Yes. Our B12 is derived from natural cultures that are not animal sourced.

Why do you prefer Methylcobalamin rather than other forms of B12?

Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of B12 for therapeutic results + we are all about results! Since an estimated 60% of the population has a MTHFR deficiency (or SNP), we primarily use methylcobalamin, the stable and most bioavailable form of vitamin B12 that can easily be taken up by the cells and used. It does not contain a cyanide molecule like cyanocobalamin (the widely used, low cost form of B12).

What does Methylcobalamin do?

Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that affects brain function directly, helps increase energy, revs metabolism, enhances mood, boosts the immune system, provides mental clarity, promotes deeper sleep + improves stamina. Vitamin B12 is responsible for helping your body produce red blood cells (RBCs) + keep the nervous system functioning properly. It has been used to treat conditions including bursitis, hepatitis, Bell’s palsy, vitiligo, herpes zoster, hyperhomocysteinemia, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, depression, dementia, chronic fatigue, neurodermatitis, diabetic neuropathy, hyperthyroidism, asthma, infertility, tobacco amblyopia + cyanide poisoning.

Who can benefit from getting a B12 shot?

Everyone can certainly benefit from receiving a B12 shot. People who are most at risk of being B12 insufficient or deficient are vegans, vegetarians – or those who do not eat much red meat — older adults, individuals with atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, those who have had gastrointestinal surgery + people who take certain medications including, but not limited to, birth control pills, H2 receptor antagonists (such as Tagamet®, Pepcid® + Zantac®), PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prilosec® or Prevacid®), Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®) + Metformin.

Meet Your Care Team

Dr. Joseph Scarpuzzi, ND

Meet Joseph Scarpuzzi, ND

You will find Dr. Scarpuzzi at the Cardiff and Carlsbad locations. He provides natural therapies for men and women looking for hormone treatments, gut health, natural aesthetic procedures, and nutritional therapies. He’s dedicated to finding the root cause and helping his patients achieve optimal health.

Dr.Ridao Headshot Circle

Meet Jordan Ridao, ND

You will find Dr. Ridao at the Mission Valley and Little Italy locations. Her experience is varied ranging from treating patients with cardiovascular disease, recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, hormone imbalance, weight loss, and musculoskeletal pain, among other primary care conditions. 

REFERENCES

Vitamin B12 Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1998.

Food and Nutrition Board, authors; National Research Council, editor. Dietary reference intakes for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline.National Academy Press; Washington, DC, USA: 1998. Institute of Medicine, Vitamin B12; pp. 306–356. [PubMed]

Gaby MD, Alan. Vitamin B12: which routes of administration and which forms are best? The Townsend Letter Group, May 22, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Vitamin+B12%3a+which+routes+of+administration+and+which+forms+are+best%3f-a0412799837