At Medical Weight Loss of New York, we offer both lipotropic and vitamin B-12 injections. We often get asked what is the difference? Here are some answers.
Lipotropic Injections
Lipotropic injections are an adjunct to a weight loss plan and are used to target the body’s fat stores. Over the past 20 years, lipotropics have become a staple in the weight loss industry. They have 3 key ingredients that work to promote the body’s innate pathway of fat reduction. These include methionine (an essential amino acid involved in metabolism), inositol (a sugar alcohol involved in fat removal), and choline (an amine involved in the metabolism of fat). Together MIC (as the combination is called) promotes weight loss by increasing metabolism, building muscle, and facilitating fat removal.
Our lipotropics are conjugated to vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. These important B vitamins increase energy and boost immune function.
Lipotropic injections are meant to be administered once or twice weekly. On average, one can expect ½ -1 pound of fat loss weekly or more. The risks are minimal and can include bruising at the injection site, or rarely, infection. Both can be prevented by using the appropriate technique and cleaning the area thoroughly before injecting.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells (RBCs) and aiding in neurological function. B-12 has been found to help in many medical conditions including:
- Improving memory in dementia
- Increasing energy in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Improving mood in depression
- Promoting optimal immune function overall
B-12 also helps promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin B-12 is found in meat, eggs, dairy and fish. Those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are particularly prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency, as are those with a condition known as Pernicious anemia which affects B-12 absorption in the gut.
Vitamin B-12 injections are usually given once to twice per month. Although B-12 improves energy and immune function, it has not been shown to promote weight loss directly.
Which Should I Choose?
If you are interested in weight loss, the lipotropics injections are the best option. As mentioned above, the MIC component of the lipotropics is specifically compounded to promote fat loss. Fortunately, our current lipotropics have some B-12 in them as well, further supporting energy and immune function.
If you are struggling with chronic colds or other illnesses, are experiencing severe fatigue or depression, or if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, vitamin B-12 is for you. This time of the year, I see a fair amount of CFS, and I find myself giving more B-12 than normal.
