B12 Lipotropics Side Effects

Both Vitamin B12 and various lipotropic compounds are gaining increasing popularity as weight loss aids. Often, they are administered together as part of the same overall weight loss injection programs, but their effectiveness has not been proven, and there are several side effects to consider.

B12

• B12 is one of eight B vitamins and occurs naturally in animal foods like meat and dairy products. It is also often added to fortified foods. Vitamin B12 helps the body's cells produce energy and synthesize fatty acids and is involved generally in metabolism. Anemia, for example, is often associated with low levels of B12.

Lipotropics

• Lipotropics are biochemical compounds that help break down fat in the body. Choline is the most important one in mammals; other lipotropics mainly contribute to the production of choline. Choline is very similar to B vitamins; it helps export fat from the liver and helps burn that exported fat.

B12 and Lipotropic Supplements

• Both B12 and lipotropics are purported by users, and the weight loss clinics that sell these supplements, to help speed up metabolic processes. This can increase weight loss and lead to a greater overall feeling of energy, say supporters. Because B12 and lipotropics are so biochemically similar, they are often used together, in injection form, because each is thought to amplify the other's effects.

B12 Lipotropics and Weight Loss

• Some studies have shown a greater rate of weight loss in people who used B12 supplements, among many others. However, no conclusion can be drawn from this, as people who take supplements often generally have made other nutritional and lifestyle changes that would contribute to their success.

B12 Lipotropics Side Effects

• The injections themselves can cause diarrhea and itching and temporary pain at the injection site. Choline usage has also been reported to cause depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress.