Injection Therapy

Injection therapy is used to administer a variety of substances through intramuscular (IM) shots (ie. the injections are administered directly into a muscle, either in the upper arm or the hip). Injection therapy allows for better absorption and utilization of the nutrients by the body compared to oral supplementation alone. The most commonly prescribed nutrients for injection are: vitamin B12 and folic acid, in addition to injectable homeopathics.

Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid

Vitamin B12 and folic acid play an essential role in the production of red blood cells. Deficiencies of these two nutrients, as a result of poor dietary intake or poor absorption, can lead to either megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia. Therefore, it is important to ensure that B12 intake is sufficient to maintain a healthy supply of red blood cells. These in turn deliver oxygen to tissues throughout the body thus maintaining the body’s energy levels and promoting healthy cellular metabolism.  Vitamin B12 can be administered on its own or in combination with folic acid and other B vitamins (Metabolic Boost). The combination of vitamins, as well as the frequency of injections, will depend on both the condition being treated and the patient’s response to IM therapy.

Injectable Homeopathics

Injectable homeopathics contain plant and mineral substances in minute doses. Varying combinations of these substances can be used to treat a variety of conditions. These injectables can be administered alone as an IM injection or added to a vitamin-mineral IV for Intravenous Therapy. One of the most common uses for injectable homeopathics is to boost immunity during the cold and flu season. For example, a patient who is generally healthy would receive one Immune Boost IM shot in September and one shot in January, whereas a patient who is more susceptible to sickness would receive one shot per month.

For more information about injection therapy, please speak with your Naturopathic Doctor (ND) at your next appointment.