The B12 shot has been gaining popularity around Ahwatukee Foothills and has been defined as an alternative to anyone who has trouble sticking to diets or has difficulty finding time to work out because of busy schedules.
"(The B12 shot) is a combo of vitamin B12 and folic acid," said Dr. Elizabeth Nikolic of The Derma Health Institute of Ahwatukee. "It awakens you with the vitamins. It can be for weight loss, for energy, depression and stress."
The Derma Health Institute of Ahwatukee, 1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 105, offers various face, body, and health and witness treatments, including the B12 shot, which has been all the rage among those who want to obtain energy through a simple procedure. The shot is for men and women of any age.
Symptoms such as a faulty liver can lead to excessive weight gain, Nikolic explained, adding that the "Turbo Trim B12 Injections" contain amino acids called lipotropic compounds that are the key to a healthy liver. However, the amount of weight one can lose depends on the person, she added.
Ahwatukee Foothills resident Lea Golbranson received her first B12 shot about three years ago.
"I felt sluggish and I heard that the (B12 shot) was good for metabolism and I had trouble sleeping," Golbranson said, adding that she gets a shot once a week. "It gives me more energy and I sleep better. The (Derma Health Institute) clinic is convenient because it is close to home and beneficial (to my health)."
Despite the bad economy, Nikolic noted that many people still come to the clinic in order to get the shot.
"(Clients) feel stressed out, tired, and they come in for an energy boost to feel better," she said. "People work (it) out and they want to feel good during the bad economy."
Nikolic said the shot costs $20 and clients can receive one either weekly or bi-weekly.
"We suggest (that you get the shot) weekly," she added. "(You'll be) in and out in five minutes."
According to Nikolic, it is better to inject Vitamin B12 into one's bloodstream rather than taking over-the-counter pills.
"When you (use) over-the-counter pills, you digest it and don't get to absorb all of the vitamins," she explained. "Injection is straight to the muscle blood stream (so you get) the full benefits."
According to Nikolic, clients come in and out of the clinic often in order to get the shot.
"You don't get any bad side effects," Golbranson said, "only good side effects."
Interested clients can visit the clinic's website to join the Derma Health Institute and get a free Vitamin B12 Shot Gift Certificate.
For more information, visit www.dermahealthinstitute.com or call (480) 460-1505.
Ahwatukee Foothills resident Anna Carlos is a senior at Xavier College Preparatory and plans to attend the University of Arizona next year. She is interning this semester at the Ahwatukee Foothills News.
