I was skeptical when Dr. Hoffman, our resident cosmetic enhancement physician, suggested I get an injection of Vitamin B12 this morning. Maybe this is because my New Chapter and Blue Bonnet Vitamins seem to make little difference in my life, other than turning my urine a strange color. Or because, though I spend hundred of dollars per year on supplements, deep down I am secretly old school in my thinking that vitamins and minerals are probably best ingested and absorbed from their plant-based sources, namely: food. Would an injectable of B12 really hold up to its claims? I perused her literature: 

Benefits of  Vitamin B12 Injections

Increased Energy. By taking Vitamin B12 as an injection, the vitamin will be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. (As an oral supplement, it takes many hours to be absorbed by the gut and loses its potent energy value along the way).

Increased Metabolism. Vitamin B12 can increase metabolism, 

which can help with weight loss.

Improved Mood.  Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system to work properly. When this system is not functioning properly depression can occur.

I had to admit, I'd been dragging lately, falling into the bad habit of a second cup of coffee in the afternoons to get me through the last hours of work, the car pools, the after school activities. And at $30 a shot-- a dose that is supposed to last for two weeks-- I really had little to lose. 

And so, a swipe of rubbing alcohol, a prick of a 25 gauge needle, and a fun-filled moment as the red liquid disappeared into my deltoid, and... I felt nothing. 

Dr Hoffman chuckled. "Let me know how you feel tomorrow," she said. "At the earliest you might feel a little more energized by tonight." 

Sometime in the early evening, as I flitted back and forth past the television to pack my daughter's bag for dance- ballet and jazz shoes, bottle of water, bootie socks-- my daughter called out, "Mom, are you dancing?"    

"Dancing? No, I'm just walking." But she noticed. And then I did. For the first time in a long time I wasn't dragging. I was bopping. With that little extra pep in my step. 

Well, I'll be. 

I'ts a small subtle difference, kind of like the difference between a crappy sleep and a good one, between a week of eating greens and sprouted grains versus too much red wine and chocolate, between exercising and sweating versus sitting like a couch potato. But I am liking very much this little extra kick of well being!

I'm definitely getting my second shot in two weeks, and thereafter, especially since Dr. Hoffman has a special: two shots per month for only $50. 

Better to invest the money in myself than Starbucks.