After a long winter in bulky clothing, your patients may feel intimidated by the summer season ahead. They may struggle to eliminate those extra seasonal pounds of unwanted weight. Fortunately, VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft can help with summer weight loss.
Weight management is easier with the addition of custom compounded medical management treatments. Healthy weight loss almost always needs to include lifestyle changes as well as a healthy diet and exercise, but some patients need extra assistance to meet their goals. Formulations of vitamins, amino acids, and certain medications can jumpstart metabolism, add energy, and target specific areas of the body.
The Importance of B Vitamins
While vitamin C or vitamin D are both touted as beneficial for immunity boosting, there is not as much buzz surrounding the B vitamins. These nutrients play several critical roles in the body’s functions; however, they are water-soluble and are not stored in the body – making daily administration an ideal method of replenishment.
The B vitamins perform the following functions, many of which can be valuable for losing weight and maintaining the loss. To review:
- B1 (thiamine) is essential for a healthy metabolism and converts nutrients into energy.
- B2 (riboflavin) helps convert food into energy and also acts as an antioxidant.
- B3 (niacin) assists with cellular signaling, metabolism, and DNA production and repair.
- B5 (pantothenic acid) helps the body obtain energy from food and is also involved in hormone and cholesterol production.
- B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in amino acid metabolism as well as red blood cell and neurotransmitter production.
- B7 (biotin) is essential for carb and fat metabolism.
- B9 (folate) is needed for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, and the formation and division of cells.
- B12 (cobalamin) is vital for neurological function, DNA production, and red blood cell production.
Many individuals, including those who are vegetarian or vegan, those who have certain digestive disorders, or others who take certain medications, may experience B vitamin deficiencies. B vitamin inadequacies may be identified symptologically or via bloodwork. Studies suggest that pregnant or nursing women may also have a need for B12 supplementation to support increased demands on their bodies. In fact, B12 or folate deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding may cause birth defects and/or neurological damage.
Are you a prescriber looking for compounded medical solutions?
Please complete our new account form.
Additionally, as people age, the ability to absorb B12 in the stomach gradually decreases and appetite declines. B12 deficiency in older adults is associated with increased rates of mood disturbance and depression, making supplementation crucial.
Lastly, B-vitamin supplementation, including through lipotropic injections, is strongly correlated with weight loss. Studies have found that B12 plays an important role in fat metabolism and B12 deficiency may lead to a significant increase in body fat percentage.
Lipotropic Injections for Weight Loss
Lipotropic injections are prescribed as supplements for weight loss, specifically to target areas of body fat. They are intended to accompany exercise and a caloric deficit. Lipotropic injections consist of a customized mixture of vitamins, nutrients, and other ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients include:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B complex
- Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
- L-carnitine
- Phentermine
- MIC (a combination of methionine, inositol, and choline)
These injections are administered intramuscularly in the clinic, usually weekly. Additionally, some clinicians may prescribe B12 injections up to two times per week for energy and fat metabolism. The specific patient education and associated risks should be explained depending on the mixture prescribed.
Methionine, Inositol, and Choline Injections with Vitamin B12
One popular lipotropic injection is known as MIC (compounded from methionine, inositol, and choline). All of these compounds are naturally occurring in the body. Methionine is an amino acid that may help prevent excess fat buildup in the body. Inositol is a sugar that is part of the B complex group, sometimes referred to as B8. Clinical studies suggest that inositol may benefit those with metabolic syndrome by lowering insulin resistance and abdominal fat. Choline is sometimes also classified as part of the B-vitamin group and helps transport fats through the bloodstream.
MIC shots are often combined with vitamin B12. These custom weight loss preparations may enhance fat burn, increase energy, and boost metabolism in patients when used with their prescribed nutritional weight loss plan and exercise regimen.
VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft
As a 503A pharmacy specializing in sterile and non-sterile compounding, we support you and your patients by creating safe, individualized, and effective pharmaceutical therapies. For men and women at any age, feeling healthy, confident, and comfortable is of the utmost importance. Your patients’ needs will change with each life stage. As such, they require an adaptive and personalized treatment plan. By working with a trusted compounding pharmacy like VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft, you are expanding the possibilities for successful and sustainable care.
Reach out to our team to learn more about best practices and to partner with our experts on custom compounded medications for your patients.
All medications from VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft are prepared in a lab that follows safety and quality standards per our status as a 503A pharmacy.
Read More…
- A deep dive into compounded formulas and injectables for health and weight loss
- Custom nutritional IV therapy for weight management
- A closer look at compounded weight management treatments