Truth about Tara's vitamin injections

Why injection rather than pills?

Vitamins are usually digested and absorbed into your blood stream. Vitamins injected directly into the blood bypass the digestive system, so you experience a sudden rush.

What vitamins can be injected?

In theory, any vitamin, though usually you can get all you need from your diet or pills. Vitamin B12 is popular. It is poorly absorbed by the body and if you're anaemic or a vegan, you may see immediate benefits.

Vitamin B12 helps release energy in the food we eat, but the recommended daily allowance is only one microgram, so there isn't much logic in having it intravenously.

If you are lacking in B12 a jab will give you an energy rush, but it passes through the body in six hours. People over 50 need larger amounts because ability to absorb B12 falls with age. However, if you eat a B12 source every day, such as meat, fish or dairy, or take a quality supplement, you should maintain adequate levels.

Why injection rather than pills?

Vitamins are usually digested and absorbed into your blood stream. Vitamins injected directly into the blood bypass the digestive system, so you experience a sudden rush.

What vitamins can be injected?

In theory, any vitamin, though usually you can get all you need from your diet or pills. Vitamin B12 is popular. It is poorly absorbed by the body and if you're anaemic or a vegan, you may see immediate benefits.

Vitamin B12 helps release energy in the food we eat, but the recommended daily allowance is only one microgram, so there isn't much logic in having it intravenously.

If you are lacking in B12 a jab will give you an energy rush, but it passes through the body in six hours. People over 50 need larger amounts because ability to absorb B12 falls with age. However, if you eat a B12 source every day, such as meat, fish or dairy, or take a quality supplement, you should maintain adequate levels.

Who would use them?

Some people have vitamin injections in hospital - when my father was ill with cancer the GP gave him B12 shots as he said they made people "feel better and live longer".

Also, drug-withdrawal programmes use injections.

HIV sufferers sometimes have vitamin C jabs.

Geri Halliwell claimed vitamin injections made her desperate for sex. Some claim jabs rid them of cellulite when

injected into the thigh, or help diminish wrinkles.

Could this be the injections alone?

Anyone who receives the optimum dose of vitamins through supplements or diet will feel healthier and better about themselves, which may increase libido.

Is it possible to become addicted?

There could be a psychological addiction, but no physical need.

The British Nutrition Foundation has claimed the practice could cause organ damage, nose bleeds and cramp.

Any vitamin taken in excessive amounts could cause problems. There were claims that very high doses of vitamin C caused kidney stones, but this has been disproved.

Are the jabs legal?

Yes, but not all doctors or specialists approve.

Where do I get injections?

The Third Space Medicine, Sherwood Street, W1 (020 7439 6333) where injections of vitamin B12 and B6 cost Pounds 15 plus a consultation fee of Pounds 85. At the Integrated Medical Centre, New Cavendish Street, W1 ( 020 7224 5111) from Pounds 65 plus an initial consultation fee of Pounds 145.

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