I recently had to have a course of B-12 injections (my digestive system was not properly absorbing other forms). While I felt a significant improvement in mood, energy and memory, I was very concerned to discover that the B-12 shot came with a little something extra: aluminum! I'm wondering if the benefits outweigh the potential risks - why is aluminum placed in the injection? (Are there metal free versions out there?)
Aluminum salts have been used in vaccines for over 80 years now. They are thought to increase the body's immune response to the vaccines although it is not clear to researchers how this works. However, there is no evidence that it is harmful and the only side effect seems to be increased reddness. The odd thing is that there is usually some sort of metal in any vaccine/shot. If not aluminum salts, there's thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative). The CDC says, btw, that there is no proof that thimerosal causes any harm. However, some studies show a link between thimerosal, aluminum, and a host of other preservatives added to vaccines to autism in children. No news on how it affects adults, but research is being done with respect to Alzheimer's disease. Speak to your doctor to find out he/she has 'metal free' versions of vaccines and about your concerns. Such vaccines are available but are usually very costly to obtain manufacture so doctors usually don't order them as a result.
