MIC Injections

Marketed as the “Skinny Shot”, the MIC Injection can be used for so much more.

By Dr. Cynthia Hall ND CA

8 MINUTE READ

The basics of the MIC Injection

MIC Injections are a formulated intramuscular consisting of Methionine, Inositol and Choline. Many times, these shots include Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), creating the “MICC” injection. The injection is normally administered into the deltoid or glute muscle.

Due to the involvement of these nutrients in lipid metabolism and general metabolic processes, this combination has become mainstream for assisting other weight loss efforts. For weight loss, common practice is to have 2-3 sessions weekly for a month, tapering down to weekly for another month. Now, without adequate and sustainable changes to diet, exercise, sleep, stress and appropriate hormone balancing, sustainable weight loss will be significantly more challenging.

I don’t want to discuss the MIC Injection as a weight loss tool. I want to discuss the MIC Injection as a tool to replenish key nutrients that are commonly depleted in cases of hormonal imbalances, like PCOS. This means a reduced frequency of injections when compared to a weight loss protocol.  

The first ingredient, Methionine:

Methionine is an essential amino acid, and the precursor to a handful of important molecules. It plays a role in regulating metabolic processes, supporting the immune system, and activating antioxidant enzymes. Adequate levels of methionine are needed to combat oxidative stress and decrease DNA damage. Long term oxidative stress and DNA damage contribute to increased inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

When I say Oxidative Stress, what do I mean?

During normal biological processes, some byproducts are called Reactive Oxygen Species. These molecules contribute to increased inflammation, damage to DNA, damage to proteins and damage to cellular membranes. Over time, reactive oxygen species can continue to accumulate, and indirectly contribute to the onset and progression of disease (ie. cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.).

Our body’s naturally have ‘clean-up crews’ that help to convert the byproducts into benign products that don’t have negative impacts. It is these clean-up crews that require methionine, inositol, choline and B12.

When Methionine is deficient and Homocysteine is elevated:

In cases of Methionine deficiencies, we start to see an elevation of a molecule called: homocysteine. Over time, elevated homocysteine impacts cognitive health and contributes to more oxidative stress.  

Specific to reproductive health, high levels of homocysteine are associated with poorer fertility outcomes. Studies on assisted reproductive technologies (ex. IVF) found that lower homocysteine levels were correlated with a better chance at clinical pregnancy.

For overall hormone balancing, low methionine levels have been found in cases of PCOS, and improving methionine supports thyroid functioning. I commonly see imbalances in reproductive hormones paired with imbalances with thyroid functioning.

Now, improving methionine is not the be-all-end-all of improving homocysteine levels. And homocysteine levels aren’t the be-all-end-all of improving pregnancy outcomes. Another study found no relationship between homocysteine and IVF pregnancy outcomes. Ultimately, it is complex and there is no simple solution. Optimal methionine levels rely on adequate levels of folate, choline and B12.

The goal of the MIC injection is to help build a strong foundation of nutrients that can ultimately be supported by food.

The second ingredient, Inositol:

Inositol is a molecule that is seldom discussed, yet pops up in multiple metabolic pathways and throughout the menstrual cycle. Production of various enzymes and molecules that contain inositol (namely, phophatidyl-inositol-3 kinase and inositol triphosphate) are very important in successful ovulation. Inositol affects insulin. And insulin impacts the maturation of an ovarian follicle during the first half of a cycle. In cases of high insulin, myo-inositol (a form of inositol) reduces insulin to improve ovarian maturation and support ovulation.

A study done on IVF patients correlated higher quality embryos with higher myo-inositol levels. Other studies showed inositol’s effectiveness at restoring menstrual cycles and improving overall pregnancy rates. And even more studies found inositol levels reduce gestational diabetes risk.

No, inositol is not the miracle supplement for all things pregnancy-related. But, it is valuable in numerous important aspects of fertility and a healthy pregnancy.

The third ingredient, Choline:

Choline is an interesting one. It wasn’t until 2017-2018 that choline was recognized as an important nutrient for pregnancy, lactation and children’s brain development. Choline is important for cell membrane integrity, nervous system functioning, liver metabolism and antioxidant formation. Within pregnancy, choline is important for placental function, fetal neurodevelopment and epigenetic programming (to improve children’s stress reactivity and reduce chronic disease risk). With respect to metabolism, choline and inositol assist the liver to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.  

Now, why is choline used for weight loss. Well, choline increases fat metabolism for energy and can be used to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and blood. Fat metabolism also has been linked to increasing satiety – theoretically contributing to reduction in calorie intake.

Are you constantly tired?

Choline deficiencies are also linked to fatigue. Supporting and correcting fatigue can be more complex at times, but commonly nutrient deficiencies play an important role. Because of choline’s connection with methionine and folate metabolism, addressing all possible vitamin deficiencies is important for sustainable impact.

The extra ingredient, Cyanocobalamin (B12)

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is the cool aunt who supports many metabolic pathways. This is why I like to include it in my MIC Injections. Cases of B12 deficiencies are linked to vegetarianism and veganism because B12 is most commonly found in animal products. If you don’t consume animal products, there is value in having your B12 levels checked to ensure they are properly supported and you feel your best.

B12 deficiencies can show up as fatigue (not overly helpful, I know), numbness and tingling, poor concentration and feelings of light-headedness. Deficiencies are not just from avoiding animal products, as I have seen many patients with B12 deficiencies that consume animal products on a regular basis. B12 is also made by bacteria in our gut, so if we are experiencing gut issues, this can contribute to deficient B12 levels.

Because B12 plays a supportive role in multiple metabolic pathways, low B12 levels are found in cases of hyperglycemia, increased adiposity, increased cholesterol levels and increased insulin. All of these are commonly seen in cases of PCOS.  

Adequate B12 helps to prevent the build-up of homocysteine (linking it back to methionine) and DNA expression. Long term elevated homocysteine levels is related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and decreased lean body mass.

Where do you begin?

Rebalancing hormones is not something that can be done overnight. When I first meet my patients, we discuss that a more realistic timeline is between 3-6 months. Part of that time is spent correcting any nutrient deficiencies to build a strong foundation. And, part of that time is spent supporting all hormone systems and related organs. The ultimate goal is to guide the body towards its own ability to regulate hormones and provide support only where needed.

How often should you get the MIC Injection?

I normally recommend MIC injections once a week to every other week for 6 weeks while we are rebalancing hormones. MIC Injections can be used for patients with or without PCOS. They are injected into the deltoid muscle or glute.

How to know if the MIC Injections are right for you?

MIC injections are indicated for many, but not for everyone.

For example, I do not recommend them for couples actively trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

I do give them to my fertility patients, but with the understanding that the couple is taking a break from active efforts to conceive while we are rebalancing hormones and building up a strong foundation.

I also recommend them for my perimenopause who have experienced long periods of high stress, high cholesterol and high lipids.

I have also used them as a one-off support and in a more maintenance dose.

Questions?

Call now, 603-249-5771, to chat more and see if MIC injections are right for you.  

Because MIC Injections are a supportive therapy, they are administered as part of a full treatment plan and should not be used alone for weight loss or hormone balancing. Please ensure you are working with a licensed health care professional during this treatment.

References:

PMID: 28929442, 31043227, 26658589, 33457340, 35131170, 12611557, 26806445, 16556671, 31876071, 29982321, 29905829, 19499845, 17952759, 34070701, 23327487, 31394787, 7751073, 25031675, 32610503, 23853483, 28819546