Vaping is everywhere—from e-cigarettes at the convenience store to the more complex vaporizers sold in specialty shops. Is the next stop natural products stores?

According to George Michalopoulos, CEO and founder of VitaminVape, the answer is yes. VitaminVape, a new product launched in November, is a disposable vitamin B12 vaporizer, sold primarily on the company’s website but also popping up in yoga studios, gyms and other outlets nationwide. Each VitaminVape contains 14 servings of 8,000 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B12. “It’s comparable in terms of efficiency and absorption of injections, but much more convenient, cheaper and less painful,” Michalopoulos added.

Why B12?

Right now, the company only offers a B12 vaporizer and doesn't have plans to launch additional nutrient offerings. “The science doesn’t support it,” Michalopoulos said. That’s because, while vitamin B12 isn’t sensitive to the heat associated with vaping, other nutrients are. Plus, since the body only needs a small amount of B12 each day, it’s possible to inhale that amount in 10 to 20 puffs--that’s not true for other vitamins, like vitamins A and C, which would take thousands of puffs. “There’s science going back years and years about the inhalation of B12, that it’s non toxic and does not have an adverse affect on the lungs,” Michalopoulos added. “There isn’t that kind of science on other vitamins.”

Why vape?

“If your goal is to have a healthy amount of vitamin B12 in your blood, then pills are good enough for almost everyone,” Michalopoulos said. “But a lot of people, especially the market interested in injections, are looking to go beyond that amount and want that energy buzz, sense of wellness and focus. That’s what comes from vaping.”

According to the company, several studies over the past 60 years show that the body can absorb inhaled B12. One such study showed that inhaling a B12 aerosol spray restored subjects’ normal levels; yet another showed that inhalation was especially useful for treating pernicious anemia, a serious condition that can result from a deficiency of B12. Injection enthusiasts will be interested to know that another study found that inhaling vitamin B12 can just just as effective as taking a needle.

“Obviously, I am biased, but I think this is definitely a new frontier, though it’s not entirely new, because there is a rich history of inhaling in the pharmaceutical field,” Michalopoulos said. “It will take more research and development, and more companies coming into the space, to explore what’s safe and what’s effective. But I think the potential is limitless."