FAQ: How Much Vitamin B12 Needed Per Day?

How much B-12 should you take a day?

The typical general supplemental dose of vitamin B12 is 1-25 mcg per day: The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin B12 are: 1.8 mcg; older children and adults, 2.4 mcg; pregnant women, 2.6 mcg; and breast-feeding women, 2.8 mcg.

What is Vitamin B12 1000 mcg used for?

Vitamin B12 is taken by mouth to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which vitamin B12 levels in the blood are too low. Vitamin B12 is also taken by mouth for memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, to slow aging, and to boost mood, energy, concentration, mental function, and the immune system.

Can you take too much vitamin B12?

Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population.

Which form of vitamin B12 is best?

The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate. Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results.

How do I know if Im getting enough B12?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

1. Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.
2. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
3. Pale skin.
4. A smooth tongue.
5. Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas.
6. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking.
7. Vision loss.

How long does it take for B12 supplements to work?

A response usually is seen within 48 to 72 hours, with brisk production of new red blood cells. Once B12 reserves reach normal levels, injections of vitamin B12 will be needed every one to three months to prevent symptoms from returning.

What should you not take with B12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers

How much B12 should a woman have daily?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) a day. (Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more.) Some nutrition experts question if this amount is enough, especially among the elderly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B-12 at 6 micrograms.

Does B12 help you lose weight?

If you want to lose excess weight, vitamin B12 has been linked to weight loss and energy enhancing. Vitamin B12 plays a major role in the body’s essential functions, including DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 also helps the body convert fats and proteins into energy.

Can Vitamin B12 damage your liver?

Some studies have indicated that elevated serum levels of vitamin B₁₂ might be a sign of a serious and life-threatening disease. Such falsely high valued of serum vitamin B₁₂ levels are observed in myeloproliferative disease, acute hepatitis, severe alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis.

Can B12 cause anxiety?

B12 Causes Psychiatric Symptoms: B12 deficiency can cause almost any psychiatric symptom, from anxiety, and panic to depression and hallucinations. This is because B12 deficiencies trigger symptoms in the nervous system and red blood cells.

When is the best time to take vitamin B12?

Because of its energy-boosting abilities, the best time of day to take a B vitamin is after waking up. Also, recent research indicates that vitamin B-6 may potentially interfere with sleep and induce vivid dreams. To avoid this adverse effect, people may wish to take them earlier in the day.

What is the best way to take vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is also available in sublingual forms (which are dissolved under the tongue). There is no evidence that sublingual forms are better absorbed than pills that are swallowed. A prescription form of vitamin B12 can be administered as a shot. This is usually used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency.

What is the best way to absorb B12?

We already know from Harvard that B12 absorption can be increased by taking folate (another B vitamin, this one found in higher amounts in chickpeas, liver, pinto beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, and avocado, among others).

What is the fastest way to increase B12?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:

1. Beef, liver, and chicken.
2. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
3. Fortified breakfast cereal.
4. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
5. Eggs.