Quick Answer: How Much B12 Is Needed?

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.

How much B12 do vegans need?

All vegans should take 250 mcg per day of a B12 supplement. All lacto-ovo vegetarians should consider taking 250 mcg per day of a B12 supplement a few times per week.

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.

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12?

In one 8-week study in 100 older adults, supplementing with 500 mcg of vitamin B12 were found to normalize B12 levels in 90% of participants. Higher doses of up to 1,000 mcg (1 mg) may be necessary for some ( 10 ).

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 do vegans get B12?

The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements, such as our very own VEG 1. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.

How can I get B12 naturally?

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.

Should Vegans take B12 or B complex?

Vegetarians should monitor their vitamin B12 intake carefully and consider taking supplements if their needs aren’t met through diet alone. Summary: Vegetarians and vegans are at a greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, so make sure you consume fortified foods or B12 supplements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does B12 give you energy?

Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in your body. Taking a supplement may improve your energy level, but only if you‘re deficient in this vitamin.

How much B12 should I take 1000 mcg?

The recommended dose for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is 1000 mcg daily. The recommended dose for preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is 1500 mg or 2500 mcg (sublingual tablets) daily. The dose for treating hyperhomocysteinemia is 400 mg daily in combination with folic acid.