Is too much vitamin B12 a health hazard?
While a necessary vitamin, excessive amounts of B12 can sometimes cause a few unwanted side effects. Although not all of these side effects occur, they may need medical attention in the event that they do. Abdominal or stomach pain Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Bleeding from the nose or gums Bluish lips and fingernails Chest pains
Can you take too much vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, released in your urine if you’ve consumed too much. Because of this, it is generally well-tolerated and rarely reaches toxic levels due to diet. It is very hard to overdose on vitamin B12, but you can put a moderate strain on your kidney if excess consumption occurs too often.
What does it mean if your B12 is too high?
“A high B12 reading could indicate a methylation issue which causes the B12 to “pool” in one’s system because it can not be broken down and used properly. There is a low-cost blood test available that can detect this genetic defect. It is MTHFR.
What does a high vitamin B12 level indicate?
If your test shows excessive B12 levels – in the absence of supplementation – this may be a sign of liver disease or cell death (and the breakdown of tissues) that release the B12 back into your blood circulation. Therefore, hypercobalaminemia (high serum B12 levels) may be a warning sign of some serious underlying pathology:
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Should I worry about high B12 levels?
Vitamin B12 does not accumulate to toxic levels. Consuming large quantities does not cause side effects or high levels in your system, whether you get it through food or from taking high-dose supplements. High vitamin B12 in the bloodstream is associated with serious diseases.
What causes high vitamin B-12 levels without supplements?
High or supraphysiological serum B12 levels without supplementation have been associated with many pathological conditions including renal failure, haematological disorders, cancer, and hepatic or autoimmune diseases. All conditions may show elevated concentrations of B12 transport proteins.
What should I do if my B12 is high?
Eating large amounts of liver, clams, fortified breakfast cereals, trout, salmon or beef can elevate your vitamin B-12 levels. If you have high vitamin B-12 levels, you may decide to decrese your intake of these foods.
What can happen if your B12 level is too high?
B12 Side Effects Symptoms of high B12 might include narrowing of blood vessels, high blood pressure, dizziness, headache, cold symptoms, anxiety, itchy or burning skin with red discoloration, joint and muscle pain, edema, facial flushing, urine discoloration or gout flare-up.
Why is B12 high in blood?
Causes of High B12 Levels In Blood. If your test shows excessive B12 levels, in the absence of supplementation, this may be a sign of liver disease or cell death (and the breakdown of tissues) that release the vitamin back into your blood circulation.
Why is my B12 level so high?
Are your vitamin B12 levels too high? This may be because of an illness like liver disease, kidney failure, or cancer, releasing the B12 back into the blood. Early diagnosis is key, so if you show excess B12 levels, go and have the tests done.
What is the aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin?
The aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin predominantly encompasses severe disease entities for which early diagnosis is critical for prognosis. These entities are essentially comprised of solid neoplasms, haematological malignancies and liver and kidney diseases.
Where does B12 get flushed out?
Most of it gets flushed out in the urine; the rest is absorbed in the liver, kidneys and muscle tissues. When your test shows 1000pg/ml, only about 5mcg floats around in your blood. Have a good B12-rich steak and your serum level shoots up to more than 1500pg/ml for a short duration.
Is vitamin B12 absorbed in the liver?
If you’ve been supplementing, however, high levels are normal. Most of it gets flushed out in the urine; the rest is absorbed in the liver , kidneys and muscle tissues.
Is it normal to have high blood count when taking supplements?
If, however, you’re supplementing (and everything else is normal), then increased levels should not concern you. Your blood numbers are going to be high around the clock.
How much B12 is safe?
Though doses of up to 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 are considered safe, it’s best to speak to a doctor to find out whether taking a supplement is necessary.
How much B12 should I take daily?
For reference, the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg for both men and women, though pregnant and breastfeeding women have a higher need ( 11. Trusted Source. ).
What is the UL of B12?
UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population. This threshold has not been set for B12 because your body excretes whatever it doesn’t use through your urine. However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects.
What are the benefits of B12?
For example, studies show that supplemental B12 may benefit people without a deficiency in the following ways: 1 Improved mood: One study found that supplementing healthy men with a B-complex vitamin containing a high dose of B12 improved ratings of stress and enhanced performance on cognitive tests ( 3#N#Trusted Source#N#). 2 Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression: Treatment with a supplement containing a high dose of B12 for 60 days significantly improved depression and anxiety symptoms in adults when compared to a placebo ( 4#N#Trusted Source#N#).
Why is B12 important?
B12 is an important nutrient that is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and many other vital processes. Supplements may help boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression in those who are not deficient in this vitamin.
How long does B12 help with anxiety?
Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression: Treatment with a supplement containing a high dose of B12 for 60 days significantly improved depression and anxiety symptoms in adults when compared to a placebo ( 4. Trusted Source. ).
What to do if you are deficient in B12?
If you think you may be deficient in B12, speak with your doctor, who can recommend an appropriate treatment based on your level of deficiency. While no UL has been set for B12, your body’s ability to absorb the vitamin depends on how much it actually needs.
