What is the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 2.4 mcg/day ... Many experts believe the current RDA for vitamin B12 is too low. Data suggests daily intake between 6 and 10 mcg better ensures acceptable B12 concentrations in people with adequate vitamin ...
Does B12 actually make you more energetic?
Vitamin B-12 has a big role in stabilizing your energy levels. It actually helps give you more energy, rather than making you tired. If you do notice feeling a little fatigued, even though you’re...
Is to much vitamin B12 bad for You?
Possible B12 Side Effects
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Chest pains
- Coughing (sometimes with pinkish sputum)
- Decreased urine output
- Strained, noisy breathing, sometimes with a wheezing sound
- Swallowing problems
- Dilated neck veins
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 is considered a high B12 level?
High. An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status is anything over 900 pg/mL. This result may suggest liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or certain forms of leukemia.
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.
Is B12 level of 1500 too high?
There is no consensus on the definition of high or elevated B12. Previous studies have chosen a variety of levels to represent high or very high B12 (pmol/l) levels. Some examples include: 664.219; 5131; 700 (high) and 1500 (very high)11; and 601 (high) and 1000 (very high)10.
What cancers cause high B12?
In the Danish registry, a B12 > 800 pmol/L (1084 ng/L) was associated with the following cancer sites: pancreas, esophagus and stomach, colon and rectum, lungs, kidneys, urinary bladder, and strongly with liver [14].
How do you get rid of excess B12?
How to Get Rid of Excess Vitamin B12Reduce the amount of animal-derived foods that appear in your diet, as they contain vitamin B12. ... Drink more water to help flush your body of water-soluble elements in the blood, which includes vitamin B12.More items...
Should I be worried if my B12 is high?
Is taking high doses of B12 helpful or harmful? 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.
Can too much B12 cause neuropathy?
Thus, vitamin B12 may be associated with both sensory and motor peripheral nerve function. In older adults, the prevalence of poor peripheral nerve function and neuropathy is high and increases with age18–21.
What does a B12 of 1500 mean?
Understanding the Results But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
Why is my vitamin B12 over 2000?
The most common cause of high B12 in the blood is due to recent ingestion or injection of supplemental vitamin B12. We don't worry about overdosing on B12 supplements because excess can be excreted in your urine. It could also be possibly from your diet if high in animal products such as meat, eggs, and shellfish.
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.
Can you take multivitamins daily?
Most healthcare providers do not recommend exceeding the amount available in pre natal or daily multivitamins, unless the person has a condition that causes them to be vitamin B-12 deficient.
Can taking a medication impair your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12?
In addition, taking some medications may impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Examples of these medications include:
What percentage of the population has a vitamin B12 deficiency?
It is estimated that up to 15% of the general population has a vitamin B12 deficiency. [1] Factors that may cause vitamin B12 deficiency: Avoiding animal products. People who do not eat meat, fish, poultry, or dairy are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B12, since it is only found naturally in animal products.
What is the UL for vitamin B12?
UL: A Tolerable Upper Intake Level ( UL) is the maximum daily dose unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population. No upper limit has been set for vitamin B12, as there is no established toxic level. However, some evidence suggests that supplements of 25 mcg per day or higher may increase the risk of bone fractures. [2]
What causes a deficiency of B12?
Intestinal surgeries or digestive disorders that cause malabsorption. Surgeries that affect the stomach where intrinsic factor is made, or the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) where vitamin B12 is absorbed, can increase the risk of a deficiency. Certain diseases including Crohn’s and celiac disease that negatively impact the digestive tract also increase the risk of deficiency.
Why is B12 deficiency so common?
Inadequate stomach acid or medications that cause decreased stomach acid. A much more common cause of B12 deficiency, especially in older people, is a lack of stomach acid, because stomach acid is needed to liberate vitamin B12 from food.
What is the role of B12 in the body?
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the foods we eat. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so ...
What vitamins are associated with hip fractures?
Meyer HE, Willett WC, Fung TT, Holvik K, Feskanich D. Association of High Intakes of Vitamins B6 and B12 From Food and Supplements With Risk of Hip Fracture Among Postmenopausal Women in the Nurses’ Health Study. JAMA network open. 2019 May 3;2 (5):e193591-.
Where is B12 absorbed?
From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Supplements and fortified foods contain B12 in its free form, so they may be more easily absorbed. There is a variety of vitamin B12 supplements available.
How much vitamin B12 should I take?
For people over 14, the RDI for vitamin B12 is 2.4 m cg ( 1 ).
What age group is most susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Adults over age 50. Older people are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. While relatively few younger adults are deficient in B12, up to 62% of adults over the age of 65 have less than optimal blood levels of this nutrient ( 8. Trusted Source.
How much B12 should vegans take?
However, one study suggests that doses up to 6 mcg of vitamin B12 per day may be appropriate for vegans ( 16 ).
How many vegetarians have low B12 levels?
In a review of 40 studies on vitamin B12 in vegetarians, up to 86.5% of vegetarian adults — including older adults — were found to have low levels of vitamin B12 ( 15 ).
How much B12 does the body absorb?
Note that the percent of vitamin B12 your body can absorb from supplements is not very high — it’s estimated that your body only absorbs 10 mcg of a 500-mcg B12 supplement ( 7 ).
What happens if you don't take enough B12?
Over time, B12 deficiency can lead to complications like anemia, nerve damage, and fatigue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by not getting enough of this vitamin through your diet, problems with absorbing it, or taking a medication that interferes with its absorption ( 4. Trusted Source.
What is the recommended daily intake of B12 during pregnancy?
Therefore, the RDI for vitamin B12 during pregnancy is 2.6 mcg. This level can be met through diet alone or with a prenatal vitamin ( 1 ).
What percentage of people have a B12 deficiency?
Your body needs vitamin B12 to thrive, but about 26 percent of the general popular is living with a vitamin B12 deficiency. A deficiency in vitamin B12 is hard to detect because it can cause common symptoms, like feeling tired, having trouble focusing, experiencing mood changes and dealing with muscle aches.
How often is B12 given?
The dosage is typically decided by a doctor, and the injections are given at a clinic or doctor’s office. Injections are usually given weekly or monthly.
What is the best vitamin for a newborn?
The recommended daily vitamin B12 dosage for infants, children and teens is as follows: Vitamin B12 is essential for many body functions in babies, children and teens, including proper growth and brain function.
Why is vitamin B12 important for children?
Vitamin B12 is essential for many body functions in babies, children and teens, including proper growth and brain function. A deficiency is associated with an increased risk of adverse child health outcomes, according to research published in Advances in Nutrition.
What is the percentage of people with pernicious anemia?
Pernicious anemia: This is a condition that affects about 1 percent to 2 percent of older adults. Because people with pernicious anemia cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract, they are usually treated with vitamin B12 injections.
Why do vegans need B12?
Because most vitamin B12 foods come from animals, people following a vegan or vegetarian diet should take a B12 supplement in order to avoid deficiency.
Why is B12 important?
It’s an essential vitamin for the production of red blood cells and DNA; is needed to maintain the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems; and promotes hormonal balance.
How much B12 is normal for a male?
Characteristics. Normal B12 Levels. Adult male and female. 200 pg/ml to 900 g/ml. 0-1 year (Male) 227 pg/ml to 1500 pg/ml. 0-1 year (Female)
What is B12 in the body?
What Is Vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Some amount of Vitamin B12 is synthesized by gut flora in the colon. However, the body is not able to absorb Vitamin B12 produced in the colon. Diet is the source of Vitamin B12. The primary area of Vitamin B12 absorption is the small intestine. The intrinsic factor helps in Vitamin B12 ...
What is the best vitamin for hair?
Vitamin B12 is helpful in various dermatological disorders. It keeps your skin, nails, and hair healthy.
What is the role of Vitamin B12 in the formation of red blood cells?
Red Blood Cell Formation. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of Red Blood cells. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to low-level and poor-quality RBCs. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 may cause megaloblastic anemia.
Why is B12 important for fetal development?
Normal B12 levels are essential for proper fetal growth. Vitamin B12 is required to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. It also avoids miscarriage and premature birth.
Why is B12 important?
The intrinsic factor helps in Vitamin B12 absorption. It is important to maintain normal B12 levels in the body. Vitamin B12 helps in various essential functions. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. It is the only vitamin with a metal, cobalt, in its center. The structure of Vitamin B12 is most complex among vitamins.
Is B12 a water soluble vitamin?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It rarely gets accumulated in the body. However, when accumulated, may lead to the following symptoms; Pruritus. Contact Dermatitis. Anaphylaxis. A special type of acne.
Overview
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.
Evidence
Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows:
Our take
Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet. However, older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods might benefit from the use of oral supplements.
Safety and side effects
When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.
Interactions
Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
What is the recommended daily allowance for B12?
An assumed absorption of 50 percent is included in the recommended intake. The RDA for adults is 2.4 μg/day of vitamin B12.
How much B12 is needed for a person?
The median intake of vitamin B12 from food in the United States was estimated to be approximately 5 μg/day for men and 3.5 μg/day for women.
What is the B12 reference?
Vitamin B12 - Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline - NCBI Bookshelf. Vitamin B12 (cobala min) functions as a coenzyme for a critical methyl transfer reaction that converts homocysteine to methionine and for a separate reaction that converts ...
How much B12 is absorbed by the body?
In particular, it is assumed that 50 percent of dietary B12is absorbed by healthy adults with normal gastric function. A smaller fractional absorption would apply, however, if a person consumed a large portion of foods rich in B12. Different levels of absorption are assumed under various conditions, as shown in Table 9-2. Crystalline B12appears in the diet only in foods that have been fortified with B12, such as breakfast cereals and liquid meal replacements.
What enzymes require B12?
B12is a cofactor for two enzymes: methionine synthase and l-methylmalonyl-CoAmutase. Methionine synthase requires methylcobalamin as a cofactor for the methyl transfer from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to form methionine and tetrahydrofolate. l-Methymalonyl-CoA mutase requires adenosylcobalamin to convert l-methymalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA in an isomerization reaction. In B12deficiency, folate may accumulate in the serum as a result of slowing of the B12-dependent methyltransferase. An adequate supply of B12is essential for normal blood formation and neurological function.
Is B12 a reliable indicator?
However, at this time, there is no reliable method to determine holoTCII.
Is B12 absorbed in the bile?
El Kholty et al. (1991)demonstrated that the secretion of B12into the bile averaged 1.0 ± 0.44 nmol/day (1.4 μg/day) in eight cholecystectomized patients, and this represented 55 percent of total corrinoids. If approximately 50 percent of this B12is assumed to be reabsorbed, the average loss of biliary B12in the stool would be 0.5 nmol/day (0.7 μg/day). Research with baboons (Green et al., 1982) suggests that the form of B12present in bile may be absorbed more readily than is cyanocobalamin, but the absorption of both forms was enhanced by intrinsic factor. Both Green and colleagues (1982)and Teo and coworkers (1980)reported data suggesting that bile enhances B12absorption. However, in the absence of intrinsic factor, essentially all the B12from the bile is excreted in the stool rather than recirculated. Thus, B12deficiency develops more rapidly in individuals who have no intrinsic factor or who malabsorb B12for other reasons than it does in those who become complete vegetarians and thus ingest no B12.
What are the functions of B vitamins?
Functions. All the B vitamins are important for producing energy and fighting infection and disease, but vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 also play a role in cognitive function . Vitamin B6 helps make neurotransmitters needed for brain development , and vitamin B12 keeps your nerve and blood cells healthy and aids in making DNA, among other functions.
What vitamins are needed to stay healthy?
Vitamins & Minerals. By Jan Sheehan Updated December 14, 2018. Sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are needed to stay well and feel your best, but it’s possible to get too much of these vitamins if you take supplements.
Is it safe to take B12?
Taking vitamin B12 is considered safe, although high-dose supplements or prescription-only injections of B12 might cause diarrhea, itching, blood clots and allergic reactions in some people. If you have a hereditary eye disease known as Leber’s disease, vitamin B12 could seriously harm the optic nerve, which might lead to blindness. People who are allergic to the element cobalt should also avoid taking vitamin B12 because it could cause an allergic reaction. Vitamin B12 is sometimes used to treat anemia, but this is a serious illness and the therapy should be supervised by a health care provider. Aside from these conditions and possible interactions with other supplements, taking vitamin B12 is safe. Even so, you should tell your doctor or other healthcare provider about any supplements you take.
Can vitamin B6 cause nerve damage?
High-dose vitamin B supplements should be avoided, because they can lead to nerve damage. Taking too much vitamin B6 can also cause sensitivity to the sun, painful and disfiguring skin lesions and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and heartburn. Taking vitamin B6 can also interfere with several types of medications.
Can B12 cause memory loss?
Low levels of vitamin B12, as well as vitamin B6 and other B vitamins, may be linked to depression, and vitamin B12 is sometimes taken to boost mood and help with memory loss. A deficiency of either B6 or B12 can cause anemia, so these vitamins may be taken to treat this condition.
Can B6 cause neuropathy?
High intakes of vitamin B6 from food is safe, but taking high doses of B6 supplements for a year or longer can cause severe and worsening neuropathy characterized by loss of control of bodily movements. Symptoms of neuropathy usually stop when the supplements are discontinued.
Can you take vitamin B12 if you are allergic to cobalt?
People who are allergic to the element cobalt should also avoid taking vitamin B12 because it could cause an allergic reaction. Vitamin B12 is sometimes used to treat anemia, but this is a serious illness and the therapy should be supervised by a health care provider.
Recommended Amounts
Vitamin B12 and Health
- Food Sources 1. Fish, shellfish 2. Liver 3. Red meat 4. Eggs 5. Poultry 6. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt 7. Fortified nutritional yeast 8. Fortified breakfast cereals 9. Enriched soyor rice milk
Signs of Deficiency and Toxicity
- Deficiency
Measuring vitamin B12 in the blood is actually not the best way to determine whether someone is deficient, as some people with a deficiency can show normal B12 blood levels. Blood levels of methylmalonic acid, a protein breakdown product, and homocysteine are better markers that ca… - Toxicity
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so any unused amount will exit the body through the urine. Generally, up to 1000 mcg a day of an oral tablet to treat a deficiency is considered safe. The Institute of Medicine states “no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 i…
Did You Know?
- A B vitamin complex supplement is often touted to boost energy levels and mood. People who have a B vitamin deficiency may feel a rise in energy levels after using the supplement because the vitami...
- People who eat a vegan diet are often told to include Brewer’s or nutritional yeast for its B12 content. However, yeast does not naturally contain this vitamin and will only be present if fort…
- A B vitamin complex supplement is often touted to boost energy levels and mood. People who have a B vitamin deficiency may feel a rise in energy levels after using the supplement because the vitami...
- People who eat a vegan diet are often told to include Brewer’s or nutritional yeast for its B12 content. However, yeast does not naturally contain this vitamin and will only be present if fortified...
- Nori (purple laver), the dried edible seaweed used to make sushi rolls, is sometimes promoted as a plant source of vitamin B12. It does contain small amounts of active vitamin B12, but the amount v...
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