Are vitamin B12 tablets any good?

Research now shows that high doses of oral vitamin B12 (eg. 1000mcg daily) can be just as effective at treating deficiency, even in the absence of intrinsic factor, and may be a suitable alternative to intramuscular injections for many people.

Are B12 tablets worth taking?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that vitamin B12 supplements can boost energy in those with sufficient levels of this vitamin ( 18 ). On the other hand, if you're significantly deficient in vitamin B12, taking a supplement or increasing your intake will likely improve your energy level ( 19 ).

How long does it take for B12 tablets to work?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.

Are B12 tablets as good as injections?

For many people with low B12 levels, a daily supplement in the form of a pill is as effective as taking a monthly muscle injection. The choice of shot or pill depends on the reason for the deficiency.

What is the most effective form of vitamin B12?

The most common and cost-effective form of Vitamin B12, Cyanocobalamin is most often found in supplements and some fortified foods. Hydroxocobalamin is a highly bioavailable form of Vitamin B12 that is used to treat people with serious deficiencies.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Should you take Vitamin B12 to boost mood?

How do I know if I have low vitamin B12?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin. A smooth tongue.

How much B12 vitamin should you take daily?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient. Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of vitamin B12. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA is 2.4 mcg daily for people 18 years and older.

What is the fastest way to increase B12?

Can vitamin B12 be absorbed if taken orally?

The mechanism for this oral route is most probably that free vitamin B12 can be absorbed both passively (without binding to IF) as well as actively (following binding to IF) in the terminal ileum.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

What is the dosage for cyanocobalamin tablets? 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.

What causes B12 to be low?

Even though the vitamin is found in many foods, B12 insufficiency and deficiency are relatively common. This is often due to limited dietary intake, malabsorption, certain medical conditions, or the use of B12-depleting medications ( 2 , 3 , 4 ).

Does vitamin B12 cause weight gain?

Despite the numerous processes in which vitamin B12 is involved, there's little evidence to suggest that it has any influence on weight gain or loss.

Should I take B12 in the morning or at night?

Vitamin B12

As a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.

Can I take B12 without doctor?

Supplements are easily available over the counter either in combination with B-complex supplements or alone in the form of cyanocobalamin. However, it is not recommended to consume vitamin B12 supplements without consulting a doctor as they can interfere with some other medicines.

Can you take too much 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.

What is normal level of vitamin B12 in elderly?

A serum vitamin B₁₂ level between 200 pg/mL and 900 pg/mL is considered normal, but a threshold of 300 to 350 pg/mL is recognized as a marker for a desirable status in the elderly.

What cereals have the most B12?

Some of the list toppers for cereals with the most vitamin B12 are Kellogg's All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes, Kellogg's Special K Low Fat Granola, Kellogg's Special K, General Mills Whole Grain Total, General Mills Multi-Grain Cheerios, and Kashi Heart to Heart Oat Flakes.

What medications should not be taken 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 ...

Can vitamin B12 cause joint pain?

Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including depression, joint pain, and fatigue. Sometimes these effects can be debilitating to the point where you might think you're dying or seriously ill.

How much B12 should an elderly woman take?

Dosages for Older People

Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day. Not only does this mean consciously eating foods that contain vitamin B12 but it also means that you should ingest this vitamin as a supplement. By taking supplements, you will ensure that your body absorbs vitamin B12.

Is B12 deficiency serious?

If left untreated, the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency tend to worsen and irreversible problems involving the nerves and brain may develop. The risk of experiencing a number of serious complications, including heart failure, may also increase.

How much B12 does a woman need?

Who needs more B12? Most women get the recommended daily amount — 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for most adults, 2.6 mcg for pregnant women, and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding — in their diets.

How long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.

Is banana rich in B12?

"It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein." According to a 2011 article in the journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, banana peels also have "various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and others."