How long should one take vitamin B12?

However, B12 supplements have been found to improve energy levels in those who are deficient in this nutrient ( 17 ). One review recommended that those with vitamin B12 deficiency take 1 mg of vitamin B12 daily for a month, followed by a maintenance dose of 125–250 mcg per day ( 18 ).

Can I take vitamin B12 for long time?

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.

Do you have to take B12 for life?

Vitamin B12 is essential for life. It is needed to make new cells in the body, such as the many new red blood cells which are made every day. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs and milk - but not in fruit or vegetables. A normal balanced diet contains enough vitamin B12.

How often do you need B12?

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.

Can I take B12 once a week?

This may be the most economical method as a single high potency tablet can be consumed bit by bit. 2000 micrograms of B12 consumed once a week would also provide an adequate intake. Any B12 supplement tablet should be chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth to enhance absorption.

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

How long do B12 supplements take 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.

Can I take vitamin B12 every other day?

B12 may be injected into a muscle or under the skin at 100 mcg daily for a week, every other day for another week, and then every three or four days for a month.

What does low B12 feel like?

Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

What happens if your B12 is too high?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.

What happens when vitamin B12 is very high?

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.

Can vitamin B12 cause heart problems?

Macrocytosis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is also associated with fatal and non-fatal coronary disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other circulatory health problems.

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.

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 ...

What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells.

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.

Should I stop taking vitamin B complex?

Since B vitamins are water-soluble, it's unlikely that you will consume too much of these nutrients through food or by taking a B-complex supplement as directed. However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B vitamins could lead to serious side effects.

Can too much B12 make your hair fall out?

A minimum daily dose of each vitamin is necessary to maintain good health. Significantly exceeding this dose, however, can cause illness. In general, the symptoms of vitamin toxicity include nausea, gastrointestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea, hair loss, rashes, and nerve damage.

Should you take B vitamins every day?

The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults get 400 micrograms (mcg) daily, while breast-feeding mothers need 500 mcg a day, and pregnant teens and women should get 600 mcg a day.

Should B12 be taken daily or weekly?

B12 for improved energy

One review recommended that those with vitamin B12 deficiency take 1 mg of vitamin B12 daily for a month, followed by a maintenance dose of 125–250 mcg per day ( 18 ).

How much B12 should an older 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.

What are the benefits of B12 pills?

Is B12 good for arteries?

Conclusions: Vitamin B-12 supplementation improved arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 levels, proposing a novel strategy for atherosclerosis prevention.