What is the best way to absorb vitamin B12?

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 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.

What is the most absorbable form of B12?

Methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.

What do you need to take with B12 to absorb?

Vitamin B12 is attached to protein molecules in food and can only be absorbed by the body after being split from the protein by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In order to absorb B12 in the terminal ileum, the stomach's parietal cells produce a glycoprotein referred to as Intrinsic Factor (IF).

Do probiotics help with B12 absorption?

Apart from the production of vitamin B12 by some probiotic bacteria, e.g., L. plantarum [69], probiotics may enhance vitamin B12 status by changing the gut microbiome composition [70] and decreasing the number of intestinal bacteria that catabolize B12 [31].

Is sublingual B12 better than oral?

Comparing the sublingual method to vitamin B12 injections, research found that taking B12 under the tongue had a higher absorption rate, making it a better option (Bensky, 2019). Taking vitamin B12 sublingually may also be a good option for people with a condition called pernicious anemia.

Vitamin B12 Absorption

Is Liquid B12 better than pills?

Which is better—the B12 pill or the shot? A. Low B12 can cause anemia and fatigue. 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.

Is oral B12 as effective as injections?

In both studies, high-dose oral B₁₂ was as effective as intramuscular injection at achieving neurologic and hematologic response. Vitamin B₁₂ is available over the counter in the form of tablets (100, 500, 1,000, or 5,000 mcg) and lozenges (50, 100, 250, or 500 mcg).

How quickly can you raise B12 levels?

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.

What is the fastest way to cure B12 deficiency?

You can change your diet to include vitamin B12-fortified grains, a supplement or B12 injections, or a high-dose oral vitamin B12 if you are deficient. Older adults who have a vitamin B12 deficiency will likely have to take a daily B12 supplement or a multivitamin that contains B12.

What does low B12 feel like?

B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, depression, pale or yellow skin, mental impairment, and pain and inflammation in the mouth and tongue. Many of the symptoms caused by low B12 levels are not specific to B12 deficiency, which can cause the condition to go undetected.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

How much B12 should a senior take daily?

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 B12 supplement is best?

Can you absorb vitamin B12 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 5000 mcg of vitamin B12 too much to take?

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 1000 mcg B12 too much?

High doses of B vitamins over 1,000 mcg have also been associated with complications in people with kidney disease ( 22 ). Furthermore, extremely high blood levels of B12 in mothers was connected to a higher risk of autism in their children ( 23 ).

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 ...

Are B12 gummies effective?

Gummy vitamins are designed to be a more palatable (read: sweeter) alternative to regular vitamins in the hopes that people will be more inclined to take them. But when it comes to health benefits, they're nowhere near a 1:1 swap. “Gummy vitamins actually have fewer vitamins and minerals than regular vitamins,” Dr.

Does B12 raise blood pressure?

We found that a higher intake of vitamin B12 was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a higher intake of folic acid was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in children.

Does B12 affect bowel movements?

However, some people may experience constipation as a result of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency. In those situations, a vitamin supplement may help relieve constipation. Some vitamins and minerals can cause loose stools or diarrhea, including magnesium and vitamin C.

Can you overdose on vitamin B12?

No, you cannot overdose on B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water and is quickly absorbed by the body. It is stored in the liver and whatever your body doesn't use is excreted through urine, Allen says. Even in high doses, your body can only absorb a fraction of B12 supplements.

Can low B12 cause hair loss?

Symptoms of low B12 often occur when blood level drops below 300 ng/l and include hair loss, breathlessness, lack of energy palpitations, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, tingling in the hands and feet.

What is the main cause of vitamin 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.

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.