What are the pros and cons of vitamin B12?
Why You Should Be Careful With Vitamin B12 Supplements
- Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Your body does not need much vitamin B12 to function and only requires about 25-100 micrograms (1 milligram = 1000 micrograms) per day.
- Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Vitamin B12 has very specific and very important functions. ...
- The Issue With Supplements. ...
What are the dangers of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is required for the development and function of the central ... Doctor Ward explains: “Mentally the effects include confusion, memory issues, depression, irritability and in severe cases, psychosis.” She adds: “The effects on the nervous ...
Why should I take B12?
What You Should Know About Metformin and Vitamin B12
- The Importance of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that's essential for nerve conduction, mental functioning, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation.
- Metformin and Vitamin B12 Deficiency. ...
- Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency. ...
Can you take too much vitamin B12?
To avoid developing a deficit, we should avoid taking extra supplemental Vitamin B12, which is found in all multivitamin tablets/products, and keep to a healthy and balanced diet," he recommends. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for anyone aged 1 to 70 years old, including pregnant or lactating women, is 15 micrograms (g) per day.
Are there any side effects taking vitamin B12?
High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.
How much B12 should you take a day?
How much vitamin B-12 should you take?CategoryVitamin B-12: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in micrograms (mcg) For children under age 1, only an adequate intake (AI) is available9-13 years1.8 mcg/day14 years and up2.4 mcg/dayPregnant women2.6 mcg/dayBreastfeeding women2.8 mcg/day4 more rows•Jan 24, 2021
What is vitamin B12 good for?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
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 ...
How do you know if you need B12?
Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body (anemia). That can leave you shivering and cold, especially in your hands and feet.
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?
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.
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.
Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?
Fruits– Though fruits don't contain Vitamin B12; there are some which contain a very small amount of these vitamins like- Banana, apple, and berries....Top 10 Vitamin B12 foods for Vegetarians:FoodsVitamin B12 (% of DV)Fruits5%Fortified cereals100%Yeast (quarter cup)290%5 more rows•Nov 23, 2020
How long does it take for B12 vitamins to start working?
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.
Does vitamin 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 vitamin B12 help with Covid?
For vitamin B12, early computer modelling and laboratory-based research indicate that vitamin B12 may bind to at least one of the viral proteins and thereby slow down viral replication. Neurological features of COVID-19 and vitamin B12 deficiency overlap.
Can I take vitamin B12 with blood pressure tablets?
No interactions were found between lisinopril and Vitamin B12.
What is the role of B12 in the body?
Vitamin B12 plays an integral role in energy production and is essential for converting the foods that you eat into a form of energy that can be used by the body. It’s also necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which help supply the cells with oxygen so they can function properly.
Why is B12 important for the body?
Promotes Heart Health. Vitamin B12 is important for the metabolism of homocysteine, a type of amino acid in the blood that may be tied to a higher risk of heart disease. In addition to decreasing homocysteine levels, which could potentially help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Why is vitamin B12 important during pregnancy?
Vitamin B12 is absolutely essential during pregnancy for ensuring healthy fetal growth and development. Not only is vitamin B12 crucial for preventing birth defects, but a deficiency may also increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
How to avoid the side effects of too much vitamin B12?
The best way to avoid the potential side effects of too much vitamin B12 is to get the majority of your vitamin B12 from nutrient-rich food sources, including meat, poul try, seafood and dairy products.
What is the best vitamin for men?
Here are a few of the top vitamin B12 benefits for men and women: 1. Prevents Deficiency. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if you don’t regularly consume foods high in this important water-soluble vitamin. Some of the most common side effects ...
Does vitamin B12 interfere with vitamin C?
Folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and chloramphenicol, a type of broad-spectrum antibiotic, may all interfere with vitamin B12 in the body. In order to minimize vitamin B12 supplements side effects, it’s best to stick to the recommended dosage and use as directed.
Is it safe to take vitamin B12?
However, while vitamin B12 is safe when used as recommended, there are several vitamin B12 injection side effects to consider as well. Some of the most common vitamin B12 shot side ...
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 benefit of B12?
Vitamin B12 may benefit your body in impressive ways, such as by boosting your energy, improving your memory and helping prevent heart disease. Here are 9 health benefits of vitamin B12, all based on science. 1. Helps With Red Blood Cell Formation and Anemia Prevention. Share on Pinterest.
What are the risks of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include ( 1#N#Trusted Source#N#): 1 Older adults 2 People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease 3 Those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery 4 People on a strict vegan diet 5 Those who take metformin for blood sugar control 6 Those taking proton pump inhibitors for chronic heartburn
Why is B12 deficiency bad?
Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency include a decreased ability to absorb this vitamin due to low hydrochloric acid secretion, certain medications or gastrointestinal disease and surgeries. Vegans are also at risk since B12 is only found in animal products.
How much B12 should I take daily?
For most adults, the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 2.4 mcg, though it’s higher for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding ( 1. Trusted Source.
Does B12 help with heart disease?
Summary. Vitamin B12 can decrease blood homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Does B12 help with memory loss?
May Benefit Your Brain by Preventing the Loss of Neurons. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with memory loss, especially in older adults. The vitamin may play a role in preventing brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and often associated with memory loss or dementia.
Does vitamin B12 help with depression?
May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression. Vitamin B12 may improve your mood. The effect of vitamin B12 on mood is not yet fully understood. However, this vitamin plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood.
Does B12 have any side effects?
Along with its needed effects, cyanocobalamin (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B12) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Does cyanocobalamin need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of cyanocobalamin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
What happens if you take too little B12?
Consuming too little vitamin B12 can result in side effects that range from gastrointestinal discomfort to serious neurological problems. Advertisement. Here's what you should know about this crucial nutrient, including how to know if you're getting enough.
What is the best food source for vitamin B12?
Clams are one of the best food sources of vitamin B12. Image Credit: wmaster890/iStock/GettyImages. Vitamin B12 is essential to keeping your body's cells healthy. While its benefits could be considered subtle, this vitamin is so important that your nervous system won't function properly without it.
What is the best vitamin for migraines?
Vitamin B12 , also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that is important for the health and maintenance of your cells. Your body needs it to make red blood cells, create DNA and maintain the functionality of your nervous system. Plus, per a 2014 study in BioMed Research International, vitamin B12 (along with other B-complex vitamins) can even help decrease the severity of migraines. Most people need just 2.4 micrograms of B12 each day to obtain its benefits, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements.
How much B12 is in algae?
Certain types of algae can have even more vitamin B12, with about 77 micrograms per 100 grams on average, and as much as 415 micrograms per 100 grams in specific varieties.
Which algae has B12?
Furthermore, many different types of algae, as well as sea plants, like sea buckthorn berries, sidea couch grass and elecampane, all contain B12 — some in substantial amounts, per a January 2018 paper in Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Can you take vitamin B12 if you don't eat enough?
Anyone who doesn't eat enough foods containing vitamin B12 and may be deficient should consider taking supplements. A 2018 study in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews showed that both oral and injectable B12 supplements can resolve even serious deficiency-related side effects.
Can vitamin B12 cause neurological problems?
Video of the Day. Consuming too little vitamin B12 can result in side effects that range from gastrointestinal discomfort to serious neurological problems. Advertisement. Here's what you should know about this crucial nutrient, including how to know if you're getting enough.
What is the B12 nutrient?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of healthy red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.
What does lack of B12 do to your body?
A lack of B12 can put you at higher risk for a specific type of anemia that makes you feel weak and tired.
What happens if you don't take B12 during pregnancy?
Pregnancy Health. If a woman has a vitamin B12 deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy, her child is at an increased risk of neural tube birth defects and low birthweight. Mothers with low B12 levels are also more likely to miscarry or give birth prematurely. Women with low levels of vitamin B12 are three times more likely to have a child ...
Does vitamin B12 help with macular degeneration?
Supplementing with vitamin B12 is believed to lower homocysteine in the bloodstream, which may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause blindness in older adults. In one study of 5,000 women age 40 and up, those who took supplements of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid had 34% fewer cases of macular degeneration after seven years than a placebo group. Their risk of severe degeneration was 41% lower.
Does vitamin B12 cause depression?
Vitamin B12 plays a role in serotonin production, so a deficien cy may be connected with clinical depression. In one study, disabled older women with a B12 deficiency were found to have double the risk of severe depression as those without a deficiency.
Is B12 good for vegetarians?
Vitamin B12 is also found in animal products, such as eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, and some nutritional yeast products. Vitamin B12 does not naturally occur in most plant foods, so fortified breakfast cereals are recommended for vegetarians. Pagination. 1. 2.
Does B12 affect memory?
Another study found that low B12 levels, even within the normal range, contribute to poor memory performance. More studies are needed before researchers can be certain of the impact of B12 supplementation on memory loss and dementia. There is no known risk of harm associated with vitamin B12.
