Can you take too much B12?

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

mayoclinic.org - Vitamin B-12 - Mayo Clinic

Does sleeping in a hot room make you lose weight?

According to a small study published in the journal Diabetes, people who keep their bedrooms at a steady temperature of 66 degrees for one month...

Last updated Nov 2, 2021

How much weight can you lose on apple cider vinegar?

In another study published in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, people lost an average of four pounds in 12 weeks after...

Last updated Jun 24, 2022

Promotion

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. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include poultry, meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 is also added to some foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals, and is available as an oral supplement. Vitamin B-12 injections or nasal spray might be prescribed to treat vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is not common in the U.S. However, people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet might be prone to deficiency because plant foods don't contain vitamin B-12. Older adults and people with digestive tract conditions that affect absorption of nutrients also are susceptible to vitamin B-12 deficiency. Left untreated, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.

Evidence

Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows: Heart and blood vessel disease. Researchers had previously believed that vitamin B-12, when combined with folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-6, might prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels by reducing the levels of an amino acid in the blood (homocysteine). However, studies show that the combination of these vitamins doesn't seem to reduce the risk or severity of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers had previously believed that vitamin B-12, when combined with folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-6, might prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels by reducing the levels of an amino acid in the blood (homocysteine). However, studies show that the combination of these vitamins doesn't seem to reduce the risk or severity of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Dementia. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is associated with dementia and low cognitive function, but it's not clear whether vitamin B-12 supplements might help prevent or treat dementia. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is associated with dementia and low cognitive function, but it's not clear whether vitamin B-12 supplements might help prevent or treat dementia. Athletic performance. Unless you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, there's no evidence that vitamin B-12 supplements will boost your energy or make you a better athlete.

What can I mix with apple cider vinegar to lose belly fat?

1. The Fat Burning Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Juice from half a lemon. 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. ¼ teaspoon of powdered...

Last updated Jul 7, 2019

What does a size 10 equal to?

French size 40 is usually an American medium or American size 10.

Last updated Apr 7, 2018

Promotion

Our take

Generally safe

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. Vitamin B-12 supplements also are recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding exclusively and follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

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

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Fatigue or weakness

Tingling sensation in hands and feet

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba). Taking this anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent and treat gout attacks might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Taking this anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent and treat gout attacks might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others). Taking this diabetes drug might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Taking this diabetes drug might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Proton pump inhibitors. Taking omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or other stomach acid-reducing drugs might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Taking omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or other stomach acid-reducing drugs might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements. Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. To avoid this interaction, take vitamin C two or more hours after taking a vitamin B-12 supplement.

Does honey expire?

In general, honey doesn't spoil. However, it can go bad if it's contaminated or incorrectly stored. If your honey has visible mold, or if it smells...

Last updated Apr 19, 2021

Do vegans look younger?

A vegan diet is rich in nutrient antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which have been known to benefit the quality of the skin. Vitamin C stimulates...

Last updated Feb 3, 2018

Promotion

Your doctor might recommend changing drugs or timing doses to offset any potential interactions. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

mayoclinic.org - Vitamin B-12 - Mayo Clinic

How long does it take to lose 10 lbs naturally?

But on average, you should lose 10 pounds in exactly 5-6 weeks for a healthier and more achievable estimate. This means that you lose around 2...

Last updated Mar 4, 2022

What are the symptoms of toxins in your body?

Some signs that your body has a toxin buildup include: Brain fog. Hair loss. Fatigue. Brittle toenails. Bad breath. Nausea. Weight gain.

Last updated Sep 23, 2021

Promotion

Does B12 give you energy right away?

While B12 doesn't directly provide energy, it does give the body the tools it needs to convert food molecules into energy. Getting the recommended...

Last updated Jun 9, 2018

Promotion

How quickly does fat burn?

You have to burn about 3,500 calories to lose 1 pound. This is because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound of fat. To lose 1 pound a week, you have...

Last updated Jan 31, 2018