Are B12 tablets worth taking?

There are very few reasons to take supplements, but getting enough of this vitamin may be one of the most important. Vitamin B12 may not be high on your nutritional radar, yet it is essential to some of the body's most important functions, like forming red blood cells and maintaining nerve function.

Is it good to take vitamin B12 tablets?

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.

Is there a downside to taking B12?

However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

Does taking B12 orally work?

High doses of oral vitamin B12 (e.g. 1,000 micrograms daily) may be able to produce adequate absorption of vitamin B12 even in the presence of IF deficiency and therefore be an alternative to the intramuscular route in many patients.

What happens when you start taking B12?

May give you an energy boost

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 ( 32 ). In fact, one of the most common early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue or lack of energy ( 2 ).

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

Who should not take B12 supplements?

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

If you are low in vitamin B12, a common recommended dose for oral supplements is about 1,000 mcg daily. But you should make sure to ask your healthcare provider about how much vitamin B12 you should look for in a supplement.

Are B12 pills as effective as B12 shots?

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 form of vitamin B12 is best?

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.

Is B12 better in liquid or pills?

Ultimately, consulting a doctor is the safest way to determine which vitamin B12 supplement is best for you. Intramuscular injections are considered the gold standard when it comes to vitamin B12 supplements. However, both liquid and pill forms of vitamin B12 are safe, effective, and affordable.

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 damage can vitamin B12 do?

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as: vision problems. memory loss. pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Does B12 give you energy?

So does vitamin B12 give you energy? 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 daily amount of B12 can therefore help ensure that the body is able to make the energy it needs to do everything you need it to do.

How long should you take B12 tablets for?

Most people need to take folic acid tablets for about 4 months. But if the underlying cause of your folate deficiency anaemia continues, you may have to take folic acid tablets for longer, possibly for life. Before you start taking folic acid, your GP will check your vitamin B12 levels to make sure they're normal.

How many B12 pills should I take a day?

However, B12 supplements may help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue those who are deficient in this nutrient ( 20 ). 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 ( 21 ).

What is the best time of day to take B12 pills?

“Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is in the morning, so it won't affect your sleep.

What is the healthiest way to get vitamin B12?

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 can I get B12 naturally?

How long does it take to recover from a vitamin B12 deficiency?

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.

Why are B12 supplements so strong?

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 happens if your B12 is too high?

In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.

How much B12 should a woman take daily?

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.

Should I take B12 everyday?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that must be ingested daily because our bodies don't naturally produce it. B12 is important for many enzymatic processes, such as helping turn the food you eat into usable energy. The recommended daily amount for B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults.