Are there any dangers in taking B12?

Vitamin B12 is generally safe, but very high doses from supplements can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, tingling, and rarely, serious issues, though excess is usually flushed out in urine; however, consistently high levels might signal underlying problems like liver disease or increase cancer/mortality risk, so consulting a doctor for high doses or symptoms is key. Deficiency is more dangerous, causing severe anemia and nerve damage.

What will happen if I take vitamin B12 every day?

Taking B12 daily is generally safe as it's water-soluble, with excess flushed in urine, but high doses (especially shots) can cause mild issues like nausea, headaches, or diarrhea, and rare concerns exist about skin issues or increased cancer risk, so consult a doctor before megadosing, notes EatingWell, Mayo Clinic, NIH. 

Is there any danger in taking vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is generally safe, but very high doses from supplements can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, tingling, and rarely, serious issues, though excess is usually flushed out in urine; however, consistently high levels might signal underlying problems like liver disease or increase cancer/mortality risk, so consulting a doctor for high doses or symptoms is key. Deficiency is more dangerous, causing severe anemia and nerve damage.
 

Is vitamin B12 a high risk medication?

Health Risks from Excessive Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 does not have a tolerable upper intake level because it is generally considered to be safe, even at high doses. The FNB did not establish a UL for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity [1].

What organ does vitamin B12 affect?

Vitamin B12 does a lot of important things for your body. It helps create your DNA and red blood cells, for example. Your body also needs B12 for the development of your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).

Vitamin B12 - How Often & The Dangers Of Taking Too Much

Who should not have B12?

Who may not be able to have hydroxocobalamin

• have ever had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicine.
• have an allergy to cobalt.
• have been told you have low levels of potassium.
• have an irregular or fast heartbeat (arrhythmia)

What are signs of too much B12?

While generally considered safe, too much vitamin B12 (often from supplements) can cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, tingling, anxiety, insomnia, acne, and fatigue; severe reactions, though rare, might involve heart palpitations or even anaphylaxis, with symptoms often resolving after stopping supplementation, though high levels can sometimes point to underlying issues.
 

What kind of B12 is best for seniors?

Active B12 is generally considered to be the best form of B12 for seniors for several reasons. Metabolically active forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin and adenocobalamin require no further conversion in the body.

What happens to your body when you start taking vitamin B12?

Taking Vitamin B12 helps your body create red blood cells, synthesize DNA, support nerve function (myelin sheath), convert food to energy, and maintain brain health, mood, and focus, preventing fatigue and anemia, with effects like increased energy and clarity often felt if deficient, but very high doses can have side effects like headaches or nausea.
 

Should seniors take B12 or B complex?

Seniors should prioritize Vitamin B12, as absorption decreases with age, making deficiency common, but a B-Complex is also great for overall B-vitamin support, with the best choice depending on individual needs; always consult a doctor to check levels and determine if a B12-focused supplement, a B-Complex, or a higher dose (like 500-1000 mcg B12) is best for their specific health, especially if they're vegan, have digestive issues, or take certain medications.
 

What is the problem with vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 problems, often starting subtly, include fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath (anemia), but progress to severe neurological issues like tingling, balance problems, memory loss, confusion, and depression, as B12 is crucial for nerve and brain health; these issues stem from deficiency due to poor diet (especially in vegans/vegetarians) or absorption problems (like pernicious anemia, gut issues, surgery) and require medical diagnosis and treatment, usually with supplements or injections.
 

Is it safe to take B12 without asking a doctor?

It is not recommended to start taking any supplement without checking with your physician and/or registered dietitian nutritionist first. Taking excessive amounts of vitamin B12 can mask health conditions, such as pernicious anemia, delaying the treatment that you may need.

Is there any downside to taking vitamin B12?

Safety and side effects

Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache. Nausea. Diarrhea.

How much B12 should a senior take?

Seniors often need more B12 due to absorption issues, with recommendations shifting from the standard 2.4 mcg for adults to 500-1000 mcg (micrograms) or more daily via supplements to correct deficiencies, as high-dose oral forms work well and bypass stomach problems, though a doctor should guide this based on blood tests and medications. 

What food is highest in B12?

The foods highest in Vitamin B12 are organ meats (like liver and kidney) and shellfish (especially clams), offering thousands of percent of the daily value in small servings, with fortified cereals, dairy, fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), and eggs also being excellent sources. For vegans, fortified foods like nutritional yeast and plant milks are key, as B12 is naturally found in animal products.
 

Should people over 70 take B12?

If you are an older adult, you should be taking a supplement for B12 as well as trying to incorporate B12 into your diet. It is vital for good health and cognitive functioning. Studies continue to show all the ways it is beneficial for your overall health.

What are the first signs of B12 deficiency?

Early B12 deficiency signs often include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath, headaches, and a sore, smooth tongue, but can also manifest as neurological issues like tingling (pins and needles) and memory problems, alongside mood changes (depression, irritability). Because symptoms develop slowly and mimic other conditions, prompt medical evaluation with a blood test is crucial for proper diagnosis and to prevent potentially irreversible nerve damage, notes the NHS, the Cleveland Clinic, and WebMD. 

Why avoid cyanocobalamin?

Aluminum is present in the preparation of cyanocobalamin. Central nervous system and bone toxicity secondary to aluminum accumulation are possible in patients with renal impairment. Thus, renal impairment is a relative contraindication to cyanocobalamin.

Can B12 cause blood clots?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can indirectly increase blood clot risk by causing high homocysteine levels, a known clot-promoting factor, while very high B12 levels, especially in cancer patients or post-surgery, have also been linked to thrombosis (blood clots), making its role complex, but generally, deficiency is the main concern for clotting issues. 

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

For adults with vitamin B12 deficiency not caused by your diet, the usual dose is one to two 1,000 microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day. This is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections. In children, the doses may be lower.

When to stop B12?

Although it's less common, people with vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a prolonged poor diet may be advised to stop taking the tablets once their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal and their diet has improved.

What not to combine with vitamin B12?

When taking B12, you should avoid taking it with high doses of Vitamin C simultaneously (take them a few hours apart), limit alcohol, and be cautious with certain medications like metformin, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and some anti-seizure drugs, as these can hinder B12 absorption. Also, avoid combining B12, folate, and B6 after a stent placement due to increased risk of blood vessel narrowing, and consult a doctor about other potential interactions like with chloramphenicol. 

Can lack of B12 affect your eyes?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can significantly impact the eyes, primarily causing optic neuropathy, which damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual or sudden vision loss, blurred vision, washed-out colors, and visual field defects. It can also manifest as severe dry eyes, ocular pain, swollen optic discs, double vision (diplopia), and sometimes even pupil abnormalities, with many of these effects improving or resolving with timely B12 treatment.