Can a B12 supplement hurt you?

Vitamin B12 has a low risk of causing harm, even at high doses. Because of this, there's currently no maximum dose that's widely recommended. However, some forms of vitamin B12 (mainly injectable and nasal B12) can cause headache or fatigue at normal doses.


Are there any negative effects of taking B12?

Vitamin B-12 can cause very rare but serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). This includes swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. If this occurs after you take vitamin B-12, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Who should not take B12 supplements?

Who should not take VITAMIN B-12?
  • low amount of potassium in the blood.
  • Leber's hereditary optic atrophy.
  • inflammation of the stomach called atrophic gastritis.
  • past history of complete removal of stomach.


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)

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.


The 7 WARNING Signs of a B12 Deficiency - Dr. Berg



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.

Can B12 cause neuropathy?

B12 deficiency may cause demyelination of nerves in the peripheral and central nervous system13 and has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, loss of sensation in peripheral nerves, and weakness in lower extremities in older adults1, 1416.

What are the warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12deficiency symptoms may include:
  • strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet.
  • difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
  • anemia.
  • a swollen, inflamed tongue.
  • difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss.
  • weakness.
  • fatigue.


How long does B12 pill stay in your system?

Other studies have shown that vitamin B12 has a half-life of around six days in the blood, which means that it would take six days before half of the administered amount is excreted from the body.

Does vitamin B12 affect your brain?

Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.

What to avoid when taking B12?

Other medications can also interfere with your uptake of vitamin B12, possibly raising your risk for deficiency. These medications include antacids and peptic ulcer medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiseizure medications, chemotherapy medications, the diabetes treatment glucophage (Metformin) and others.


Does B12 supplement raise blood pressure?

The lowering effects of vitamin B12 together with folic acid on blood pressure have been reported in intervention study in adults. However, no study has reported the association of vitamin B12 by itself with systolic or diastolic blood pressure in children or in adults.

Can I take vitamin B12 without doctor?

However, it is not recommended to consume vitamin B12 supplements without consulting a doctor as they can interfere with some other medicines.

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 ).


Can Vitamin B12 damage your liver?

Vitamin B12 therapy has not been linked to ALT elevations or to clinically apparent acute liver injury.

How do you feel after taking B12?

The most common B12 shot side effect is swelling at the injection site. Some people also experience mild diarrhea. Call your doc ASAP if you notice any negative B12 shot side effects.

Is 1000 mcg B12 too much?

Though doses of up to 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 are considered safe, it's best to speak with a doctor to find out whether taking a supplement is necessary. Most people can fulfill their B12 needs through a nutrient-rich diet.


How much B12 is too much?

Although no "Tolerable Upper Intake Level" has been established, there are risks associated with getting too much B-12 from supplements. At a dose of 500 mcg (one-sixth the amount in your supplement), an increased risk of colorectal cancer was reported in a placebo-controlled study of older people.

Can low B12 make you feel weird?

A lack of B12 may lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. It also can affect your balance. B12 supplements are usually safe.

What food is highest in B12?

Good sources of vitamin B12
  • meat.
  • fish.
  • milk.
  • cheese.
  • eggs.
  • some fortified breakfast cereals.


Can too much B12 cause numbness and tingling?

In rare cases, people who take high doses of vitamin B for a long period of time may experience extreme numbness or a tingling sensation. In some patients, tingling sensation is experienced mostly in the right side of the body. This symptom is one of the early warning indicators of Vitamin B12 overdose.

Can B12 cause tingling in feet?

Tingling hands or feet

Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause “pins and needles” in the hands or feet. This symptom occurs because the vitamin plays a crucial role in the nervous system, and its absence can cause people to develop nerve conduction problems or nerve damage.

How can I test my B12 levels at home?

How do home B12 blood tests work?
  1. You order a test online or pick up a test kit from a store / clinic.
  2. It will likely contain a finger prick and corresponding vial to collect blood from your finger so that it can be tested for vitamin B12.


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.
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