Can I take vitamin B12 without doctor?

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.

Can you take B12 without consulting a doctor?

If you're interested in taking a B12 supplement, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor first because B12 supplements can interact with some medications like chloramphenicol (a type of antibiotic) and metformin (which is used to treat diabetes) or simply may not be necessary for you.

Do you need a prescription for vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is available as a prescription pill and also comes in the form of nose spray, nasal gel, or under-the-tongue medicine. These methods work for most people. However, a small number of people may need to receive injections to raise their levels.

Can anyone take a B12 supplement?

You should be able to get all the vitamin B12 you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin B12 supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 2mg or less a day of vitamin B12 in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Who should not take B12 vitamins?

How long can u take B12 supplements | Dr.Education

Are there any dangers in taking B12?

Safety and side effects

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

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 are the symptoms of low B12?

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.

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.

Is it OK to take vitamins without consulting doctor?

This may seem like no big deal — they're available over the counter, after all. But not needing a prescription doesn't mean there isn't a real risk of harm. That's why it's crucial to talk with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine, even a daily multivitamin.

Is prescription B12 better than over the counter?

Medical grade supplements usually contain the best forms of these vitamins, to ensure that your body is getting the most natural and effective form of the vitamin – even if it costs a little more. Another big reason that OTC vitamins are not the same as medical grade vitamins is the concentrations found in the product.

Can I take B12 without deficiency?

B12 is an important nutrient that is popularly used as a nutritional supplement, even by those without a B12 deficiency. 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.

Does vitamin 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 does it take for B12 vitamins to start working?

How Long Does It Take for Vitamin B12 to Work? It can take 3-4 weeks to start feeling better after taking vitamin B12 consistently. However, it can take six months or more to recover from a severe B12 deficiency. One of the most common reasons people take B12 is to boost their energy levels.

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.

How long should I take B12 supplements?

You may be able to stop taking cyanocobalamin when your vitamin B12 blood levels are back to normal. However, you may need to take it for the rest of your life if your diet does not have enough vitamin B12 or you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from your food.

What causes a person to be low on B12?

Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.

How do you check B12 levels?

Vitamin B12 testing requires a blood sample, which is usually taken from your arm in a medical office, health clinic, hospital, or lab.

What vitamin is good for tingling and numbness?

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.

Can B12 damage your nerves?

Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. This may be permanent if you do not start treatment within 6 months of when your symptoms begin. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment. It will likely get better when the underlying cause of the deficiency is treated.

Can lack of B12 cause leg pain?

Vitamin B₁₂deficiency symptoms may include: strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet. difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)

When should I take B12?

Vitamin B12

As a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.