Is 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 daily too much?

No, a daily dosage of 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 is generally not considered too much for most people. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so the body typically excretes any excess through urine, which is why there is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

Is 1000 mcg of B12 safe for seniors?

Yes, 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 is generally considered safe for seniors, especially those with absorption issues, and is often recommended to correct deficiencies, as the body only absorbs a fraction of high doses, but it's best to consult a doctor for personalized advice to monitor levels and ensure it's appropriate for individual needs. 

What is the safest amount of B12 to take daily?

Safety and side effects

When taken at recommended doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 mcg and 10 to 12 mcg for older adults. Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache.

How do you feel if your B12 is too high?

Too much B12 usually doesn't cause severe issues as excess is flushed out, but high doses (especially injections) can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea), insomnia, anxiety, or skin rashes, with rare severe effects like heart palpitations or nerve issues in extreme cases, often resolving by stopping supplements.
 

How much B12 mcg should you take daily?

Dosage. Take 1000-5000mcg daily of the active forms of B12 (methyl-cobalamin and adenysl-cobalamin) for 1 month and then re-assess symptoms. Vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B6 work together with B12, supplementing these at the same time often gives better results.

How Much B12 is TOO MUCH? - The Nerve Doctors

Who should not take B12 supplements?

While B12 is generally safe, people with Leber's disease, severe kidney disease, or known allergies to B12/cobalt should avoid it, and those taking certain meds (like metformin, stomach acid reducers), pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, or those with malabsorption issues should consult a doctor before supplementing to manage risks or check interactions. Unnecessary megadosing isn't proven beneficial and might impact the gut microbiome, so always check with a healthcare provider. 

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 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.
 

Is 1000 mcg of B12 the same as 1 mg?

It's important to know the difference between micrograms (mcg) and milligrams (mg) when talking about B12 doses. One milligram (mg) is the same as 1000 micrograms (mcg). So, a 1 mg dose of B12 is the same as 1000 mcg. Both units are used, but mcg is more common for B12 doses, mainly for smaller amounts.

What happens to your body when you 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. 

What are the signs of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency signs include fatigue, pale or jaundiced skin, a sore red tongue, numbness/tingling (pins and needles), balance issues, memory problems, depression, and shortness of breath, developing slowly over time and affecting energy, nerve function, and mood. It's crucial to see a doctor for diagnosis, as prolonged deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage, notes the {nhs.uk website. 

Does B12 affect sleep?

Yes, Vitamin B12 significantly affects sleep by influencing your circadian rhythm, energy levels, and mood; low levels can cause fatigue and insomnia, while adequate levels help regulate your internal clock, but paradoxically, high levels (especially from supplements) might also disrupt sleep or advance waking times, so balance is key for better sleep. 

Which B12 is better, methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

The results revealed that cyancobalamin gives better results in maintaining B12, as quantified by the holotranscobalamin value (median=150 pcg/l) when compared with methylcobalamin (median=78.5 pcg/l).

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.

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).

What cancels out B12?

There is general consensus that gastric acid–lowering drugs, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and the antidiabetes drug metformin can reduce circulating vitamin B-12 concentrations with prolonged use.

Which two vitamins should not be taken together?

While many combinations are fine, Vitamin C and B12 should be spaced out as C can hinder B12 absorption, and Iron and Calcium/Zinc compete for absorption, reducing their effectiveness; also, high doses of Zinc and Copper can cause deficiency. It's crucial to separate minerals that compete (Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium) and be cautious with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and interactions with medications.
 

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

The recommended daily amount (RDA) varies, depending on age and other factors, but while the recommended dose for an adult is 2.4 mcg (micrograms), B12 vitamin pills are also sold in doses of 5 to 25 mcg, and even 500 mcg to 1,000 mcg or more; while the latter is usually considered safe, the body will absorb only a ...

How long does it take for B12 to repair nerves?

Nerve healing from B12 deficiency starts within weeks, with most improvement seen in 1-3 months, but can take 6-12 months or longer, especially for severe or long-standing damage, with some residual disability possible if treatment is delayed past a few months, emphasizing early and consistent B12 therapy for best outcomes. 

Is B12 good for sciatica pain?

Yes, Vitamin B12 is good for sciatica because it's vital for nerve health, helping with nerve repair, function, and protecting nerve fibers (myelin sheath); deficiencies can worsen pain, and supplementation, alongside B6 and D, can support nerve regeneration and reduce symptoms, though it's part of a broader management plan with diet and exercise. 

What are the negatives to taking B12?

While generally safe, excessive Vitamin B12 intake or deficiency can cause issues; disadvantages of excess B12 (usually from supplements) include headaches, acne, diarrhea, potential increased cancer/mortality risks, and heart issues, while deficiency leads to neurological problems (memory loss, tingling), fatigue, anemia, and mood changes, with some deficiency symptoms potentially becoming permanent.