Which vitamin B12 is best for seniors?

B-Methylated-II is an excellent option for seniors who may have difficulty swallowing pills, and also have greater needs for folate and B12. Methylfolate and B12 are crucial cofactors in one-carbon metabolism and are both required for the breakdown of homocysteine and in neurological health.


Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day for seniors?

Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors

The proper vitamin B12 dosage for seniors depends on if they have underlying health conditions and how severe their deficiency is. In some cases, doctors may recommend high doses — more than 1,000 micrograms (mcg) per day.

How many mg of B12 should a senior take?

Dosages for Older People

When you're in your 60s you should officially start getting blood tests to test for vitamin B12 deficiency. Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day.


What is the best version of B12 to take?

Methylcobalamin. 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.

Which is better B12 methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

People sometimes ask which of the two supplements is better – the artificial (cyanocobalamin) or naturally occurring (methylcobalamin). Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin is known to absorb slightly better within the body while methylcobalamin is considered to retain better and for longer.


The Optimal Vitamin B12 Dosage for Adults



Who should not take methylcobalamin?

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: Leber's disease or other form of optic nerve damage; an iron or folic acid deficiency; or.

Which is safer methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

Research shows that cyanocobalamin may be absorbed better in your body, while methylcobalamin likely has a higher retention rate. Other studies have found that the differences in absorption and retention are minimal.

What is the safest form of B12?

Methylcobalamin: This is the most natural form of B12 and needs no converting . It is already in its “ready to use” form and is a more expensive form. Methylcobalamin is the active coenzyme form necessary for any biological activity.


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.

Is it best to take vitamin B12 in the morning or at night?

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.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?

The most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in seniors include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Anemia.
  • Neuropathy.
  • Memory problems.
  • Walking difficulties.


What medications should not be taken with B12?

Possible interactions include:
  • Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba). ...
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others). ...
  • Proton pump inhibitors. ...
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements.


Is vitamin B12 important for seniors?

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the health of older adults. Vitamin B-12 is involved in making DNA, red blood cell formation, and proper nerve function1. While more research is needed, low vitamin B-12 levels have also been linked to increased bone fracture risk2.

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 74 year old woman take?

With that in mind, let's go back to our initial question: how much vitamin B12 should a person over 65 take? Recent reports suggest that, along with a B12-rich diet, consuming 500 micrograms of B12 in the form of a supplement may help individuals over 65 maintain healthy vitamin B12 levels [2].

How much B12 does a 70 year old woman need?

You can get vitamin B12 through food sources like red meat, chicken, eggs, and dairy, but many seniors are deficient due to a poor diet, medications, or the simple effects of aging. The recommended vitamin B12 dosage is 2.5 mcg.

Can I take vitamin D and B12 together?

Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins

Some combinations should be avoided, even if they aren't inherently problematic. For example, although it's safe to take vitamin D with vitamin B12, it's not advisable, says Virgilio Sanchez, MD, a board certified family medicine physician at Conviva Care Center in Miami, Florida.


Can you take B12 with blood pressure meds?

No interactions were found between lisinopril and Vitamin B12.

Can you take B12 and drink coffee?

No interactions were found between caffeine and Vitamin B12.

Why is methylcobalamin better than cyanocobalamin?

Research has shown that methylcobalamin is more efficiently used and retained in the body than the cyanocobalamin form. Because of its role in the production of cellular energy, vitamin B12 deficiency is often characterized by fatigue and weakness.


What is B12 not good for?

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.

What are the side effects of methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin Side Effects
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Headache.


Does cyanocobalamin affect the liver?

Concentrations of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in serum have been found to be elevated in acute1-4 and chronic2,5,6 liver disease associated with hepatocellular damage.


Is cyanocobalamin B12 toxic?

Answer: The most common form of vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) in supplements is cyanocobalamin and although this form includes a cyanide molecule, it is very safe. Why? Even at a very high dose, it would provide about a thousand times less cyanide than is toxic, and the cyanide is excreted in the urine.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin a day?

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.
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