How long can you stay on B12 tablets?

You can often take B12 tablets long-term, even for life, especially if your deficiency is due to poor absorption or diet (like veganism), but the duration depends on the cause; you might only need them until levels normalize if it's a temporary dietary issue, but medical supervision is key as high doses aren't toxic but should be managed by a doctor, with no set upper limit, though very high doses (e.g., 2000 mcg+) are common for deficiency treatment.

How long should you take vitamin B12 tablets for?

You may be able to stop taking it 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.

Can I take vitamin B12 for long term?

``Health Risks from Excessive Vitamin B12 - The FNB did not establish a UL for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity (1). Even at large doses, vitamin B12 is generally considered to be safe because the body does not store excess amounts.

Can vitamin B12 cause headaches?

Yes, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause headaches, and conversely, taking too much B12 (especially via injections) can also lead to headaches as a side effect, alongside other symptoms like nausea or fatigue. Headaches from low levels can stem from nerve issues or reduced oxygen flow, while high doses can trigger various side effects.
 

When should you stop taking vitamin 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.

How Much B12 is TOO MUCH? - The Nerve Doctors

Is there a downside to taking vitamin B12?

While Vitamin B12 (B12) is generally safe and water-soluble (meaning excess is usually excreted), taking very high doses or having underlying conditions can lead to downsides like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or even serious issues like allergic reactions (especially with injections) or masking other deficiencies, so it's best to use supplements as directed and consult a doctor. Potential concerns with excess intake include acne, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, or, in rare cases, increased mortality risk, though high oral doses are less likely to cause problems than injections. 

What do you crave when your B12 is low?

B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, often for animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, because the body seeks these rich sources to compensate for the lack of the vitamin, which is crucial for energy, nerve, and brain health. You might also experience cravings for salty foods, sugar, or even non-food items (pica) due to related iron deficiencies or impacts on neurotransmitters, alongside fatigue, mood changes, and neurological symptoms like tingling. 

What are signs of too much B12?

Too much Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is rare as it's water-soluble, but high levels can cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, tingling, anxiety, heart palpitations, acne, and insomnia, though symptoms often arise from underlying conditions or very high intake, especially injections. While excess B12 is usually flushed in urine, extremely high doses, often via shots, might lead to these effects, with rare, serious risks like anaphylaxis or increased cancer risk.
 

How much B12 should a senior take?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg). Older adults may need to eat more vitamin B-12. The ability to absorb vitamin B-12 lowers as a person gets older. Older adults may need to eat 10 to 12 mcg of vitamin B-12 to get enough of this vitamin.

What happens to your weight when you take B12?

In fact, some studies have even suggested the opposite. For instance, one study noted that individuals who regularly took vitamin B12 supplements gained between 2.5 to 17 fewer pounds (1.2 to 7.7 kg) over a decade than those who didn't supplement.

What happens to your body if you take B12 every day?

Taking B12 daily is generally safe because it's water-soluble, and your body excretes what it doesn't need, but very high doses or injections can cause temporary side effects like headaches, nausea, tingling, or diarrhea, and some research suggests potential links to increased cancer risk or bone fractures, so it's best to stick to recommended amounts and consult a doctor.
 

How do I know if I need B12?

You might need B12 if you have persistent fatigue, numbness/tingling (pins and needles), pale skin, a sore red tongue, "brain fog," memory issues, walking difficulties, or mood changes (depression/irritability), but a doctor's blood test is the only way to know for sure, especially if you're vegan, over 60, or have absorption issues. 

Does B12 affect sleep?

In conclusion, our results show that lower vitamin B12 was associated with insomnia symptoms and sleepiness in specific groups of participants. However, further research with objective measurements of sleep is crucial to assess the relationship between sleep and vitamin B12.

How many months should I take vitamin B12?

Injecting vitamin B12 as a shot for 10 days followed by monthly injections is effective for treating this condition. Vitamin B12 shots can only be given by a healthcare provider. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, as a shot, or inhaling through the nose can treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.

What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurological issues like numbness, tingling (pins and needles), balance problems, difficulty walking (gait issues), memory loss, confusion, vision problems, and muscle weakness, affecting peripheral nerves and the spinal cord, potentially leading to irreversible nerve damage if untreated. These symptoms often start subtly, affecting hands and feet, and worsen over time, impacting coordination, cognition, and mood.
 

What food is highest in B12?

The foods highest in Vitamin B12 are organ meats like liver and kidneys, followed by shellfish such as clams, mussels, and oysters, with fortified cereals and nutritional yeast offering significant non-animal sources, while fish (salmon, sardines), dairy, and eggs are also excellent, easily absorbed sources. A small serving of lamb liver can provide thousands of percent of your daily needs, while clams offer immense amounts of B12 and iron.
 

Is too much B12 bad for seniors?

Analysis Says Excessive Vitamin B12 Concentration Can Increase Mortality Risk. Elevated serum vitamin B12 concentration was positively associated with all-cause mortality risk, particularly among older adults, with concentrations exceeding 400 pmol/L showing significantly higher mortality rates.

What are the symptoms of low B12?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

• extreme tiredness.
• a lack of energy.
• pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• a sore and red tongue.
• mouth ulcers.
• muscle weakness.
• disturbed vision.
• psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.

What happens when you stop taking B12?

If you stop taking prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets, your vitamin B12 levels may start to go down. If your levels get too low, you may start to get symptoms such as tiredness again. This may take days, weeks or months to happen because it depends on: what your vitamin B12 levels are.

Can B12 cause blood clots?

Conclusion. B12 deficiency should be systematically considered as a potential cause of thrombotic events, especially in the context of a patient with risk factors for endothelial dysfunction.

Does B12 help with memory loss in seniors?

May improve brain health

One study found that low B12 levels, even within the lower normal range, can in part lead to poor memory performance. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for the neurons in your brain. Brain atrophy, which refers to the loss of neurons in your brain, is connected to memory loss and dementia.

Is 2 eggs a day enough B12?

Yes, two eggs a day can provide a significant portion, around half or more, of the daily recommended Vitamin B12 for most adults, as eggs are a great source, especially the yolk, but it might not cover all needs if B12 deficiency is a concern, so combining with other B12-rich foods (meat, dairy, fortified cereals) is ideal.