Are B12 supplements effective?

Vitamin B12 supplements (along with other B vitamins) reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a compound linked to an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke But despite reducing homocysteine, research shows that these vitamins don't reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke.

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Is it worth taking vitamin B12 supplements?

There are very few reasons to take supplements, but getting enough of this vitamin may be one of the most important. Vitamin B12 may not be high on your nutritional radar, yet it is essential to some of the body's most important functions, like forming red blood cells and maintaining nerve function.

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Does taking B12 orally work?

High doses of oral vitamin B12 (e.g. 1000 µg daily) may be able to produce adequate absorption of vitamin B12 even in the presence of intrinsic factor deficiency, and therefore may be an alternative to the intramuscular route for many people.

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Is it good to take vitamin B12 tablets everyday?

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.

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Is there a downside to 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.

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Supplements 101: Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B12 | Healthline

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What happens when you start taking B12?

Vitamin B12 supplements will only improve symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy if they are caused by low vitamin B12 levels. It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.

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Who should not take B12 supplements?

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: a certain eye disease (Leber's optic neuropathy), a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), gout, iron or folic acid deficiency anemia, low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia).

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How can I increase my B12 absorption naturally?

Increase sources of cobalt

Cobalt is an essential nutrient element which is a component of vitamin B12. Cobalt is required by the body in minute levels to support development and maintenance. The quantity of cobalt found in food is determined by the soil in which the plants are cultivated.

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How long after starting vitamin B12 will I feel better?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.

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What happens if you take vitamin B12 without needing it?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, hence all the extra amount of unused vitamin gets released out of the body through the urine. Therefore, there are no adverse effects of excess vitamin B12 intake from food or supplements in overall healthy people.

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Should I take B12 pills in the morning or night?

Vitamin B12

According to health experts at Click Pharmacy, 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.

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Can your body absorb B12 from pills?

Your body can't absorb all the vitamin B-12 from dietary supplements. Absorption is limited by how much intrinsic factor your stomach makes. Intrinsic factor is needed for your body to absorb B-12. For example, only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg oral supplement is actually absorbed in healthy people.

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How do I know if I should take B12?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.
  • Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
  • Pale skin.
  • A smooth tongue.
  • Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas.
  • Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking.
  • Vision loss.

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What's the best form of B12 to take?

The Best Type of Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin? For prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanocobalamin in chewable, sublingual, or liquid forms (rather than in a multivitamin) is best under most circumstances.

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Does magnesium help B12 absorption?

Yes, as B vitamins and magnesium don't compete for absorption inside your body. Indeed, many supplements combine them as a way of simplifying how you monitor your intake.

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What is the best way to fix B12 deficiency?

A serious vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected two ways: weekly shots of vitamin B12 or daily high-dose B12 pills. A mild B12 deficiency can be corrected with a standard multivitamin. In many people, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented.

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What stops the body absorbing vitamin B12?

[1] People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease—such as proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or other antacids—may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.

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Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12. Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems.

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Can B12 cause anxiety?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can have distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms. It can have an etiological role in clinical presentations like depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and delirium, requiring screening of at-risk populations.

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Can I take vitamin D and B12 together?

Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

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How long should you take B12 for?

If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.

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How can I check my B12 level 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.

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What are the 4 stages of B12 deficiency?

Stage 1 is decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Stage 2 is low concentration of vitamin B12 in the cell and metabolic abnormalities. Stage 3 is increased levels of homocysteine and MMA and decreased DNA synthesis resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Stage 4 is macrocytic anemia.

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Is B12 good for anxiety?

Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.

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