It was observed that high B12 levels were associated with an increased risk of the offspring developing autism during childhood. However, no association was found between the maternal B12 and the prevalence of Asperger's or pervasive developmental disorder in the offspring.
Both autistic and brain-injured B 12- deficient children have obsessive-compulsive behaviors and difficulty with speech, language, writing, and comprehension. B 12 deficiency can also cause aloofness and withdrawal. Sadly, very few children presenting with autistic symptoms receive adequate testing for B 12 deficiency.
High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.
Very high vitamin B12 levels in new moms are also potentially harmful, tripling the risk that her offspring will develop an autism spectrum disorder. If both levels are extremely high, the risk that a child develops the disorder increases 17.6 times.
After accounting for other factors that might influence the chances of developing autism, the researchers calculated that being exposed to too much folate and too much B12 was associated with a risk that was 17.6 times greater than for children whose mothers had “normal” levels of both vitamins.
Researchers speculate that exposure to high blood sugar during pregnancy may affect a fetus's brain development and heighten the risk for developmental disorders. A 2021 study also showed a possible connection between high blood sugar during pregnancy and autism risk.
Along with there being no reports of it causing birth defects, cancers or any other type of toxicity, Vitamin B12 doesn't even have an established “tolerable upper intake level” (UL), which is the amount that would cause an overdose or major unwanted side effects.
Research has shown that Methyl B12, also known as methylcobalamin, can help relieve symptoms of autism. In the body, B12 assists with detoxification because it is a critical factor of the methylation pathway that helps the body make the powerful antioxidant, glutathione.
In fact, most reports find that FA protects against ASD (4). Paradoxically, given the known importance of folate for normal development, there is some concern that there could be adverse effects of high exposure. These could result from high FA intake or unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in serum.
Use of a vitamin B12 supplement in pregnancy is not expected to cause any problems that require additional monitoring of the baby. Women diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency in early pregnancy may receive more detailed anomaly scans to check for neural tube defects in the baby.
Your body can usually get rid of excess vitamin B12 through your urine. In rare cases, high doses of vitamin B12 injections have been associated with skin reactions. This isn't the case for oral vitamin B12 dietary 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).
What Abnormal Results Mean. Values of less than 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L) are a possible sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms. Older adults with a vitamin B12 level less than 100 pg/mL (74 pmol/L) may also have symptoms.
Risk Factors
Having a sibling with ASD. Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. Experiencing complications at birth. Being born to older parents.
Several chemical exposures such as air pollution (e.g., particular matter 2.5), pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, mercury, and nutrition deficiency such as folic acid, vitamin D, or fatty acid may possibly be associated with an increased risk of ASD, whereas other traditional risk factors such as smoking/tobacco, ...
Vitamin B6 and magnesium to ease autism symptoms
More than a dozen studies have suggested that supplementing vitamin B6 and magnesium in children with autism helps to ease symptoms, but the treatment remains controversial as each child's body will react differently to varying interventions.
Low vitamin D levels in utero, postnatal, and in early childhood have been hypothesized to be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD.
People with certain genetic disorders, such as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Down syndrome, are more likely to have ASD.
– Children with autism may well need higher doses of vitamin B6 than healthy typical peers, for many reasons: Picky diets that lack vitamins, gut inflammation that impedes absorption of B vitamins, or gut microbial infections that eat up B vitamins before your child can absorb them.
Brain Function
B12 is a key nutrient for nervous system health. It is important for producing serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. As a result, vitamin B12 can help to prevent and treat depression and anxiety. It can improve focus and memory as well.
Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain development, neural myelination, and cognitive function.
Should I be concerned about high vitamin B12 levels? Experts agree that proper amounts of vitamin B12 are generally safe to take [9]. Even amounts exceeding the recommended daily amount of 2.4 micrograms usually aren't toxic—as mentioned, what your body doesn't absorb is normally passed as urine [9].
Taking folic acid at high doses can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. So these vitamins are often taken together.
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.