Is over the counter B12 the same as prescription?

Medical grade supplements usually contain the best forms of these vitamins, to ensure that your body is getting the most natural and effective form of the vitamin – even if it costs a little more. Another big reason that OTC vitamins are not the same as medical grade vitamins is the concentrations found in the product.

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Is there a difference between prescription B12 and over the counter?

Medical Grade supplements typically contain the best forms of vitamins that make sure that your body is getting the most effective and natural form of the vitamin. This is why they cost more. Also, over the counter vitamins generally has lower concentrations of the product.

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Can you take B12 without doctor?

Supplements are easily available over the counter either in combination with B-complex supplements or alone in the form of cyanocobalamin. However, it is not recommended to consume vitamin B12 supplements without consulting a doctor as they can interfere with some other medicines.

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Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

Even the lowest doses in B12 supplements are many times the recommended dietary allowance. Doses up to 1,000 mcg, though unnecessary, aren't harmful.

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Why is B12 sold in such high doses?

Doctors tend to prescribe these higher dosages to treat conditions related to very low vitamin B-12 levels, such as pernicious anemia. Although vitamin B-12 appears, for the most part, to be safe — even at higher dosages — more is not necessarily better. There is no need to take very high doses of vitamin B-12.

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms | B12 Deficiency | Vitamin B12 - All You Need to Know

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What is the downside of too much B12?

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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What are the symptoms of low B12?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.
  • rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
  • headaches.
  • indigestion.
  • loss of appetite.
  • palpitations.
  • problems with your vision.
  • feeling weak or tired.
  • diarrhoea.

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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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Can you 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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What is the maximum amount of B12 I can take in a day?

Water soluble vitamins, like B12, can be tolerated at higher doses without adverse effects upon the body, and the National Academy of Medicine has not established an upper limit of Vitamin B12 intake.

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Are B12 tablets worth taking?

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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What medications should not be taken with B12?

Possible Interactions with: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
  • Anticonvulsants -- include phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline)
  • Chemotherapy medications -- particularly methotrexate.
  • Colchicine -- used to treat gout.

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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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Do over the counter B12 supplements work?

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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What is 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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Which version of B12 is best?

Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin is known to absorb slightly better within the body while methylcobalamin is considered to retain better and for longer. Both are excellent at providing nutritional value of vitamin B12 to the body.

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

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

“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.

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Why is my body not absorbing vitamin D and B12?

According to Coutinho, long term use of antacids and other medications, heavy treatments like chemotherapy, poor gut health, chronic stress, low stomach acids, fad diets and going completely fat-free can lead to such deficiencies. Having Crohn's or kidney disease may also inhibit vitamin D and B12 absorption.

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What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving. Your GP or nurse will give the injections.

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Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Apples Aside from being an important inclusion in a list of vitamin B12 fruits, apples are also rich in fibre, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Apples also comprise polyphenols that are found in both the peel and the pulp of the nutrient-dense fruit.

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Why do I feel tired after taking B12?

B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.

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Does vitamin B12 affect bowel movements?

Vitamins and minerals do not have a major role in treating constipation. However, some people may experience constipation as a result of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency. In those situations, a vitamin supplement may help relieve constipation.

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Does B12 affect your eyes?

Disturbed or blurred vision can also occur as a result of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. This happens when the deficiency causes damage to the optic nerve that leads to your eyes. The nervous signal that travels from the eye to the brain is disturbed due to this damage, leading to impaired vision.

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Can too much vitamin B12 harm your kidneys?

A high-dose B complex supplement (with 1,000 mcg of B-12) hurt, rather than helped, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and advanced kidney disease, resulting in a worsening of kidney function and an increase in the risk of heart attack, stroke and death.

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