Supplements & Herbs

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What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B vitamin family. B vitamins help support adrenal function, help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes. Vitamin B12 is important to DNA synthesis and maintaining healthy nerve cells.

Why is vitamin B12 necessary?

What are the signs of a deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness, heart palpitations, bleeding gums and mouth sores, nausea, poor appetite and diarrhea. Symptoms may present themselves slowly and may not be recognized for some time. A deficiency of B12 can produce pernicious anemia, which can lead to memory loss, confusion and even dementia.

Since we obtain vitamin B12 only from animal foods in our diet, deficiencies tend to develop among strict vegetarians, especially vegan children, who eat no animal products. However, the elderly, and those who are unable to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract are also at risk, as well as those who are pregnant or who suffer hemorrhage or intestinal disorders.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average daily U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for people age 14 and older is 2.4 mcg; for adult and adolescent pregnant females, 2.6 mcg; and for adult and adolescent lactating females, 2.8mcg. People over 50 years of age should consume vitamin B12-fortified foods, or take a vitamin B12 supplement – 25-100 mcg per day has been used to maintain vitamin B12 levels in older people. Dr. Weil recommends taking 50 mcg as part of a B-Complex that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including biotin, thiamine, B12, riboflavin and niacin.

How much does a child need?
The NIH recommendation for infants 0 to 6 month is 0.4 mcg; 7-12 months, 0.5 mcg; 1-3 years, 0.9 mcg; 4-8 years, 1.2mcg; and 9-13 years, 1.8 mcg.

How do you get enough vitamin B12 from foods?
Animal-derived foods are the best food sources of vitamin B12, including dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, and shellfish.

Are there any risks associated with too much vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is considered safe and non-toxic.

Are there any other special considerations?
Taking sublingual vitamin B12, which is absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth, is often better for seniors who may have trouble absorbing the vitamin from the stomach.

Vitamin B12 absorption and/or depletion may occur in those who use alcohol excessively, who take antibiotics, use stomach-acid controlling drugs, including H-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, or who take Metformin to treat type 2 diabetes. Nicotine can also lower serum levels of B12.

In addition, potassium supplements can reduce absorption of vitamin B12, and there is some evidence that vitamin C in supplements can interfere with obtaining the vitamin B12 found in foods.

Now that you have the facts about vitamin B, find out which B vitamins are right for you - get your free personalized recommendation from Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor.