Who’s at risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Since your body cannot produce B12, you have to get it from your diet and supplementation. But since the nutrient is only found in animal products, if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or eat a mostly plant-based diet, you’re at a greater risk for deficiency. Older adults or those with digestion problems that affect proper absorption of nutrients may also be deficient.
How much vitamin B12 should I take daily, and can I take too much?
The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) of B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg). However, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that your body only absorbs the amount it needs, and any excess passes out of your body through your urine.
How much vitamin B12 should I take daily, and can I take too much?
Because B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s unlikely you would experience any side effects from taking it; However, very high doses above the recommended daily amount may cause dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea or vomiting.
Are there any side effects to taking a vitamin B12 supplement?
Vitamin B12 is intricately involved with energy production within your body, therefore, if you’re deficient or have low levels of the vitamin, increasing your daily B12 intake would mostly likely give you more energy. However, if you already have high levels of B12, you may not experience any difference.