If you experience morning grogginess, you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for nerve and brain function. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include lack of desire or motivation to start the day, performing poorly on cognitive tasks, and feeling tired after waking up. These are also symptoms of depression. In fact, Syd Baumel, author of "Dealing with Depression Naturally," says 10 to 30 percent of people with depression have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor before taking a vitamin B12 supplement for morning grogginess to see if it is an appropriate treatment for you.
Step 1
Place a vitamin B12 dot under your tongue after breakfast. A vitamin B12 dot is a hybrid between a vitamin pill and liquid drops. They dissolve under the tongue within a few seconds. Vitamin B12 dots are available in a variety of dosages, typically about 5,000 mcg per dot. The National Institutes of Health recommends 2.4 mcg daily of vitamin B12, but you can take way more if you are having grogginess symptoms. There is no upper limit for B12 because it's water-soluble, so excess amounts leave the body in urine. The body can build up stores of it, but the chances for toxicity are considered quite low.
Step 2
Place one full dropper of liquid vitamin B12 under your tongue. Try not to swallow the liquid, as swallowing the drops will take a little longer for absorption. The purpose of taking the liquid form of vitamin B12 is for faster absorption, as it bypasses the digestive process and goes directly into the bloodstream.
Step 3
Take a multivitamin supplement each day with fortified cereal if you are over the age of 50. People over 50 might have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12. For people in this age group, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends taking a daily multivitamin with fortified cereal in the morning to ensure a daily dose of 6 to 30 mcg of vitamin B12 each day.
Tips and Warnings
- According to Drugs.com, if you miss your vitamin B12 dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is too close to your next daily dose, do not take a double dose of vitamin B12.
Things You'll Need
- Sublingual dots
- Liquid vitamin B12 drops
- Multivitamins
- Fortified cereals
References
- "Dealing with Depression Naturally"; Syd Baumel; 2000
- National Institutes of Health: Dietary Reference Intakes
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide with Web Resources"; Amy Karch; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B12
- Drugs.com: B12 Dots
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