How Much Of Vitamin B12 Do You Need?

The human body requires adequate supplies of vitamin B-12 to aid in nerve function and red blood cell production. How much vitamin B-12 your body needs varies depending on your age and health status. If you're not sure how much vitamin B-12 you need each day, seek additional guidance from your medical provider.

For Males and Females 14 and Older

The recommended daily dose of vitamin B-12 for males and females ages 14 and older is 2.4 micrograms, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary sources of this nutrient primarily include meat products, such as poultry, fish, beef, eggs and dairy. Anyone who maintains a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle may need to supplement their daily diet with a B-12 vitamin. However, children under the age of 18 should not take vitamin B-12 supplements unless directed to do so by a medical professional.

For Pregnant or Breast-feeding Mothers

The daily vitamin B-12 requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation. An expectant mother should get 2.6 micrograms of vitamin B-12 daily to keep herself and her developing fetus healthy. While breast-feeding, mothers should maintain a daily intake of 2.8 micrograms of vitamin B-12. Nursing mothers need even more of this nutrient because they pass some of it to their baby through their breast milk.

For Children

Preteen and young children require less vitamin B-12 each day than adolescents or adults. The recommended daily dose of this nutrient is 1.8 micrograms for children ages 9 to 13, 1.2 micrograms for children ages 4 to 8, and 0.9 micrograms for children ages 1 to 3.

For Babies

Newborns need 0.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12 each day up until they are 7 months old. Infants, ages 7 to 12 months, need to increase their vitamin B-12 intakes slightly to 0.5 micrograms daily. Typically, babies get enough of this nutrient from consuming their mothers' breast milk. Mothers who chose to bottle-feed rather than breast-feed should make sure they provide their infants with formula fortified with vitamin B-12. Consult your pediatrician if you are concerned that your baby isn't getting enough vitamin B-12 on a regular basis.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Symptoms

If you don't get the recommended amount of vitamin B-12 each day, you may be at risk of developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Symptoms associated with this type of nutrient deficiency include pale skin, bowel movement changes, diminished appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and shortness of breath. Nerve damage may also occur and may cause numbness in your extremities, poor balance, confusion or depression. Treatment for vitamin B-12 deficiency typically involves the use of vitamin B-12 supplements. However, seek care from your doctor if you develop vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.