Vitamin B-12 is commonly referred to as cobalamin due to its metal ion component of cobalt. This micronutrient is an essential catalyst to many processes in the body, including metabolism regulation and blood cell production. Although it is sometimes difficult to get enough vitamin B-12 through diet alone, getting too much vitamin B-12 is a less common occurrence.
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that excess amounts of vitamin B-12 are excreted in the urine and do not linger in the tissues. Since the body is incapable of storing this vitamin, toxicity cannot build up over time. Most of the problems with vitamin B-12 happen due to insufficient intake. Even in a healthy individual, only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg pill will be absorbed in the body.
Availability
A minuscule 2.4 mcg per day is recommended for most healthy adults. Before the fortification of foods, strict vegetarians had to use vitamin B-12 supplements to keep this vitamin in their body. Primarily in animal foods, vitamin B-12 is present in shellfish, meat, eggs and dairy. Vitamin B-12 is also added to cereals and fortified wheat products. Just 3 oz. of steamed clams provide 84 mcg of this vitamin. Over-the-counter vitamins such as the B complex contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-12. Prescription injections and intranasal supplements are intended for those with severe deficiencies.
Absorption Issues
Since many populations cannot get enough vitamin B-12 in their diet, getting too much is rarely a cause for concern. Those over the age of 50 may have B-12 deficiencies due to a decrease in hydrochloric acid production resulting in an inability to break down and store this nutrient. People who have had gastric surgeries or cancers may not have the capability to extract this vitamin from the intestines. Those with pernicious anemia lack the intrinsic factors necessary for absorption.
Interactions
Vitamin B-12 has the potential to interact with prescription medications. This is not a concern for people getting the majority of their B-12 from diet, but it can affect those using B-12 supplements. Using B-12 with certain antibiotics can decrease the vitamin's ability to stimulate blood cell production. The absorption of vitamin B-12 can decrease with concomitant use of prescription and over-the-counter medications used for heartburn, such as proton pump inhibitors or oral drugs for diabetes.
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