What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is commonly found in many foods like fish, shellfish, meats and dairy products. Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. The human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12. Therefore, it is extremely rare for someone to have a vitamin deficiency. Elderly are the most at risk. Also, strict vegetarians or vegans who are not taking proper amounts of B12 ...
Side Effects
Diarrhea, hives, hypokalemia (low level of potassium in the blood), itching, peripheral vascular thrombosis (blocked peripheral arteries), rash, rosacea (reddening of the face), skin eruption, vision loss.
Reactions / Interactions
Alcohol (ethanol), aminosalicylic acid (para-aminosalicylic acid, PAS, paser), antibiotics, birth control pills, chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®), cobalt irradiation, colchicine, colestipol (Colestid®), cholestyramine (Questran®), H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine), metformin (Glucophage®), neomycin, nicotine, nitrous oxide, phenytoin (Dilantin®), phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline®), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), zidovudine (Combivir®, Retrovir®), folic acid, potassium, vitami...
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is commonly found in many foods like fish, shellfish, meats and dairy products. Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. The human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12. Therefore, it is extremely rare for someone to have a vitamin deficiency. Elderly are the most at risk. Also, strict vegetarians or vegans who are not taking proper amounts of B12 are also prone to a deficiency.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, hives, hypokalemia (low level of potassium in the blood), itching, peripheral vascular thrombosis (blocked peripheral arteries), rash, rosacea (reddening of the face), skin eruption, vision loss.
Reactions / Interactions
Alcohol (ethanol), aminosalicylic acid (para-aminosalicylic acid, PAS, paser), antibiotics, birth control pills, chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®), cobalt irradiation, colchicine, colestipol (Colestid®), cholestyramine (Questran®), H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine), metformin (Glucophage®), neomycin, nicotine, nitrous oxide, phenytoin (Dilantin®), phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline®), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), zidovudine (Combivir®, Retrovir®), folic acid, potassium, vitamin c, and other herbs and supplements with similar effects.
Safety
Avoid vitamin B12 supplements if allergic or hypersensitive to cobalamin, cobalt or any other product ingredients. Avoid with coronary stents (mesh tube that holds clogged arteries open) and Leber's disease. Use cautiously if undergoing angioplasty. Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe when taken in amounts that are not higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The highest dose of vitamin B12 that is safe for pregnant women is 2.6mcg daily and 2.8mcg during breastfeeding. There is not enough scientific data available about the safety of larger amounts of vitamin B12 during pregnancy.
Dosage
Adults (18 years and older)
Recommended daily allowances (RDAs): 2.4mg/day for adults and teenagers aged 14 years and older; 2.6mcg/day for adult and teenage pregnant females; 2.8mcg/day for adult and teenage lactating females. Because 10-30% of older people do not absorb food-bound vitamin B12 very well, those older than 50 years of age should eat foods fortified with B12 or take a vitamin B12 supplement. Supplementation of 25-100mcg per day has been taken in older people.
Children (18 years and younger)
Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs): The RDA and Adequate intake (AI) levels of vitamin B12 are: infants 0-6 months, 0.4mcg (AI); infants 7-12 months, 0.5mcg (AI); children 1-3 years, 0.9mcg; children 4-8 years, 1.2mcg; children 9-13 years, 1.8mcg.
Evidence
Condition: Blood abnormality (pernicious anemia) Grade: A
Condition: Low red blood cell count (megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia) Grade: A
Condition: Vitamin B12 deficiency Grade: A
Condition: Alzheimer's disease Grade: C
Condition: Angioplasty Grade: C
Condition: Breast cancer Grade: C
Condition: Fatigue (weakness) Grade: C
Condition: Heart disease Grade: C
Condition: High cholesterol Grade: C
Condition: Imerslund-Grasbeck disease (unable to absorb cobalamin) Grade: C
Condition: Shaky leg syndrome Grade: C
Condition: Sickle cell disease (red blood cell disorder) Grade: C
Condition: Circadian rhythm sleep disorders Grade: D
Condition: Lung cancer Grade: D
Condition: Stroke Grade: D
Condition: Leber's disease (vision loss) Grade: F
Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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