Vitamin B12 has a complex, somewhat contradictory relationship with sleep: a deficiency is linked to insomnia and sleep problems, while some studies suggest higher levels might also disrupt sleep or cause sleeplessness in some people, possibly due to its role in energy and melatonin production, with research still exploring its precise impact. It can regulate sleep-wake cycles, but its effects vary, acting as a sleep aid for some deficiency-related issues but potentially causing stimulation for others, highlighting the need for more research.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes fatigue and can significantly impact sleep quality. Without enough B12, the body may struggle to produce enough energy to sustain normal bodily functions, leading to tiredness and lethargy during the day and difficulty sleeping at night.
The RDA for females who are pregnant is 2.6 mcg of vitamin B12 a day. Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. When adding up how much vitamin B12 you are getting, remember to count amounts from foods, drinks, and from any supplements you are taking.
Ideally, no. While there is no scientific evidence recommending against taking B12 at night, because of its role in energy production, it can elicit a stimulatory effect in some people, as do the other B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including: extreme tiredness. a lack of energy.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Morning is the best time to take vitamin B12, ideally on an empty stomach. Here's why: B12 helps convert food into cellular energy (via methylation and ATP production), so taking it earlier supports your body's natural circadian rhythm. Taking it late in the day may increase alertness or interfere with sleep.
While Vitamin B12 is generally safe, potential disadvantages (side effects) can occur, especially with high doses or injections, including headaches, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, skin issues (rash, itching), and rarely, more serious heart or allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis), though toxicity from oral intake is rare as excess is usually excreted. Conversely, a deficiency can cause serious problems like irreversible nerve damage, memory loss, fatigue, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers, making proper intake crucial.
Supplementing vitamin B6 may improve sleep quality and duration. A 2019 study also found that taking a supplement of magnesium, melatonin, and vitamin B complex for 3 months improved sleep and helped treat insomnia.
Vitamin C's stimulating properties may also cause excitability and disrupt sleep quality, leading to insomnia, difficulty sleeping, or unrestful sleep. In addition to insomnia, excessive vitamin C intake can cause side effects such as: Nausea and vomiting. Heartburn, stomach cramps, and digestive issues.
During pregnancy, ensuring adequate vitamin B12 levels is crucial for fetal development and maternal health. The third trimester is especially significant as the fetus undergoes rapid growth and development, necessitating adequate nutrient transfer from the mother.
In fact, some studies have even suggested the opposite. For instance, one study noted that individuals who regularly took vitamin B12 supplements gained between 2.5 to 17 fewer pounds (1.2 to 7.7 kg) over a decade than those who didn't supplement.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Physical symptoms can include: Feeling very tired or weak. Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Not feeling as hungry as usual.
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with insomnia as well as other sleep interruptions by researchers who found the deficiency may double the risk of sleeping less than four hours a night. In addition to supplements, you can increase your vitamin D intake by eating more fresh fish and vitamin-fortified foods.
Sleep deprivation symptoms include cognitive issues (poor focus, memory, decision-making), mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression), physical signs (fatigue, yawning, headaches, weakened immunity), and performance deficits (slowed reactions, increased mistakes, accidents). Severe deprivation can even lead to hallucinations or psychosis, while long-term lack of sleep impacts weight, heart health, and hormonal balance.
5 Symptoms That Indicate High Vitamin B12 Levels
People may experience frequent episodes of dizziness with no apparent cause. Headaches may be persistent and more intense than common tension headaches.
When taken at recommended doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 mcg and 10 to 12 mcg for older adults.
Vitamin B12 does a lot of important things for your body. It helps create your DNA and red blood cells, for example. Your body also needs B12 for the development of your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).
In conclusion, our results show that lower vitamin B12 was associated with insomnia symptoms and sleepiness in specific groups of participants. However, further research with objective measurements of sleep is crucial to assess the relationship between sleep and vitamin B12.
Lane recommends waiting at least 60 minutes between consuming coffee and supplements—especially for iron, magnesium, and B12.
Hydroxocobalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Organ meats and shellfish are the richest dietary sources, with a 3-ounce (85 g) serving of cooked clams providing approximately 84.1 µg, while beef liver contains about 70.7 µg. Fatty fish, such as trout and salmon, supply 5.4 µg and 4.8 µg per 3-ounce serving, respectively.