When you're in your 60s you should officially start getting blood tests to test for vitamin B12 deficiency. Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day.
Ideal Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors
In some cases, high doses of 500 to 1000 micrograms per day might be necessary to reverse B12 deficiency.
With that in mind, let's go back to our initial question: how much vitamin B12 should a person over 65 take? Recent reports suggest that, along with a B12-rich diet, consuming 500 micrograms of B12 in the form of a supplement may help individuals over 65 maintain healthy vitamin B12 levels [2].
Vitamin B-12 is an important nutrient for older adults. Many older adults are unable to absorb vitamin B-12 from food sources. Additionally, older adults who consume little to no animal products are at an increased risk for deficiency. Consuming foods fortified with vitamin B-12 is important for older adults.
B-Methylated-II is an excellent option for seniors who may have difficulty swallowing pills, and also have greater needs for folate and B12. Methylfolate and B12 are crucial cofactors in one-carbon metabolism and are both required for the breakdown of homocysteine and in neurological health.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.
The dose of 2000 micrograms of B12 is more than 800 times the recommended daily amount so, on the face of it, this dose seems too high, but as you increase the amount of B12 in your diet, less of a percentage will be absorbed. Before continuing the B12, I would recommend getting your B12 level tested with your doctor.
If you are an older adult, you should be taking a supplement for B12 as well as trying to incorporate B12 into your diet. It is vital for good health and cognitive functioning. Studies continue to show all the ways it is beneficial for your overall health.
Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
A deficiency in any vitamin can be catastrophic for health. But vitamin B12 deficiency stands out because a) it's very common — experts have estimated that up to 20% of older adults may be low in this vitamin — and b) it's often missed by doctors.
Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12. Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems.
B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.
Muscle cramps and weakness
If a B12 deficiency is preventing the body from producing enough red blood cells to get oxygen to muscle tissues, you may experience associated symptoms, like sporadic muscle cramps or weakness [3].
Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid can cause anemia, which can lead to low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. Vitamin B12 helps your body produce red blood cells so that adequate oxygen reaches each and every part of your body, including the heart.
As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
B12 and High Blood Pressure
People with high levels of homocysteine may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. As a result, some speculate that vitamin B12 supplements may be beneficial for people at risk for heart disease, such as those with high blood pressure.
Diet. Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.