How much vitamin B12 should a senior take?

Dosages for Older People
Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day. Not only does this mean consciously eating foods that contain vitamin B12 but it also means that you should ingest this vitamin as a supplement. By taking supplements, you will ensure that your body absorbs vitamin B12.

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Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day for seniors?

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.

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What is the recommended B12 level for seniors?

What is the Normal Level of Vitamin B12 in Elderly Adults? A blood test showing a serum vitamin B12 level between 300 and 350 pg/mL is ideal for seniors, while anything between 200 and 900 pg/mL is considered normal. An elderly person should be getting 2.5 micrograms of B12 per day.

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Should elderly take vitamin B12?

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.

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Is too much B12 bad for seniors?

Dosages for Older People

By taking supplements, you will ensure that your body absorbs vitamin B12. Additionally, there is no way that you will overdose on B12, so don't worry about taking too much.

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The Optimal Vitamin B12 Dosage for Adults

29 related questions found

What is the downside of taking vitamin B12?

Safety and side effects

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.

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What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.
  • rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
  • headaches.
  • indigestion.
  • loss of appetite.
  • palpitations.
  • problems with your vision.
  • feeling weak or tired.
  • diarrhoea.

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What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults?

Common risk factors for low vitamin B12 levels in older adults include: Low levels of stomach acid. This can be due to weakening of the stomach lining (also known as “atrophic gastritis”), or to medications that reduce stomach acid.

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Is 1000 mg of B12 too much to take daily?

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.

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Can I take vitamin D and B12 together?

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.

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What happens if B12 is 1000?

A B12 ≥ 1000 ng/L was associated with the presence of solid cancer without metastases (OR 1.96 [95%CI: 1.18 to 3.25]) and with metastases (OR 4.21 [95%CI: 2.67 to 6.64]) after adjustment for all elevated B12-related causes.

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What are the benefits of taking B12 1000 mg?

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.

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Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

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.

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Which organ is commonly affected in vitamin B12 deficiency?

If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.

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What foods should be avoided if you have B12 deficiency?

It's harder to get your B12 from food if you're on a strict plant-based diet. That means you don't eat any animal products, including eggs or dairy. Your doctor will likely suggest taking a daily or weekly dietary supplement to keep your levels up.

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How can I tell if I am low on B12?

Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin. A smooth tongue.

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How can I tell if my B12 levels are low?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

extreme tiredness. a lack of energy. pins and needles (paraesthesia) a sore and red tongue.

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How soon do you feel less tired after a B12 tablets?

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.

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Is it good to take vitamin B12 tablets everyday?

You should be able to get all the vitamin B12 you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin B12 supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 2mg or less a day of vitamin B12 in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

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Why should you not take B12 at night?

Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.

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Is 2000 mg of B12 too much to take daily?

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.

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Can you accidentally take too much B12?

Can you overdose on vitamin B12? Overdosing on vitamin B12 is unlikely. Because vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin and your body excretes it daily in your urine, it doesn't build up in the body like fat-soluble vitamins—like vitamin D—do.

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Can I take magnesium and B12 together?

Can I take magnesium and vitamin B together? Yes, as B vitamins and magnesium don't compete for absorption inside your body. Indeed, many supplements combine them as a way of simplifying how you monitor your intake.

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