The normal range for vitamin B12 can vary slightly depending on the lab. But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally
between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)
. Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing.
What happens when B12 is low?
Having vitamin B12 deficiency means that
your body does not have enough of this vitamin
. You need B12 to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired.
What is a healthy level of B12?
Normal values are
160 to 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)
, or 118 to 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your provider about what your specific test results mean.
What are the first signs of B12 deficiency?
- a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
- a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- mouth ulcers.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- changes in the way that you walk and move around.
- disturbed vision.
- irritability.
- depression.
How long does B12 deficiency take to correct?
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.
What medications should not be taken with B12?
Other medications can also interfere with your uptake of vitamin B12, possibly raising your risk for deficiency. These medications include
antacids and peptic ulcer medications
, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiseizure medications, chemotherapy medications, the diabetes treatment glucophage (Metformin) and others.
What happens when your B12 levels are too high?
However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to
outbreaks of acne and rosacea
, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.
How do you know if you need vitamin B12?
Constipation
, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
Can vitamin B12 damage your liver?
The common forms of vitamin B include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Except for niacin (when given in high doses),
there is no evidence that the other
B vitamins, in physiologic or even super-physiologic high doses cause liver injury or jaundice.
Does B12 help lose belly fat?
The body relies on a variety of vitamins to maintain optimal health, and B12 is among the most important for weight management. If you want to lose excess weight, vitamin B12 is not only energy-enhancing,
it has also been linked to weight loss
.
How long does it take for B12 supplements to work?
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.
Does B12 raise blood pressure?
Vitamin B12
intake was significantly inversely associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure
(P for trend was
Should you take B12 everyday?
While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for
adults is 2.4 micrograms
, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.
What are the two steps required for the body to absorb vitamin B12?
The body absorbs vitamin B12 from food in a two-step process. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein that it's attached to.
Second, the freed vitamin B12 then combines with a protein made by the stomach, called intrinsic factor, and the body absorbs them together
.
What does a B12 deficiency tongue look like?
B12 deficiency will also make the
tongue sore and beefy-red in color
. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
When should I take B12 morning or night?
“Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is
in the morning
, so it won't affect your sleep.
