In one 8-week study in 100 older adults, supplementing with 500 mcg of vitamin B12 were found to normalize B12 levels in 90% of participants. Higher doses of up to 1,000 mcg (1 mg) may be necessary for some ( 10 ).
How many mcg of B12 should I take daily?
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.
How often should I take 500 mcg of B12?
In some cases, doctors may recommend high doses — more than 1,000 micrograms (mcg) per day. A recent study found that for seniors, a daily dose of 500 micrograms was efficient in reversing the signs of B12 deficiency. In general, experts recommend 2.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day for people over the age of 14.
Is 500 a good B12 level?
The vitamin B12 standard reference range is 200–700 pg/ml whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml [10]. Higher vitamin B12 ranges have been associated with increased cognitive function, and reflexes, decreased brain atrophy, confusion, weakness and depression [10].
How much B12 should I take 1000 mcg?
The recommended dose for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is 1000 mcg daily. The recommended dose for preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is 1500 mg or 2500 mcg (sublingual tablets) daily. The dose for treating hyperhomocysteinemia is 400 mg daily in combination with folic acid.
Is 2.4 mcg the same as 1000 mcg?
2.4mcg is only approximately 1/250th of 1000mcg.
Is 1000mcg too much B12?
A dose of 1,000 mcg or more is considered a high dose of vitamin B12, which is about 400% of the daily requirement of 2.4 mcg.
Is 300 mcg of B12 too much?
Supplementation of 25-100 mcg per day has been used to maintain vitamin B12 levels in older people. For vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 doses of 300-10,000 mcg daily have been used. However, some evidence suggests that the most effective oral dose is between 647-1032 mcg daily.
Is 5000 mcg of B12 too much?
Is 5000 mcg of B12 too much? A dosage of 5000 mcg of Vitamin B12 has been deemed a safe dosing amount. In fact, it is often recommended for those who have a health condition that affects their B12 absorption. Consultation with a qualified health professional is always recommended.
What does MCG mean in vitamin B12?
The amount of vitamin B12 you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts for different ages are listed below in micrograms (mcg): Life Stage. Recommended Amount. Birth to 6 months.
What is a concerning level of B12?
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. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
Is B12 level of 1500 too high?
There is no consensus on the definition of high or elevated B12. Previous studies have chosen a variety of levels to represent high or very high B12 (pmol/l) levels. Some examples include: 664.219; 5131; 700 (high) and 1500 (very high)11; and 601 (high) and 1000 (very high)10.
What is considered a high B12 level?
An elevated B12 is generally defined as a level higher than the upper limit of the normal range, around 1000 ± 100 ng/L (738 ± 73.8 pmol/L)2,3,4.
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a week?
Most vitamin B12 supplements contain a 500 mcg, 1,000 mcg, or even 5,000 mcg dosage per pill. If your doctor hasn’t advised you otherwise, taking a pill of 1,000 mcg once a week is the best choice. 5,000 mcg are too much for healthy people.
Is it OK to take 100 mcg of B12 a day?
People over 50 years of age are advised to eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 or to take a vitamin B12 supplement. 25-100 mcg daily has been taken by mouth to maintain vitamin B12 levels in older adults.
