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How to make up for vitamin B12 deficiency

How do you make up a vitamin B12 deficiency quickly? Advice from a nutritionist

The clinical nutritionist shows how to make up for vitamin B12 deficiency and the best sources of vitamin B12.

AuthorNina Wawryszuk

Author

Nina Wawryszuk

Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

Learn more about our editorial process

Reviewed byAlexandra Cudna-Bartnicka

Verified by an expert

Reviewed by

Alexandra Cudna-Bartnicka

Clinical nutritionist

Clinical nutritionist whose main area of interest is nutrition in diseases and functional disorders of the digestive system.

Learn more about our editorial process

Edited byBart Turczynski

Edited by

Bart Turczynski

Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

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Fact-checkingLudwik Jelonek

Fact-checking

Ludwik Jelonek

Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

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How do you make up a vitamin B12 deficiency quickly? Advice from a nutritionist

Updated:03 December, 2024

14 min

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It has happened. You hold the test results in your hands - you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. You want to say goodbye to this condition and its unpleasant symptoms as soon as possible.

Unfortunately - you can quickly get nauseous from making up for this deficiency by eating liver for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I have a better idea - perhaps the question should be: how do you effectively make up the deficiency and not allow it again? Together with clinical nutritionist Aleksandra Cudna, we will advise you on how to supplement vitamin B12 deficiency in a healthy and long-lasting way.

From this article you will learn:

How to supply your body with vitamin B12 from your diet.
How to get vitamin B12 from your diet.
How to consume vitamin B12 supplements so that they work.
How to take vitamin B12 supplements.
How to know if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
How much vitamin B12 per day do you need.

See also:

Vitamin B12 in a pill

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is one of the B vitamins. It is essential for the normal functioning of many processes in the body such as red blood cell production, nervous system function, metabolism, cognitive ability and immune system functionand.

The body is unable to produce it, so you must supply it from food. The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal products and in particular offal .

How to replenish vitamin B12 deficiency quickly?

To quickly supplement vitamin B12 deficiency, consume animal products: meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. Mussels have the highest amount of vitamin B12 - they contain up to 90 µg. People on a plant-based diet should supplement vitamin B12 from dietary supplements at a dose of 2.4 µg per day.

To make up for a vitamin B12 deficiency, you need to increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet or consider supplementation. It's simple, but it won't work if you suddenly start being on a strict meat diet or buy a mega-giga-max-B12 supplement and cyclist, after the problem.

Blockquote doses will not immediately raise vitamin B12 concentrations, it takes time to do so. And sudden, drastic changes in diet, such as a significant increase in meat if there has been less of it up to now, can cause gastrointestinal complaints.

Alexandra Cudna Clinical nutritionist

It's time to make changes to your diet and lifestyle so you don't have any more vitamin B12 deficiency problems.

What to do? Below is a checklist with an action plan.

Take a blood tests for vitamin B12 levels and check how much deficiency there is.
Consult your doctor about whether your deficiency requires dietary supplements or medication.
Check out the best sources of vitamin B12 and choose the most nutritious ones for you.
If your doctor has recommended supplementation, take it daily - regularity is key to your body's health.
Climit stimulants (cigarettes, alcohol, coffee), which reduce the absorption of vitamin B12.
Schedule a test of vitamin B12 concentrations after 3 months of treatment.

How long does it take to supplement vitamin B12 in the body?

How long it takes to supplement vitamin B12 in the body depends on the extent of the deficiency and can be several or several weeks. The key is to provide this vitamin from food or to systematically take dietary supplements, or prescription drugs with vitamin B12.

Consult your doctor, who can best assess how much vitamin B12 you need and when to do a follow-up test.

Storage of vitamin B12 is accumulated in the liver and can last for 2-5 years. After this time, in the absence of dietary sources of B12, the body may start to signal that its reserves are running out. Therefore, changing to a vegan diet will not immediately cause symptoms due to a deficiency of this vitamin.

Alexandra Cudna Clinical nutritionist

How to improve the absorption of vitamin B12?

To improve the absorption of vitamin B12, it is worth taking it with folic acid (vitamin B9), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and biotin (vitamin B7). A good option is to buy b complex vitamins. Vitamin B12 bioavailability can also increase vitamin A or calcium.

What to eat for vitamin B12 deficiency?

When deficient in vitamin B12, it is recommended to eat foods naturally rich in this vitamin - especially lamb, poultry and pork liver. These meats contain (depending on origin and processing) 18-85 micrograms of vitamin B12, and a 100g serving covers the daily requirement.

But that's not all that's worth having on the menu. If you're a foodie, check which sources of this vitamin you'll enjoy the most. Which products contain vitamin B12and?

Animal sources of vitamin B12

. .

Source .	Quantity of vitamin B12 in 100 g .
Meal	90 µg
lamb liver	85 µg
Pork liver	26 µg
Poultry liver	18 µg
tuna	10.9 µg
sardines	9 µg
rainbow trout	7.5 µg
Beef	5.8 µg
blood	2.8 µg
camembert	1.3 µg
hen's eggs	1.1 µg .
fortified milk .	1 µg
cheddar	0.89 µg

Animal foods are rich in a well-absorbed form of vitamin B12 and effectively supplement it in the diet.

Alexandra Cudna Clinical nutritionist

Important

The bioavailability (bioavailability) of vitamin B12 from the above products varies. Vitamin B12 is absorbed approximately 50-90% from meat, 30-42% from fish 9-36% from eggsand.

Vitamin B12 bioavailability also depends on the condition of the gastric mucosa, medications taken (e.g. metformin, antacids, hormonal contraception) and known medical conditions (e.g. SIBO, coeliac disease) .

Vegetable or other sources of vitamin B12

. .

Source .	Quantity of vitamin B12 in 100 g .
fortified yeast	117 µg
fortified cereal flakes	Depending on manufacturer 6-21 µg .
fortified vegetable beverages	depending on the manufacturer, on average 0.4 .

The nice thing is that you can buy fortified (i.e. enriched) products with vitamin B12. The most common are breakfast cereals, bars and plant-based drinks. However, they are not 'packed' enough with vitamin B12 to be sufficient to cover your daily requirement.

You would need to eat about 300g of Corn Flakes (from Gluten Free) or drink about 600ml of sugar-free almond milk (from Alpro).

It is estimated that you are able to get around 0.2-0.5 µg of vitamin B12 per day from fortified products, which is far too littleand.

In which fruits is vitamin B12 present?

Vitamin B12 is not found in fruit and vegetables. The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal foods. However, remember to still make room every day for fruit and vegetables, which may not contain cobalamin, but are a source of other vitamins, minerals and valuable fibre.

Important

Alcohol interferes with the absorption and storage of vitamin B12. It hinders the absorption of supplementation and can exacerbate deficiencies. Do not drink alcohol, especially if your blood tests have shown you to be vitamin B12 deficient.

Which vitamin B12 supplement to choose?

If you cannot get vitamin B12 from your diet - consider supplementation. Ilona Krzak, MSc in pharmacy, advises on what to look for when choosing a product.

Form of vitamin B12

Choose methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin, as they are best absorbed in the body.

Some dietary supplements contain edible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which usually have "pseudo-vitamin B12" in the formulation. This form is inactive in humans and will not work.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

Dosage

One pill with an impactful dose? Sounds tempting, but... no. The key is to consume vitamin B12 systematically, preferably in several smaller daily doses.

There is a vitamin B12 transport factor in our body of which we have a limited amount. It makes no sense to ingest a large dose at once, as we will absorb as much as this internal factor will allow.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

For sucking

Dr Jacob's Melatonin + B12

4.8

Active ingredients: melatonin, vitamin B12
Form: sucking pastilles
Dosage: 1 lozenge per day
Sufficient for: 60 days

See price

Product description

Sweet pleasures in the evening are rather forbidden. Well, unless it's cherry lozenges with melatonin and vitamin B12, whichóre going to improve the quality of your sleep.

One tablet in the evening will shorten your sleep time and stop you waking up.

One tablet in the evening will shortenóyour time to fall asleep and stop you waking up during the night. The addition of vitamin B12 will improve the functioning of the nervous system, making you even better rested.

The following tablets will help to improve the quality of your sleep.

Pros and cons

Sweet pleasures in the evening are rather forbidden. Well, unless it's cherry lozenges with melatonin and vitamin B12, whichóre going to improve the quality of your sleep.

One tablet in the evening will shorten your sleep time and stop you waking up.

The following tablets will help to improve the quality of your sleep.

Additional information

Sweet pleasures in the evening are rather forbidden. Well, unless it's cherry lozenges with melatonin and vitamin B12, whichóre going to improve the quality of your sleep.

One tablet in the evening will shorten your sleep time and stop you waking up.

The following tablets will help to improve the quality of your sleep.

User review

Sweet pleasures in the evening are rather forbidden. Well, unless it's cherry lozenges with melatonin and vitamin B12, whichóre going to improve the quality of your sleep.

One tablet in the evening will shorten your sleep time and stop you waking up.

The following tablets will help to improve the quality of your sleep.

Natu.Care editor's choiceOur product

Natu.Care B-complex Formula

5.0

Active ingredients (in the recommended portion):
- vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- vitamin B3 (niacin)
- vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- vitamin B6
- biotin (vitamin B7)
- folic acid (vitamin B9)
- vitamin B12
Who is it for and what for?

The product is intended for adults who wish to supplement their diet with B vitamins in one cohesive formula, rather than reaching for individual preparations.
Form:

Capsules allow for convenient and precise use of the product as part of daily supplementation.
Daily portion:

The recommended daily portion is 1 capsule, taken according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
Lasts for:

The product lasts for 60 days of use, according to the information provided by the manufacturer.

Check Price

Over 100,000 happy customers

Product Description

B-Complex Formula is a dietary supplement containing a complete set of B vitamins, designed for the daily supplementation of adults' diets. The product has been developed as an organised form of supplementation, without combining ingredients with stimulating additives. It serves as a consistent element of daily nutritional routine.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

complete set of B vitamins in one preparation
simple, clear formula
convenient capsule form

Cons:

product intended solely for adults
pregnant women should consult usage before use
requires regular use

Ideal for vegans

SOLGAR natural vitamin B12

5.0

Active ingredients: vitamin B12
Form: tablets
Packaging: 100 tablets
Dose: 1 tablet daily
Sufficient for: 100 days

See price

Product description

The dietary supplement is a source of valuable vitamin B12 in a form that is easily absorbed by humans - cyanocobalamin. This biologically active form of vitamin B12 has many very important protective functions for the body.

Vitamin B12 supports the functioning of the immune system. It also contributes to reducing feelings of fatigue and tiredness. Its important function is also to take part in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid thatós naturally formed in the human body.

Vitamin B12 is a very important protective function.

Pros and cons

Vitamin B12 is a very important protective function.

Additional information

Vitamin B12 is a very important protective function.

User review

Vitamin B12 is a very important protective function.

High dose

Aura Herbals Vitamin B Complex drops

4.8

Active ingredients: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B9, B12
Dosage: 15 drops daily
Packaging size: 30 ml (60 daily servings)
Sufficient for: 2 months

See price

Product description

Vegan drops with a complex of B vitamins. A daily serving covers 100% of the requirement for these vitamins. B vitamins are important for the proper functioning of the body, especially for the nervous system, metabolism and energy production.

Pros and cons

Additional information

MyBestB12Complex+

4.8

Active ingredients:
A complex of all B vitamins and selected adaptogens: ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea; plant-based vitamin B12
For whom and why?
For adults – supports energy levels, brain functions, the nervous system, and helps cope with stress and fatigue
Form:
Vegan capsules
Daily dose:
1 capsule in the morning, preferably during or after a meal; can be taken cyclically or daily
Sufficient for:
30 days of use

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Product Description

B12Complex+ MyBestPharm is a dietary supplement in capsule form, containing:

a composition of all 8 B vitamins: thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and biotin,
additionally supplemented with 4 plant extracts: from ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, bacopa monnieri leaves, and buckwheat seeds.

The MyBestB12 Complex+ capsules are suitable for vegans as they do not contain animal-derived ingredients. The preparation uses plant-based vitamin B12 and other ingredients derived solely from plants, which are enclosed in a cellulose capsule without gelatin.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comprehensive blend of all B vitamins + adaptogens – versatile supportive action
Vegan formula – free from lactose, gluten, and fillers
Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea) help cope with stress and support brain functions
Convenient and easy-to-swallow capsules
Good user reviews – praised for energy effects and improved well-being

Cons:

Dietary supplement – not a medicine; consultations required for individuals with diseases or taking medications
Daily dose of 1 capsule – requires consistency for noticeable effects
Not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor
Time to effect – improvement in energy and mood usually noticeable after several weeks of use

Kenay Vitamin B-Complex LipoCellTech

4.7

Active ingredients:
Liposomal complex of active vitamins B¹–B₁₂ (thiamine TPP, riboflavin-5-phosphate, B6 P-5-P, B5, biotin, methylcobalamin) and NADH, PABA, and bamboo leaf extract (source of silica).
For whom and why?
For adults – supports energy levels, metabolism, the nervous system, cognitive functions, heart health, and body regeneration.
Form:
Vegetarian capsules (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), 60 pcs.
Daily dose:
1 capsule between meals
Sufficient for:
60 days of use

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Product Description

Kenay^® Vitamin B-Complex LipoCellTech is a dietary supplement containing B vitamins in a bioavailable form. The Vcaps^® capsule formula is suitable as a supplement to the daily diet of adults, especially those seeking vegan supplementation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comprehensive formula contains all active forms of B vitamins
Liposomal technology (LipoCellTech): better absorption and utilisation of ingredients
Content of NADH and PABA enhances the synergistic action of vitamins
Addition of bamboo extract with silica supports tissue functions
Product suitable for vegans, gluten-free, lactose-free, GMO-free, preservative-free, and dye-free

Cons:

This is a supplement, not a medicine — medical consultation required for chronic diseases
One capsule daily — requires consistent use
Not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without a doctor's consent
Higher price than basic B vitamins — but justified by form and bioavailability

Now Foods B-50

4.8

Active ingredients:
Each capsule contains 50 mg of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B5 (pantothenic acid), 680 µg of folates (400 µg of folic acid), 50 µg of B12 (cyanocobalamin), biotin (50 µg), plus choline (50 mg), PABA (25 mg), and inositol (25 mg) – B vitamins in a form easily absorbed by the body
Who is it for and why?
For adults – supports energy production, the nervous system, homocysteine metabolism, and replenishes B-vitamin deficiencies, particularly in vegans and individuals with varied diets
Form:
Vegan capsules (pullulan coating, vegan product)
Daily portion:
1 capsule daily, preferably during meals
Sufficient for:
100 days of use (1 package = 100 capsules)

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Product Description

Now Foods B-50 is a dietary supplement in capsule form containing a complex of B vitamins. These vitamins include: thiamine, riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, it is enriched with choline and inositol.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comprehensive, high doses of B vitamins along with choline, PABA, and inositol
Vegan formula – free from gluten, lactose, GMO, and soy
Supports energy production, nervous system health, and metabolism
Non-GMO, Kosher, Halal, GMP certifications ensure quality and safety

Cons:

Niacin (50 mg) may cause a "flush" (skin redness) in sensitive individuals
This is a supplement, not a medication – consult a doctor for health issues
B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin – those preferring the methylated form may seek another product
Biotin content may affect the results of some laboratory tests – it is advisable to inform your doctor

Naturell Витамин B Комплекс Форте

4.8

Активни съставки:
В една таблетка: витамин B1 (3,3 mg), B2 (4,2 mg), B3 (60 mg), B5 (18 mg), B6 (4,2 mg), B7 (биотин 150 µg), B9 (фолиева киселина 600 µg) и B12 (метилкобаламин 7,5 µg) – всеки витамин представлява 300–375 % RWS.
За кого и за какво?
За възрастни – особено активни физически и познавателно, стресирани, възстановяващи се и вегани – поддържа енергийния метаболизъм, нервната система, имунитета и намаляване на умората.
Форма:
Вегански таблетки, без захар, лактоза, глутен и оцветители.
Дневна доза:
1 таблетка, най-добре по време на хранене.
Достатъчно за:
120 дни (4 месеца при дневна доза).

Провери цената

Описание на продукта

Naturell Витамин B Complex Forte е хранителна добавка под формата на таблетки с високо съдържание на витамини от група B: ниацин, пантотенова киселина, рибофлавин, витамин B6, тиамин, фолиева киселина, биотин и витамин B12. Комплексът от 8 витамина B е разработен с цел допълване на ежедневната диета на възрастни хора.

Плюсове и минуси

Плюсове:

Съдържа пълния спектър от витамини от група B в активни форми – комплексна подкрепа практически за всички метаболитни функции.
Метилкобаламин (форма на B12) се характеризира с по-добра бионаличност и усвояемост от организма.
Опаковка от 120 таблетки – икономично решение за дългосрочна добавка.
Продуктът е вегански и без алергени – без глутен, без лактоза и оцветители.
Продуктът получава много добри отзиви – средната оценка е около 4.8–4.9/5, потребителите хвалят ефективността и добрата усвояемост.

Минуси:

Висока доза ниацин (60 mg) може да предизвика леко „flush” (зачервяване на кожата) при чувствителни лица.
Това е добавка, не лекарство – при здравословни проблеми се препоръчва медицинска консултация.
Присъствието на фолати и B12 означава, че не трябва да се използват други добавки, съдържащи витамини от група B, без консултация с лекар.
Въпреки че опаковката е икономична, голямото количество таблетки изисква систематичност и подходящо съхранение.

Hauster Homocyne

4.8

Активни съставки:
В една капсула: ниацин 500 mg, рибофлавин 50 mg, витамин B6 (P‑5‑P) 25 mg, биотин 1000 µg, метилкобаламин (B12) 300 µg, фолати под формата на 5‑MTHF (Quatrefolic®) 300 µg.
За кого и за какво?
За възрастни – помага за поддържане на нормално ниво на хомоцистеин в кръвта, което е важно за профилактика на сърдечно-съдови заболявания. Препоръчва се при повишено ниво на хомоцистеин, недостиг на фолати и при хора с мутация на гена MTHFR – особено в страни с висок дял на тази мутация.
Форма:
Растителни капсули с l‑левцин и инулин – подходящи за вегани, без изкуствени добавки и пълнители, в стъклено опаковане.
Дневна доза:
1 капсула дневно.
Достатъчно за:
120 дни употреба при препоръчителна доза.

Провери цената

Homocyne® е хранителна добавка, която е концентриран източник на кофактори. Специално подбраната формула на препарата представлява комбинация от най-добре усвоими, биоактивни форми на витамини, включително патентованата активна форма на фолиева киселина, а именно (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic (5-MTHF) Quatrefolic®, допълнена с ниацин, рибофлавин, витамин B6, B12 и биотин в високи дози.

Плюсове и минуси

Плюсове:

Комплекс от витамини B в активни форми, включително метилкобаламин и 5‑MTHF – максимална бионаличност
Висока доза кофактори за метаболизма на хомоцистеина – ефективна подкрепа
Подходящ за вегани, свободен от ГМО, лактоза, глутен, консерванти и оцветители
Стъклена опаковка – екологична и безопасна за съдържанието
Препоръчва се при риск от хиперхомоцистеинемия и сърдечно-съдови заболявания

Минуси:

Много високи дози витамини B – могат да предизвикат силен „flush“ (зачервяване на кожата), особено при чувствителни на ниацин
Добавка, не лекарство – изисква консултация с лекар при хронични заболявания или прием на други лекарства
Не се препоръчва за бременни и кърмещи жени – не използвайте без консултация
Ефектите изискват дългосрочна терапия (няколко седмици) и мониторинг на нивото на хомоцистеина чрез изследвания
Поради високата доза, приемането на повече от 1 капсула на ден изисква внимание

And maybe injections?

Vitamin B12 injections are only available by prescription. The injection is given intramuscularly or deep subcutaneously. They are prescribed for anemia megaloblastic, neuropathy and acute vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be life-threatening and health-threatening.

How much vitamin B12 per day do I need to consume?

Vitamin B12 dosage depends on your age and health status. Check out the current recommendations belowand.

Age .	Daily requirement for vitamin B12 .
Infants up to 6 months
Newborns up to 6 months.	0.4 µg .
Children from 7 to 12 months	0.5 µg
Children from 1 to 3 years of age .	0.9 µg
Children from 4 to 6 years of age
.	1.2 µg .
Children from 9 to 12 years of age	1.8 µg .
Persons over 13 years of age	2.4 µg .
Pregnant women	2.6 µg .
Breastfeeding women .	2.8 µg .

How do I know if I have a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Sclerosis, numbness in the hands or hair loss do not confirm a cobalamin deficiency. They may be indicative of other conditions.

A vitamin B12 deficiency will be confirmed by a blood test. Don't tell from clots or a tuft of hair - ask your GP for a referral.

And what should prompt a referral?

And what should prompt you to get tested?"

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency includeand:

headaches and dizziness,
weakness, muscle aches and fatigue,
paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning),
ataxia (reduced coordination of movements and difficulty maintaining balance),
pallor,
weakness,
constipation or diarrhoea,
loss of appetite,
lack of appetite.
loss of appetite, nausea,
weight loss,
distaste disorder,
disorder of taste,
disorder of taste.
stomatitis with ulceration and inflammation,
swelling, burning and redness of the tongue,
depressive symptoms,
disorders of vision,
yellowish skin colour,
fracture of nails,
hair loss,
erectile dysfunction,

See also:

Summary

You will make up for vitamin B12 deficiency by implementing vitamin B12-rich foods or supplementation into your diet.
Best sources of vitamin B12.
The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal-derived foods, especially liver, shellfish, fish.
It may take several weeks to several weeks of regular intake to correct a vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.
People on a diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.
People on a plant-based diet should take vitamin B12 preparations systematically, as plant sources of this vitamin are not active in the body and are not absorbed.
Treat the deficiency under the supervision of a doctor, do not abuse dietary supplements and do not change your diet drastically.

FAQ

How long can you take vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 in the form of dietary supplements or medication should be taken for several to several weeks depending on: your doctor's recommendation, the extent of the deficiency and the factors causing vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g. absorption problems caused by the use of gastric acid antacids).

What is the best vitamin B12?

The best vitamin B12 should be in the form of methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin, which are well absorbed in the body. A recommended vitamin B12 product is Solgar's natural vitamin B12. One tablet covers up to 4000% of your daily vitamin B12 requirement.

Does vitamin B12 deficiency produce neurological symptoms?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can produce neurological symptoms such as: headaches and dizziness, muscle pain and fatigue, sensory disturbances (especially touch), paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning), ataxia (decreased coordination of movements and trouble with balance).

Does vitamin B12 deficiency produce neurological symptoms?

Is testing of vitamin B12 levels reimbursable?

Yes, testing serum vitamin B12 levels is reimbursed by the National Health Service and a referral can be made by your GP. You can also have the blood test done privately and the cost depends on the facility and is approximately £35 - £70.

After what time does vitamin B12 take effect?

Vitamin B12 starts to take effect a few weeks or so after starting supplementation, or treating a deficiency. The rate at which vitamin B12 is replenished in the body is influenced by: the extent of the deficiency, the state of health, the preparations used, diet and addictions.

Where is the most vitamin B12 available?

Most vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin, i.e. livers (beef, veal), fish (tuna, salmon, rainbow trout), shellfish, eggs and cheeses (e.g. cheddar, mould). Products rich in vitamin B12 also include fortified breakfast cereals, muesli, bars and vegetable drinks.

How many vitamin B12 tablets per day?

How many tablets per day of vitamin B12 supplementation should be taken depends on age, diet, degree of deficiency. The number of tablets depends on your doctor's or manufacturer's instructions and can vary significantly. The daily dose should cover the minimum requirement, i.e. 2.4 µg.

What time to take vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 can be taken at any time of day. Vitamin B12 is water soluble, which means it can be taken with or without food (fasting). Be aware of the presence of other B vitamins in food or dietary supplements that promote absorption. This is more important than the time of intake.

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