What is an Ideal Dosage of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which helps in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system and the metabolic processes. They are also essential for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B-12 affects the development of the red blood cells, the nerve cells and the myelination (covering) of nerve cells.

Since animal food is our only source of Vitamin B-12, its deficiency is quite common these days. Children who follow vegan diets, adults who find it difficult to absorb Vitamin B-12 and pregnant women who suffer from hemorrhage or intestinal disorders are more prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Fatigue, weakness in muscles, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness, heart palpitations, bleeding from gums, sore mouth, nausea, and diarrhea are some common symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, resulting in memory loss, confusion, and dementia.

How To Get Vitamin b12 Naturally?

Vitamin B-12 is present in various food products. Include a few of these in your everyday meals to lead a healthy lifestyle. Check out the following list.

#. Eggs

#. Cheese

#. Fish

#. Shellfish

#. Liver

#. Kidney

#. Red meat

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How Much b12 Should You Take Daily?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average daily vitamin B-12 dosage should be:

#. 2.4 mcg for people who are 14 or more in age

#. 2.6 mcg for adults and adolescent pregnant females

#. 2.8mcg for adult and adolescent lactating females

The dosage of Vitamin B12 for a Child varies from that of adults. As per the NIH recommendations:

#. Infants aging between 0-6 months should consume 0.4 mcg

#. Infants aging between 7-12 months should consume 0.5 mcg

#. Toddlers aging between 1-3 years should consume 0.9 mcg

#. Children aging between 4-8 years should consume 1.2mcg

#. Children aging between 9-13 years should consume 1.8 mcg

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Vitamin B-12 Side Effects

Vitamin B-12 may be excessively essential for the body, but over intake can affect the body negatively. Following are some of the side effects of consuming high amounts of vitamin B-12.

#. High blood pressure

#. Acne

#. Rashes

#. Itchy or inflaming skin

#. Pink or red skin discoloration

#. Urine discoloration

#. Nausea

#. Diarrhea

#. Low potassium levels

You should keep a check on your Vitamin B-12 intake if you suffer from:

#. Heart conditions

#. High blood pressure

#. Skin disorders

#. Blood disorders

#. Low serum levels of potassium

Seek medical attention if the system gets worse or are too persistent. You can consult your doctor to ascertain a balanced dosage of Vitamin B12 which won’t be less or excess for your body.

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Do you have any Vitamin B-12 related queries? Let us know in the comment section below.

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