Vitamin b12
Scientific names: Vitamin B12, Adenosylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin
Alternate names: Adénosylcobalamine, B-12, B12, B Complex, B Complex Vitamin, Bedumil, Cobalamin, Cobalamin Enzyme, Cobalamine, Cobamamide, Cobamin, Cobamine, Coenzyme B12, Co-Enzyme B12, Coenzyme B-12, Co-Enzyme B-12, Complexe Vitaminique B, Cyanocobalamine, Cycobemin, Dibencozide, Dibencozida, Hydroxycobalamine, Hydroxocobalaminum, Hydroxocobemine, Hydroxocobémine, Idrossocobalamina, Mecobalamin, Méthylcobalamine, Vitadurin, Vitadurine, Vitamina B12, Vitamine B12
Actions: Anticancer, Cardiovascular, Hepatic, Neurological, Otic
Background
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. It can also be made in a lab and is often taken with other B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 is required for the function and development of many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, and blood cells. Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin, which must be processed by the body into the active form, is the most common type used in supplements.
People commonly use vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanide poisoning, and high levels of homocysteine in the blood. It is also used for canker sores, cataracts, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Vitamin B12 is required for the function and development of many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, and blood cells. Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin, which must be processed by the body into the active form, is the most common type used in supplements.
People commonly use vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanide poisoning, and high levels of homocysteine in the blood. It is also used for canker sores, cataracts, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most people. Vitamin B12 is considered safe even in large doses.
When applied to the skin: Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most people when used appropriately.
When sprayed into the nose: Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most people. Vitamin B12 is considered safe even in large doses.
Post-surgical stent placement: Avoid using a combination of vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 after receiving a coronary stent. This combination may increase the risk of blood vessel narrowing.
Allergy or sensitivity to cobalt or cobalamin: Do not use vitamin B12 if you have this condition.
When applied to the skin: Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most people when used appropriately.
When sprayed into the nose: Vitamin B12 is likely safe for most people. Vitamin B12 is considered safe even in large doses.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin B12 is likely safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding in the amounts recommended. The recommended amount for pregnancy is 2.6 mcg per day. Those breast-feeding should take 2.8 mcg per day. The safety of larger amounts is unknown.Post-surgical stent placement: Avoid using a combination of vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 after receiving a coronary stent. This combination may increase the risk of blood vessel narrowing.
Allergy or sensitivity to cobalt or cobalamin: Do not use vitamin B12 if you have this condition.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Effective Effectiveness definitions
- A rare inherited condition marked by vitamin B12 deficiency (Imerslund-Grasbeck disease). Injecting vitamin B12 as a shot for 10 days followed by monthly injections is effective for treating this condition. Vitamin B12 shots can only be given by a healthcare provider.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, as a shot, or inhaling through the nose can treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 shots can only be given by a healthcare provider.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
- Cyanide poisoning. Administering hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit), a natural form of vitamin B12, as a shot is likely effective for treating cyanide poisoning. It has been approved by the US FDA for this use. Vitamin B12 shots can only be given by a healthcare provider.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Canker sores. Applying an ointment containing vitamin B12 or taking vitamin B12 under the tongue seems to help reduce canker sore symptoms.
- High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, along with folic acid and sometimes pyridoxine (vitamin B6), can lower blood levels of homocysteine.
- Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Injecting vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin under the skin six times weekly for up to 4 weeks reduces pain in people with nerve damage from shingles. Vitamin B12 injections can only be given by a healthcare provider.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, alone or with folic acid and vitamin B6, doesn't seem to improve mental function in elderly people.
- Alzheimer disease. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, alone or with folic acid and vitamin B6, doesn't seem to improve mental function in people with Alzheimer disease.
- Cataracts. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth along with vitamin B6 and folic acid doesn't seem to prevent cataracts in females. It might even increase the risk of needing to have cataracts removed.
- Disorders that affect when a person sleeps and when they are awake. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth does not seem to help people with sleep disorders.
- Decline in memory and thinking skills in older people that is more than what is normal for their age. Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, alone or with folic acid and vitamin B6, doesn't seem to improve memory and thinking skills in elderly people who have a decline in these skills.
- Fall prevention. Taking folic acid with vitamin B12 by mouth doesn't seem to prevent falls in older people also taking vitamin D.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking vitamin B12 and folic acid by mouth, with or without vitamin B6, doesn't seem to reduce fractures in older people with osteoporosis.
- Physical performance in elderly adults. Taking vitamin B12 and folic acid by mouth doesn't seem to help improve physical function in older people.
Dosing & administration
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient. Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of vitamin B12. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA is 2.4 mcg daily for people 18 years and older. While pregnant, the RDA is 2.6 mcg daily. While breastfeeding, the RDA is 2.8 mcg daily. In children, the RDA depends on age.
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. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Vitamin B12 interacts with any medicines. Before taking Vitamin B12, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Folic acid: Folic acid, particularly in large doses, can cover up vitamin B12 deficiency, and cause serious health effects. Be sure that your healthcare provider checks your vitamin B12 levels before you start taking folic acid.
Potassium: Potassium supplements can reduce absorption of vitamin B12 in some people and might contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C supplements can destroy dietary vitamin B12. It isn't known whether this interaction is important, but to stay on the safe side, take vitamin C supplements at least 2 hours after meals.
Potassium: Potassium supplements can reduce absorption of vitamin B12 in some people and might contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C supplements can destroy dietary vitamin B12. It isn't known whether this interaction is important, but to stay on the safe side, take vitamin C supplements at least 2 hours after meals.
Interactions with foods
Heavy drinking for at least two weeks can decrease vitamin B12 absorption from the stomach.
Products
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Per 5.5 g (Mango Pineapple):
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12)
- Coffea arabica
- Theobroma cacao 50 mg
- Creatine hydrochloride 750 mg
- Camellia sinensis 150 mg
- Pisum sativum 200 mg
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Hordeum vulgare powder 15 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 40 mg
- Orthosilicic acid (Silica)
- Flavour
- Folate 200 µg
- Glycerol monostearate (GMS) 1.5 g
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Alpinia galanga 150 mg
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Per 4 g (Mango Passionfruit):
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12) 5 µg
- L-tyrosine 500 mg
- Acetyl L-carnitine (Acetyl-L-carnitine)
- Camellia sinensis
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Theobroma cacao powder 40 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Piper nigrum 5 mg
- Folate
- Hordeum vulgare 15 mg
- Gamma-Butyrobetaine (GBB) 15 mg
- Coffea arabica equiv. caffeine 150 mg
- Alpinia galanga powder 150 mg
- Orthosilicic acid (Silica)
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Xanthan gum
- Chromium picolinate
- Natural flavours
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Per 7 g (Lemonade):
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12)
- Schisandra chinensis ext. equiv. dry 2.5 g
- L-leucine
- L-isoleucine
- L-methionine
- L-threonine
- L-valine
- L-lysine
- L-phenylalanine
- L-histidine
- L-tryptophan
- Calcium citrate
- Magnesium bisglycinate
- Flavour
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Potassium citrate
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
- Stevia rebaubiana
420 g Lemonade
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Per 5 g (Chocolate):
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12)
- L-leucine
- L-lysine
- L-tyrosine
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) 250 mg
- Total goBHB™
- Calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate 1.55 g
- Magnesium beta-hydroxybutyrate monohydrate 1.05 g
- Sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate 0.6 g
- Theobroma cacao powder
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
- Natural flavours
300 g Chocolate
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Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1 mg
- L-tyrosine 500 mg
- Potassium iodide 157 μg equiv. iodine 120 μg
- Selenomethionine 125 μg equiv. selenium 50 μg
- Rehmannia glutinosa ext. 67 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 50 mg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 50 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 50 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 15.67 mg equiv. pyridoxine 10 mg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 25 mg equiv. pyridoxine 20.5 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 10 mg equiv. vitamin E 12 IU
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 4.11 mg equiv. riboflavin 3 mg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 69 μg equiv. folinic acid 50 μg
- Cholecalciferol 10 μg equiv. vitamin D3 400 IU
- Zinc ascorbate monohydrate 100 mg equiv. zinc 15 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 80.5 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 75 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 68.7 mg equiv. calcium 6.3 mg
Practitioner product
Per tablet:
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
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Per tablet:
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
Per tablet (Cherry):
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Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 500 μg
- L-tyrosine 500 mg
- Potassium iodide 130.8 μg equiv. iodine 100 μg
- Selenomethionine 187.5 μg equiv. selenium 75 μg
- Inositol 300 mg
- Nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3) 5 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 30 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 23.5 mg equiv. pyridoxine 15 mg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 271 μg equiv. folinic acid 250 μg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 12.7 mg equiv. thiamine 10 mg
- Zinc citrate dihydrate 30.77 mg equiv. zinc 10 mg
- Chromium nicotinate 120 μg equiv. chromium 15 μg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 30 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 27.5 mg equiv. calcium 2.52 mg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 13.7 mg equiv. riboflavin 10 mg
- Withania somnifera ext. 24 mg
Practitioner product
Practitioner product
Per 0.17 mL (Peppermint):
Practitioner product
Per capsule:
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 500 μg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 50 mg equiv. thiamine 44.6 mg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 20 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) 10 mg equiv. pyridoxine 6.38 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 80 mg
- Nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3) 20 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 164 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 150 mg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 20 mg equiv. pyridoxine 16.5 mg
- Choline bitartrate 100 mg
- Inositol 100 mg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 521 μg equiv. folinic acid 400 μg
- Biotin 500 μg
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 19/11/2020 21:04:17. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
