What does vitamin B12 actually do?
Daniel Hoffman
Published Jun 17, 2026
What does vitamin B12 actually do?
What is vitamin B12 and what does it do? Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
What is the best strength of vitamin B12 to take?
Optimal dosing of vitamin B12 varies by age, lifestyle, and dietary needs. The general recommendation for adults is 2.4 mcg. Older adults, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, require higher doses.
Why Vitamin B12 is too high?
An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status can be an early sign of liver disease, diabetes, or certain types of leukemia. A doctor may use the results of a vitamin B-12 test to help form their diagnosis.
What causes lack of B12?
However, the most common cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia.
Is B12 good for anxiety?
Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands, which reduces stress and anxiety levels. Vitamin B9 (also known as folate or folic acid) and vitamin B12 are important in balancing out depressive moods. Vitamin B6 together with magnesium can balance out anxiety that occurs in conjunction with PMS.
Is 5000 mcg vitamin B12 safe?
While megadoses of up to 2,000 mcg are considered safe in treating B12 deficiency, it’s always best to avoid excessive amounts of any vitamin, especially when it’s not needed.
How can I tell if my B12 is low?
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.
- Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
- Pale skin.
- A smooth tongue.
- Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas.
- Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking.
- Vision loss.
What is the recommended daily recommendation for vitamin B12?
The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) of vitamin B12 varies depending on your age and your particular needs. In males and females ages 14 and over, the DRI is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day. That number goes up to 2.6 mcg during pregnancy and 2.8 mcg during breast-feeding.
What is the best brand of vitamin B12?
Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 More info Buy on Amazon.com
What is the best B12 to take?
Transparent Labs RawSeries Vitamin B Complex.