Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage For Seniors
The proper vitamin B12 dosage for seniors depends on if they have underlying health conditions and how severe their deficiency is. In some cases, doctors may recommend high doses more than 1,000 micrograms 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. You can get these amounts from taking dietary supplements like multivitamins, B12 supplementation including sublingual tablets, or by eating certain foods rich in vitamin B12.
There is no one recommended vitamin B12 dosage for seniors. Rather, the right daily intake will largely depend on your specific situation. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Learn More And Get Started
As you can see, B12 is a vitamin that you cannot do without. Deficiency causes multiple problems, but adequate or excess B12 provides nothing but benefits to your energy, strength, and mental sharpness.
If you suspect that you are B12 deficient or think that you might benefit from a course of B12 injections, then dont hesitate. Contact us at the Soza Clinic in Richardson, TX to book an appointment where one of our qualified personnel will be happy to discuss your needs.
How To Give A B12 Injection
This article was medically reviewed by Shari Forschen, NP, MA. Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s from the University of North Dakota and has been a nurse since 2003.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 17 testimonials and 91% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 882,277 times.
Vitamin B12 is important for cell reproduction, blood formation, brain development, and bone growth. Individuals suffering from the symptoms of low vitamin B12 , such as depression, exhaustion, anemia, and poor memory, may ask their doctor about vitamin B12 injections.XResearch source The physician will draw blood to measure the total blood levels of vitamin B12 in your body, and if they are low then B12 injections may be an option. Vitamin B12 injections contain a man-made form of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin. You should also speak to your doctor about allergies or other conditions which may have an adverse reaction to vitamin B12.XResearch source Though you can self-administer vitamin B12 injections, the safest way is to have someone give you the injection after being trained by a healthcare professional.
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B12 For Improved Energy
Though vitamin B12 is commonly taken to increase energy levels, evidence showing that B12 supplements improve energy levels in people without a deficiency is lacking.
However, B12 supplements have been found to improve energy levels in those who are deficient in this nutrient .
One review recommended that those with vitamin B12 deficiency take 1 mg of vitamin B12 daily for a month, followed by a maintenance dose of 125250 mcg per day .
People who have issues absorbing vitamin B12, such as those with Crohns disease or other gastrointestinal issues, may benefit from B12 injections, which bypass the need for absorption by the digestive tract .
What Are The Side Effects Of A Vitamin B12 Injection
While it is rare to experience side effects from vitamin B12 injection, you may experience discomfort or irritation at the B12 injection site. Your urine may also turn a reddish color after injection. There is also a chance of mild diarrhea, itching, or swelling. These side effects are normal and harmless, although if they persist or worsen, or if you experience more severe side effects, you should immediately speak with your trusted healthcare professional.
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Vitamin B12 Dosage For Certain Conditions
Certain health conditions increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is usually an issue of malabsorption or taking medications that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes, dietary changes are needed to ensure that people with certain conditions consume enough vitamin B12, and other times a B12 supplement is recommended.
Fatigue: People with a B12 deficiency may experience fatigue or lack of energy. Research shows that to correct a deficiency, taking one milligram daily for one month is effective. This can be followed by a maintenance dose of 125250 micrograms per day.
Depression: Research shows that patients with major depression have low folate and vitamin B12 status. According to a review published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, oral doses of 800 micrograms of folic acid and one milligram of vitamin B12 daily may help improve treatment outcomes for depression.
Gastrointestinal issues: People with gastrointestinal disorders, like Crohns disease and celiac disease, may have issues absorbing vitamin B12 from food. People who have had gastrointestinal surgery may also have problems absorbing vitamin B12 from foods. Patients with gastrointestinal issues may receive one-milligram doses of vitamin B12, in either injection or oral forms.
B12 For Memory And Mood
Its commonly thought that taking vitamin B12 can boost your memory and mood. However, theres not a lot of evidence to support this theory.
Animal studies suggest that vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with memory impairment. Yet, theres currently no evidence that B12 supplements improve memory in humans who arent deficient .
In a large review, vitamin B12 supplements had no effect on depressive symptoms in the short term but may help prevent relapse over the long term (
There are no specific dosage recommendations for B12 supplements for mental performance or mood.
Summary
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.
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Vitamin B12 Through The Oral Mucosa
Vitamin B12 can also be absorbed through the oral and nasal mucosa, which is why it is also available in the form of lozenges, drops/sprays and as nasal spray. To make full use of this mechanism, the B12 should be kept in the mouth for as long as possible, to take effect on the mucous membranes.
The effectiveness of B12 absorption via the oral mucosa is similar to that via the intestine. It remains unclear, however, how much B12 absorbed via swallowing is actually just absorbed in the intestine . The superiority/inferiority of the sublingual route over the digestive route has not been fully researched the dosage and efficacy seem to be the same in both cases. However, the key advantage of this form is above all the ease of administration.
What Do I Do If I Cant Have B12 Injections
If you are not able to have B12 injections, you may be suitable for treatment with B12 tablets or other forms of B12 supplements. If you are mildly B12 deficient but are otherwise in good health, you may be able to raise your B12 levels with a few simple dietary adjustments.
Vitamin B12 can be found in various foods, especially in dairy products such as milk and cheese and in red meat and fish. In addition, various vegan-friendly foods such as nutritional yeast and B12-enriched soy products can help to raise your bodys B12 levels.
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Vitamin B12 And Thyroid Function
It’s worth spending some time to talk about Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s and how they relate to B12 deficiency.
As you may know, low thyroid can directly lead to a number of nutrient deficiencies and in order to fix the thyroid they really have to be addressed.
And Vitamin B12 is no exception.
As many as 50% of thyroid patients are B12 deficient and that creates a very special circumstance.
The symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism closely overlap:
Chronic fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, decreased concentration, etc.
It’s easy to see how you can confuse the symptoms of hypothyroidism for the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
And this happens quite often.
Many patients wrongly assume that ALL of their symptoms are due to thyroid hormone so they continually seek out higher and higher doses of thyroid hormone.
The problem is that low thyroid hormone causes low stomach acid which decreases the absorption of vitamin B12.
In addition to this problem many hypothyroid patients also have GI issues like SIBO/SIFO.
And any intestinal issue further worsens vitamin B12 absorption making the whole situation worse.
The kicker is that simply replacing thyroid hormone is NOT enough to replace vitamin B12 levels.
Hypothyroid patients are special in that they often need both Thyroid hormone which accompanying Vitamin B12 AND Iron .
Only then do thyroid patients actually start to feel better.
What Factors Lead To B12 Deficiency
Illnesses
Any illness or condition that affects the digestive system can result in a B12 deficiency because the vitamin is bound to the protein molecules in your food and is released and absorbed by the body during digestion. Such conditions include autoimmune conditions such as Crohns disease, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, which all prevent the body from adequately absorbing nutrients from the intestines.
Additionally, other factors such as having had gastric bypass surgery or taking antacids long-term can lead to deficiency. This is because adequate exposure to stomach acid is needed to help the body absorb B12.
Lifestyle Choices
You are also significantly more likely to suffer from B12 deficiency if you practice a vegan diet and lifestyle. This is because there are few vegan foods that contain B12 and also because the body finds it significantly more difficult to absorb B12 from the few vegan sources that have it. Many foods are fortified with artificial vitamin B12, such as non-dairy milks and cereals, but these are not always optimally absorbed, so vegans must still be proactive about making sure they are not becoming deficient.
Age
You are more likely to be B12 deficient if you are over the age of 65, as the body becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients as you go on in life.
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Is Liquid Vitamin B12 More Effective Than A Pill
Liquid vitamin B12 is not the only form of vitamin B12 supplements. Pill capsules and gummies are commonly available oral options.
The best option likely varies from person to person and depends on what its being used for.
How bioavailable or in other words, how absorbable a vitamin is is often influenced by factors, like age, genetics, and a persons digestive system .
For example, people with conditions affecting the digestive system might not benefit from liquid, gummy, or pill forms of vitamin B12. Instead, a nasal spray or intramuscular injection might be more suitable (
Why Is Vitamin B12 Important
Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, plays a key role in DNA synthesis and hemoglobin production. It also supports the proper functioning of the nervous system and regulates homocysteine metabolism. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, elevated homocysteine levels may affect cardiovascular health and increase heart disease risk.
Read more:Vitamin B12 Benefits & Side Effects
This water-soluble vitamin is found in animal foods, such as clams, mussels, salmon, beef and eggs, as well as in nutritional yeast and fortified foods. Your body cannot produce it on its own. Therefore, it’s no surprise that 1.5 percent to 15 percent of the populationis deficient in vitamin B12, according to the National Institutes of Health .
As the NIH points out, vitamin B12 deficiency tends to be more common in strict vegetarians, vegans and people with inflammatory bowel disorders, atrophic gastritis or pernicious anemia. Dietary supplements are poorly absorbed and may not always help.
Vitamin B12 has a direct impact on your mood and mental health. According to June 2012 case report published in the journal Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, low levels of this nutrient may causepsychiatric symptoms, such as poor mental focus, irritability, impaired attention and insomnia. In the long run, vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to depression, psychosis, dementia and other mental illnesses.
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How Do You Inject A B12 Shot
Before injecting a vitamin B12 shot, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water. To inject a B12 shot, start by gathering the necessary supplies, including: a Methylcobalamin vial , a clean needle and syringe, alcohol pads, or cotton balls and rubbing alcohol, gauze or bandages, and a biohazard approved container for injection waste disposal.
After you have prepared, you can clean the injection site with alcohol pads or another alcohol solution. Allow the injection site to dry completely before administering the shot. Remember that before every injection, you should clean the top of the vial that contains the B12 solution with a new cotton ball that is not the one used to clean your injection site, and then let dry. There are several options for injection sites, and the steps for injection varies depending on if youre administering an intramuscular injection or a subcutaneous injection. Please consult with a physician or other licensed medical professional to determine the appropriate dosage, frequency, and injection site for your personal needs and comfort.
Vitamin B1: Calculated Dosages
The intake of B12 can be calculated as follows:
Intake = 1.5 + dose/100
The first 1.5 µg represent the intake via the intrinsic factor the second part, via passive diffusion. With a dosage of 200 µg the intake would be: 1.5 µg + 200/100 µg = 3.5 µg. This calculated intake can nonetheless be significantly compromised as a result of various absorption disorders, further explored in our article: Vitamin B12 Malabsorption
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Effectiveness Of Methylcobalamin Injections
According to the Natural Medicines Database, research has shown that methylcobalamin injections are effective for several different purposes, including the treatment or prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia and Imerslund-Grasbeck disease.
Studies have also shown that injectable methylcobalamin is likely effective for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and cyanide poisoning. In addition, methylcobalamin injections may be effective for age-related macular degeneration.
Studies have shown that methylcobalamin injections may not be effective in the treatment of stroke or circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Likewise, current research indicates that injectable methylcobalamin has no significant effect on cognitive performance.
Is 1000 Mcg Of Vitamin B12 Safe To Take Daily
Actually, there isnt a recommended upper limit for vitamin B12, as vitamin B12 has low toxicity. There are no adverse effects for excess vitamin B12 intake in healthy people. Neither from food nor supplements.
Furthermore, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, even a daily vitamin B12 intake of 1,000 mcg for 5 years didnt cause any serious adverse effect.
So, if youre healthy and you dont take any medication, taking 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 daily is probably safe. But, such a huge dosage wont help you further. Your body will excrete most of it.
In any case, you should consult your doctor before starting taking any supplements. Especially, if youre on medication.
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What About Pernicious Anemia
How often should you have B12 injections for pernicious anemia? We recommend to begin with the same three-month daily schedule, and until symptoms stop improving, and start testing from there. If you tone it down to every-other-day shots, and your symptoms dont get worse after a few months, then that means the frequency is good enough. Then you can test every-three-days. Only testing will tell you the answer. But start with a daily B12 injection frequency, which should be your default.
If you have pernicious anemia, make sure youre getting the methylcobalamin B12 form. It comes bundled with a valuable methyl group, which pernicious anemia patients often lack. The methyl donor will help reduce your homocysteine levels, thus solving two problems at once. Weve .
If you cant get your doctor to prescribe daily methyl B12 injections, you can get them from us and take control of your health. This is what were here for. How much B12 is in a shot? Again, with our methylcobalamin, injection dosage will be 1,200g per 0.3ml syringe. This is a great B12 shot dose to aim for, even if you use other brands.
B12 Shots For Weight Loss: Do They Work
This is another big question I get all the time.
The quick and short of it is this:
Vitamin B12 shots do NOT directly lead to weight loss, however, they can be helpful in weight loss efforts due to a variety of reasons we will explain below.
Despite the fact that “weight loss clinics” give out vitamin B12 shots and fat burner shots do not mean they actually work.
I have the advantage of focusing almost specifically on helping patients lose weight by balancing hormones so I am intimately familiar with weight loss and everything that it entails.
I have used both fat burner shots and b12 shots to help patients for a variety of reasons and I’ve never seen b12 shots by themselves help someone lose weight.
Instead of directly leading to weight loss I think the answer is more simple:
Because so many patients are B12 deficient without knowing, taking B12 shots actually helps replace this deficiency.
Replacing the b12 deficiency helps improve energy levels, reduces depression and helps patients get up and moving.
So by themselves, they don’t directly lead to weight loss, but if coupled with a comprehensive weight loss plan they can be quite powerful.
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High Dose Vitamin B12
A very large dose can cover the B12 requirement for several days. Especially in America, for example, many doctors recommend taking 2000 g per week: 1.5 g + 2000/100 g = 21.5 g
Some naturopaths doubt whether this large weekly intake is really advisable. Instead they recommend a steady supply of B12 in moderate doses. This keeps the blood level constant in a natural range, which is gentler on the body, especially for the liver and kidneys.
