Can Too Much Vitamin B12 Be Harmful? Exploring the Limits

There are two types of vitamins – water soluble and fat soluble. Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin. Therefore, even if it is taken in large quantities, there is no harm. The body does not store excess vitamin B12. Removes excess Vitamin B12 through urine.

Additionally, the body does not absorb vitamin B-12 well. The body absorbs only 9.7 micrograms of a 500 mcg dose. Despite this, taking excessive doses of Vitamin B12 should be avoided. Its dosage should be taken only after consulting the doctor.

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Although taking excessive amounts of Vitamin B12 is not harmful, because the body does not store it and expels the excess amount through urine. Still, some common side effects may be seen -

• Many studies have shown that high doses of Vitamin B12 can cause symptoms of acne and rosacea. These are skin related problems, in which redness and pus-filled rashes may appear on the skin.
• Researchers believe that if vitamin B12 is taken in large amounts for a long time, it may have negative health effects in people with diabetes and kidney disease.
• Some health experts believe that high doses of Vitamin B12 can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, but there is not enough research available for this yet.

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Vitamin B12 dosage should be taken according to age. It should be taken neither in less nor in more quantity. Even though an excess amount of Vitamin B12 does not cause serious harm, it does not provide any benefit to the body. Therefore, Vitamin B12 dosage should be taken only in limited quantities. The dosage of Vitamin B-12 according to age is as follows -

• 0-6 months: 0.4 mcg
• 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• 14 years and older: 2.4 mcg
• During pregnancy: 2.6 mcg
• During breastfeeding: 2.8 mcg

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Vitamin B12 deficiency can be found in women who do not eat non-veg. At the same time, during pregnancy, it is necessary to have an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 in the body. Therefore, if a woman is pregnant, Vitamin B12 dosage can be taken on the advice of the doctor.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can seriously affect the fetus. Additionally, low vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women may increase the risk of neural tube defects, premature birth, and preeclampsia. Research has found that children of women (who breastfeed) with vitamin B12 deficiency may have delayed development. Apart from this, these children may also experience anemia and weakness. Therefore, if there is Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy, then you can take it on the advice of the doctor.

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Vitamin-B12 is responsible for many important functions in our body. Therefore, when the level of Vitamin B12 in the body is low, overall health starts getting affected. In such a situation, it can be taken as a supplement to fulfill Vitamin B12. Although taking it in excess quantity does not have any negative effect on the body, still its adequate dose should be taken only.