Vitamin B12 Overview

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy nerves and red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material found in all cells. Dietary vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal-based foods. In older people, a vitamin B12 deficiency is most likely to occur due to problems absorbing the vitamin because of low stomach acid. Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include depression, memory loss, numbness and tingling, and trouble with balance and walking. Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe, even in large doses. It is usually used in combination with other B vitamins. Methylcobalamin is the type of vitamin B12 that used most efficiently in the central nervous system. Methylcobalamin is the type of vitamin B12 that is administered to people with B12 deficiencies.

Dosage Information: Therapeutic dosages of vitamin B12 are 500 mcg or more a day.

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