itamin B12 is found in seafood, dairy, and eggs. The body uses B12 to keep nerve cells and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 has been used for pregnancy support and to improve mental well-being. It has also been used to improve bone, lung, and heart health. It is used to manage vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 can be taken as a pill, powder, or tincture. It can also be injected into the bloodstream or muscle by a healthcare provider.
2.4 micrograms for adults
3000 to 5000 micrograms daily for vitamin B12 deficiency
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
It is likely safe to take vitamin B12 in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period.
Weakness, skin tingling, and headache may happen in some people. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take large doses of vitamin B12.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
Depression
Almeida OP, Ford AH, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of folate and vitamin B12 for depression. Int Psychogeriatr. 2015;27(5):727-737.
Schefft C, Kilarski LL, et al. Efficacy of adding nutritional supplements in unipolar depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017 Nov;27(11):1090-1109.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Xu Q, Pan J, et al. Meta-analysis of methylcobalamin alone and in combination with lipoic acid in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2013 Aug;101(2):99-105.
Deng H, Yin J, et al. Meta-analysis of methylcobalamin alone and in combination with prostaglandin E1 in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Endocrine. 2014 Aug;46(3):445-454.
Infant Support
Strand TA, Taneja S, et al. Vitamin B-12, folic acid, and growth in 6-to 20-month-old children: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2015;135(4):e918-926.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication
Ammendolia C, Stuber KJ, et al. Nonoperative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Aug 30;(8):CD010712.
Osteoporosis
Ruan J, Gong X, et al. Effect of B vitamin (folate, B6, and B12) supplementation on osteoporotic fracture and bone turnover markers: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Monit. 2015 Mar 24;21:875-881.
Shingles
Wang JY, Wu YH, et al. Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:277-282.
Stroke Prevention
Dong H, Pi F, et al. Efficacy of Supplementation with B Vitamins for Stroke Prevention: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 10;10(9):e0137533.
Spence JD, Yi Q, et al. B vitamins in stroke prevention: time to reconsider. Lancet Neurol. 2017 Sep;16(9):750-760.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.