Posted by ed_uk2010 on January 19, 2015, at 7:02:16
In reply to B-12 dose?, posted by b2chica on January 19, 2015, at 1:13:56
Hi there,
There are two main groups who may need vitamin B-12 supplements:
1. Vegans. Vitamin B-12 is obtained through animal products. As a result, vitamin B-12 tablets may be needed to prevent deficiency.
2. Those who are not able to absorb it properly. This can cause a condition called pernicious anaemia.
Another group who may occasionally need supplementation is heavy alcohol drinkers.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can be diagnosed based on a complete blood count in combination with a vitamin B-12 level (and a check of folic acid level if appropriate).
The dose and type of vitamin B-12 taken depends on the situation. Vegans can absorb the vitamin normally and take a low strength of tablets. Those with a malabsorption condition are usually treated with the injectable form of B-12.
If you are not deficient (or vegan), I wouldn't advise taking vitamin B-12 on its own. It would be a lot more sensible to take a vitamin B complex with all the B vitamins... since they are all need for normal function of the brain and nervous system.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1075253
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150102/msgs/1075256.html