Vitamin B12
- Latin Name: Cyanocobalamin
- Common Name: Vitamin B12
- Family: B-Complex Vitamins
- Source: Naturally found in animal products, fortified foods, or produced synthetically for supplements
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that supports nerve health, helps produce red blood cells, and assists in DNA creation. These functions are especially important as we age, helping maintain energy, memory, and overall vitality.
Vitamin B12 Benefits
Supports Nerve Health
As we age, nerve health can decline, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve function, which may support coordination and ease of movement, helping you stay steady on your feet.
Promotes Brain Health
Memory and focus can naturally change with age. Vitamin B12 supports cognitive function, helping maintain mental clarity and focus, which may be beneficial for staying sharp and engaged in daily activities.
Aids in DNA Production
B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, which supports cell repair and regeneration. This benefit helps keep tissues and organs functioning well, promoting overall health as the body ages.
Supports Healthy Red Blood Cell Formation
Maintaining adequate Vitamin B12 intake helps support healthy red blood cell production, promoting energy and vitality - essential for staying active.
Converts Food into Energy
B12 helps your body convert food into energy, a benefit that’s particularly helpful in maintaining stamina and strength. This energy boost can help you feel more capable and active, supporting a vibrant lifestyle well into later years.
PureHealth Research Products with Vitamin B12
Thyroid Harmony Formula
Energy | Function | Metabolism
Thyroid Harmony Formula contains 10 research-backed ingredients designed to support thyroid function, balance hormone levels, boost energy and metabolism, promote optimal weight, enhance immune system, and support overall health & wellness.
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Dermal Restore
Skin Elasticity | Protection | Repair
Dermal Restore contains 10 research-backed ingredients that help revitalize your skin, enhance elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and shield against UV damage. It also, calms redness, accelerates repair, and promotes soft, smooth skin.
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Nerve ReGen Formula
Comfort | Calmness | Regeneration
Nerve Regen Formula contains 12 research-backed ingredients that deliver full-spectrum bioactive compounds that optimize nerve functions, reduce discomfort, ease tingling, itching & numbness. It also promotes nerve regeneration and calmness.
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Hearing Support Formula
Ear Health & Wellness
Hearing Support Formula is a powerful formula featuring 16 research-backed ingredients designed to promote hearing clarity. It fights free radicals and oxidative stress, supports the inner ear structures, improves blood flow, and nourishes the body.
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Thyroid Harmony Formula
Energy | Function | Metabolism
Thyroid Harmony Formula contains 10 research-backed ingredients designed to support thyroid function, balance hormone levels, boost energy and metabolism, promote optimal weight, enhance immune system, and support overall health & wellness.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Dermal Restore
Skin Elasticity | Protection | Repair
Dermal Restore contains 10 research-backed ingredients that help revitalize your skin, enhance elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and shield against UV damage. It also, calms redness, accelerates repair, and promotes soft, smooth skin.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Nerve ReGen Formula
Comfort | Calmness | Regeneration
Nerve Regen Formula contains 12 research-backed ingredients that deliver full-spectrum bioactive compounds that optimize nerve functions, reduce discomfort, ease tingling, itching & numbness. It also promotes nerve regeneration and calmness.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Hearing Support Formula
Ear Health & Wellness
Hearing Support Formula is a powerful formula featuring 16 research-backed ingredients designed to promote hearing clarity. It fights free radicals and oxidative stress, supports the inner ear structures, improves blood flow, and nourishes the body.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Vitamin B12 Dosage
In general, adults need about 2.4 mcg of Vitamin B12 per day. The recommended Vitamin B12 dosage for adults over 50 is often higher than for younger adults, as this age group usually benefits from 25-100 mcg daily to support absorption, which naturally decreases with age.
Higher doses may be necessary for those with Vitamin B12 deficiencies, sometimes reaching up to 1,000 mcg per day under a healthcare provider's guidance. Additionally, vegans and vegetarians, who may lack B12 from dietary sources, are advised to take 250-500 mcg daily to meet their needs.
Vitamin B12 Food Sources
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in energy production, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health. Primarily found in animal-based foods, B12 can be challenging for individuals on plant-based diets to obtain. Fortunately, there are fortified foods and supplements available to help everyone, regardless of dietary preference, meet their daily B12 requirements and support overall health.
Animal-Based Sources:
- Beef and organ meats (such as liver)
- Poultry (like chicken and turkey)
- Fish (including salmon, tuna, and trout)
- Eggs
- Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
Plant-Based Sources (for vegetarians and vegans):
- Fortified plant-based milks (such as almond, soy, and oat milk)
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Nutritional yeast (specifically labeled as fortified with B12)
- Fortified plant-based meat substitutes
Safety and Side Effects
Can you have too much Vitamin B12? While high doses of Vitamin B12 are generally safe, some individuals may experience minor discomfort. However, injectable Vitamin B12, which is used to treat significant deficiencies, may cause more noticeable side effects, including mild diarrhea, itching, skin rash, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
For those wondering if taking too much Vitamin B12 can cause an allergic reaction, the answer is yes, though this is rare. It can involve swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, along with difficulty breathing. If this occurs, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when levels are too low to support essential functions like nerve health, blood production, and DNA synthesis. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, memory issues, and mood changes. Older adults, vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with absorption issues are more at risk.
How long to recover from Vitamin B12 deficiency depends on its severity. Some symptoms, such as fatigue, may improve within a few weeks of starting supplementation. However, full recovery could take several months.
Can I take vitamin D and B12 together?
Yes, Vitamin D and B12 can be taken together. They don’t interfere with each other, and both support essential body functions. Vitamin D aids bone health, while B12 supports nerve and blood health.
Can vitamin B12 cause diarrhea?
In rare cases, high doses of Vitamin B12 may cause mild digestive upset, including diarrhea. If symptoms persist or are bothersome, consider adjusting the dosage and consult a healthcare provider.
Can vitamin B12 help with anxiety?
Vitamin B12 supports brain health, which may help with anxiety in individuals with a deficiency. However, it’s not a treatment for anxiety. Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety.
Does vitamin B12 help you lose weight?
Vitamin B12 may support energy production, potentially enhancing physical activity. However, it’s not directly linked to weight loss. A balanced diet and exercise are primary strategies for weight management.