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Maximum daily amount of B12 one can take

Neuropathy | Last Active: Aug 25, 2023 | Replies (29)

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@johnbishop

Hello @haleakala, Welcome to Connect. I think it's always best to check with your doctor when taking supplements but from what I've read there are no upper limits for Vitamin B12 but there may be interactions with certain medications.

"Health Risks from Excessive Vitamin B12 - The FNB did not establish a UL for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity [1]. Even at large doses, vitamin B12 is generally considered to be safe because the body does not store excess amounts.

Interactions with Medications - Vitamin B12 has the potential to interact with certain medications. In addition, several types of medications might adversely affect vitamin B12 levels. A few examples are provided below. Individuals taking these and other medications on a regular basis should discuss their vitamin B12 status with their health care providers."
--- Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/#h8

Mayo Clinic also has some information on B12 that may be helpful here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663.

I'm currently taking 2 mg Vitamin B12 in the morning and the evening which is 4000 mcg daily as part of my neuropathy related supplements. I shared my neuropathy story in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

Did your doctor express any concerns about increasing the B12?

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Replies to "Hello @haleakala, Welcome to Connect. I think it's always best to check with your doctor when..."

Thanks John - you never cease to amaze me pulling out reference material. Though doctors have given me encouragement in supplementing B12 for nerve comfort and health, never was I aware of any drug interaction watch-outs. I’m lucky for no red flags here, but am glad to be more informed. Thanks for sharing!

I shared articles that you sent to me about B12 with my functional medicine doctor and asked for a blood test for B12. She is requesting a comprehensive blood test which includes homocysteine levels and said that homocysteine reflects B6 and B12 levels and is more reliable than a blood test for B12. I'll take the blood test she requested. We shall see.