How much B12 do I need for weight loss?

Author: Daija Dach  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

There's no evidence that vitamin B12 will help with weight loss. Some studies show that low vitamin B12 levels often go hand in hand with a larger body weight. It's possible that taking vitamin B12 to correct low levels may increase your energy.

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

Even the lowest doses in B12 supplements are many times the recommended dietary allowance. Doses up to 1,000 mcg, though unnecessary, aren't harmful. Fortified foods. Many breakfast cereals, soy products, and yeasts are fortified with B12.

How much B12 per day for a woman?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg). Most people can get enough vitamin B-12 in the foods they eat. But people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet should eat nutritional yeast and other foods fortified with vitamin B-12.

Can a woman take too much B12?

The body does not store excess vitamin B12, so taking extra is not harmful. Vitamin B12 is vital for human life due to its role in making red blood cells and supporting the function of the brain and nerves. There are no documented adverse effects from taking excess vitamin B12.

How long after starting vitamin B12 will I feel better?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.

How to Use B12 Shots for Weight Loss (BENEFITS + HOW MUCH You Need)

Can too much B12 damage kidneys?

A person with CKD should always speak with their doctor before they take vitamin B12 supplements. One older study looked at the effects of vitamin B supplements on diabetes. It concluded that high doses of vitamin B supplements might speed up the progress of kidney damage in people living with diabetes.

What is the optimal level of B12 for a woman?

The vitamin B12 standard reference range is 200–700 pg/ml whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml [10].

Does B12 burn belly fat?

There's no solid proof that vitamin B-12 shots, also called injections, help you lose weight.

What happens if your B12 is too high?

There is no upper limit for vitamin B12 intake because consuming high levels does not cause problems.

Which vitamin reduces belly fat?

Vitamins such as B, C, D, and E have been scientifically proven to boost fat burning and promote weight loss. They work by enhancing metabolic rate, reducing inflammation, and aiding in the breakdown of fat cells.

Should I take 1000 or 5000 B12?

A dosage of 5000 mcg of Vitamin B12 has been deemed a safe dosing amount. In fact, it is often recommended for those who have a health condition that affects their B12 absorption. Consultation with a qualified health professional is always recommended.

What medications cannot be taken with B12?

What may interact with this medication?
  • Alcohol.
  • Aminosalicylic acid.
  • Colchicine.
  • Medications that suppress your bone marrow, such as chemotherapy, chloramphenicol.

Can too much B12 cause neuropathy?

This is a unique case in which peripheral neuropathy and muscle twitches present as the clinical manifestations of B12 toxicity and chiropractic education was used as treatment.

How much vitamin B12 for weight loss?

For B12, it is recommended to take a daily dose of 2.4 mcg for adults. Most people receive this amount of intake if they follow a healthy diet. Even if you're using vitamin B12 to help you lose weight, it is best not to overdo it as there are side effects of upping the dosage.

Is B12 bad for the liver?

The common forms of vitamin B include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Except for niacin (when given in high doses), there is no evidence that the other B vitamins, in physiologic or even super-physiologic high doses cause liver injury or jaundice.

Does vitamin B12 make you pee more?

Signs of too much B12

Vitamin toxicity has a wide range of symptoms and can often go unnoticed. The kidneys often flush out excess B12, giving urine a bright yellow color. However, some people experience frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness.

Why are doctors stopping B12 injections?

Coronavirus has made it necessary to move patients on B12 injections to oral treatment. Reason: RISK REDUCTION in terms of limiting your movement outside your home and contact with our staff and nurses. Nationally all NHS organisations will be stopping injections during this difficult time.

How long after taking B12 can I drink coffee?

How long after taking vitamins can I drink coffee? Wait at least one hour after taking vitamins, including B12 or folic acid, to allow for optimal absorption.

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