Supplementing Vitamin B12: How Many Methylcobalamin Tablets to Take?
A user inquires about the ideal daily intake of 100µg methylcobalamin tablets to boost their B12 levels. The assistant provides general guidance, considering dietary habits and size, and emphasizes monitoring levels and consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How many tablets a day?
B12 is at 230 and I don't eat a lot of meat. Small person. I bought supplements containing 100µg methylcobalamine. How many tablets should I take per day?
When considering how much Vitamin B12 to take, especially supplements like methylcobalamin, it's important to consider several factors including your current B12 levels, dietary intake, and overall health. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body excretes what it doesn't use, reducing the risk of overdose. However, specific medical advice should always be given by a healthcare provider.
Given that your B12 level is at 230 pmol/L (which is generally considered on the lower end of the normal range), you might be aiming to increase these levels. Generally, doses of 100-500µg of methylcobalamin per day are common for someone looking to boost their B12 status, especially if their dietary intake is low1. However, some individuals may need more, depending on their absorption capacity and specific health conditions2.
Since you are a "small person" and your intake of B12 from food is low, starting with one tablet (100µg) per day could be reasonable. Monitor your levels and symptoms, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional to get personalized advice. They might recommend adjusting the dose or frequency based on follow-up blood tests and your individual needs.
Footnotes
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Langan, R. C., & Zawistoski, K. J. (2011). Update on Vitamin B12 Deficiency. American Family Physician, 83(12), 1425-1430. Link to Source ↩
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Stabler, S. P. (2013). Vitamin B12 Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(2), 149-160. Link to Source ↩
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