Author Topic: B-12 Overdose? (Read 137 times)

2400wattman · « **on:** November 16, 2008, 09:44:57 PM »

Is there such a thing as ingesting too much B-12?
I thought I had heard someting like this many years ago but I want to see if any of you have heard the same thing. It makes me wonder because I've been using those 5 hour energy drinks( the small bottle) for my long hauls around our lovely country and I noticed on the nutrition label there's a huge amount of B-12 in them. I believe way more than what a daily pill dose would be.

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2008, 11:23:24 PM »

Too much is too much, even with vitamins. Stick to a healthy diet with lots of fresh produce, drink milk, and save lots of money by not buying those fiendishly overpriced vitamin pills. (Unless your doctor tells you otherwise.)

2400wattman · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2008, 11:58:54 PM »

I don't take pills. I was mainly concerned about the amount of B-12 that is in those little bottles. Since I'm always on the road a steady clean diet is next to impossible. I'm just concerned about future consequences.

keavin · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2008, 03:30:26 AM »

Can you take too much Vitamin B12?
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com
Updated: September 18, 2008

link to article

[moderator's edit: Keavin, copying and pasting an entire article can raise copyright issues; so rather than expose Alembic to any potential legal problems, I've replaced the article with a link to the page. I hope that's ok. It appears to me that accepted internet practice is to quote a few lines from an article and link to the source.]

(Message edited by davehouck on November 17, 2008)

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2008, 09:39:06 AM »

I'm no doctor, not sure if About.com's advice comes from one, but there is a reference to review by their medical board. I'd look for independent confirmation, though.

keavin · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2008, 11:03:13 AM »

No problem Mr dave!

mike1762 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2008, 04:05:39 PM »

Hey Adam

Most people who get B12 injections don't really need them. As such, I have seen some ridiculously high B12 levels. However, I've never seen any ill effects from it (not to say that it can't happen). Since you are taking the B12 orally rather than IM, I suspect you just have some VitB12 rich urine. Don't get any on ya!!!

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2008, 04:44:36 PM »

Thanks Keavin!

2400wattman · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2008, 05:46:14 PM »

Thanks Keavin and Mike.

jeramaya · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2008, 05:57:58 PM »

Hello,
I have often wondered about this, because I started taking extended release B-12 pills about a year ago. The percentage per pill that is listed is...wait for it...16,000%!!! OK, that's a lot right? Well, I'll say this:

I started taking them because I had possible nerve damage in my right arm, which obviously concerned me because like the rest of us here, I live for playing bass. The therapist suggested eating greens and, in general, getting vitamin B. I got the pills and, though I can't confirm any benefit to the nerve damage, I can say that I stopped getting sick. The only time I got sick was after I ran out of B-12 and was too lazy to go buy more.

I never felt or saw any ill-effects at the time. Of course, who knows what long-term effects I was doing, positive or negative, to myself, but the sick thing was a great benefit for someone who frequently got head colds and sore throats.

An interesting thing about the extra % of B-12 is how it likely worked with my Prilosec pills, which neutralize acids in my stomach. The thing about vitamin B is that it *needs* acid to release itself from proteins that it attaches itself to after you've injested it. I guess what I'm saying is I'm deducing that I need to take some (though maybe not all 16,000% of it) extra B-12 for it to do any work for me.

Sorry for the long post, but I find this stuff really interesting. Cheers, Jeramaya

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2008, 07:09:43 PM »

In general, the USRDA represents the amount they believe is necessary for a healthy existence. Allegedly, vitamins A and D are harmful if taken in much larger quantities, but most vitamins are okay. If you look at a typical multi-vitamin, they tend to have 100% of a lot of things. On the other hand, if you look at a premium supplement, you'll get a wide spread of percentages based on the item. My multi has 5000% B-12 among the 40 or so vitamins and minerals it provides, so 16,000% seems a bit large, but not completely ridiculous. The idea of getting only 100% seems more odd.

tbrannon · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2008, 08:22:19 PM »

I don't remember specifics on B-12, but my physiology background tells me that all you'll end up with is more expensive urine. I guess you could make an argument for putting an increased load on your kidneys and liver, but I doubt anything you can buy over the counter will get you anywhere near that range.

svlilioukalani · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2008, 02:25:21 AM »

I work as a RN cause I can't make enough $ playing bass. Anyway, I am sitting at my desk, in a hospital right now. (If your wondering about how Alembic basses effect the high cost of health care.) And, rather than attending to patient care, I will offer you what we know about too much B12.

Mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.
People who have a rare blood disorder (polycythemia vera) may infrequently have symptoms related to this disorder while taking cyanocobalamin. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious symptoms occur: chest pain (especially with shortness of breath), weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the tongue/lips/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Well you ask. The only people I ever see who are deficient in B 12 are chronic alcoholic's or hippie vegetarian girls who are not eating a healthy vegetarian diet.

jeramaya · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2008, 04:14:41 PM »

I went to the pharmacist today to pick up more B-12. Out of curiosity, I asked him what was up with the 16,000% DV listed on the bottle. He said that the ones to stay away from due to toxicity are fat-soluble vitamin B pills.