Why B12 Supplements are so large.

[Guest guest]

Hi Belle;

I'll share with you what I have found out about the size of B12 supplements

from my point of view as a science writer and a vegan consumer. Because our

bodies are normally equipped with the ability to store and recycle B12, with a

10 mcg tablet, one could take it every 3 or 4 days, assuming one's system is

perfectly functional for absorption that is.

 

The internal process for absorption and utilization of B12 is complex, so

there are many possible stages where the whole process can be derailed.

Absorption problems with B12 are relatively common for a variety of reasons.

People with any of these need to take a large supplement everyday to increase

their chances of absorbing at least some of it. For people with the most common

absorption problems, lack of Intrinsic Factor and/or low gastric acid output,

they may only absorb about 1% of whatever amount they take, so they need a mega

dose, between 500 to 1000mcg everyday to ensure that they get enough absorbed.

That way they actually get about 5 to 10 mcg per day. This system means also

that if they miss a day for some reason, they probably have enough to tide them

over, assuming their bodies store and recycle OK.

 

Some people have an OK time absorbing B12 but they can't store or recycle it

in the normal ways, so they have to take it everyday, or they run into troubles.

In the worst case scenarios, for people who have troubles absorbing, storing AND

recylcing it, the mega dose everyday is essential.

 

If a person has any doubt about their B12 uptake, they can have their blood

tested. It is wise to have more than just the serum B12 level assessed, because

the real measure of a fully successful B12 system is how well the body actually

metabolizes it. For that reason, there are a variety of other blood tests such

as those done on homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, and/or holotranscobalamine

II. If a person is reluctant to go through the blood work and wants to take the

mega dose just in case, or if they find out they need the megadose, 500 to 1000

mcg daily has been found over many years of human use to be quite safe and

without side-effects. Because of the limitations on absorption, excess intake

is excreted.

 

Deborah

 

 

 

 

Isn't it funny how people only need 2.5 mcg of Vit B12 per day, and yet the

lowest you can get with B12 supplements are 10 mcg-tablets. Why is that? ...

I'm sticking to my fortified soy stuff.

-Belle

 

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