Facts about B12 Supplements

  B12 supplements are often found in combination Vitamin B supplements.

  For more information about who may require a supplement please read the Deficiency Information and Drug: Nutrient Interactions Pages, both of which list risk groups for B12 deficiency.

      Do healthy young adults need a Vitamin B12 supplement?

 Levels of B12 deficiency in young adults with a healthy, balanced diet are thought to be younger then those in older or pregnant/lactating adults.

 Those who do not take a B12 supplement are twice as likely to become deficient in B12 as those who do take a supplement, however.

  As of yet, governmental fact sheets and such resources are not making suggestions as to whether young adults need a supplement of B12 until more research about young adults B12 levels has been completed.

  If a deficiency is suspected, if a young adult takes folic acid or one of the previously mentioned medications, or if a young adult is a strict vegetarian that does not eat fortified cereals then a physician should be consulted as to the appropriateness of a B12 supplement.

      What are the health risks of Vitamin B12?

  There is very little evidence that very large doses of Vitamin B12, as one might receive from a supplement, cause ill health effects, because many people who are unable to absorb Vitamin B12 naturally are given large doses of B12 monthly.

 Further evidence is provided by the fact that your body stores a small amount of B12, sufficient for several years, naturally and with no ill effects.

      How do I select a healthy diet?

 It is generally accepted that eating a healthy diet involves consuming a variety of different foods and healthful substances, depending on your age, sex and activity levels.

 For more information on the ‘food guide pyramind’ or current dietary guidelines visit the following websites or discuss your diet with your health care provider.

 http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Fpyr/pyramid.html

 http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/DietGd.pdf

• http://www.yourhealthbase.com/vitamin_B12.html#overload
• http://www.vegsoc.org/info/b12.html