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	Wellness Wheel Nutrition & Health States Tables Drug-Nutrient Interactions & Depletions Table Supplement Dosage Chart Herbal Dosage Chart

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Dosage Chart

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B-12 is essential for a healthy nervous system. Vital for red blood cell formation.†


	Benefits Essential for metabolism. Helps the body produce energy. Helps with red blood cell production.			Precautions Vitamin B12 works very closely with folic acid. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause a deficiency in folic acid, if folic acid intake is not adequate. Therefore, it is recommended to take B12 and folic acid supplement together, especially for those over the age of 50.

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Acid-Suppressing Drugs

Gastric acid is necessary for assimilation and absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary/food sources, while the absorption of vitamin B12 in synthetic form (supplements or fortified foods) is not affected by pH of the stomach. Consider Vitamin B12 supplementation if using acid-suppressing drugs chronically or monitor vitamin B12 levels in people taking high doses of PPIs for prolonged periods.

Oral Hypoglycemics (Antidiabetic Drugs)

Metformin may cause diminished oral absorption of vitamin B12 and reduced serum levels of B12 occur in a significant percentage of patients taking metformin chronically. Consider supplementing with vitamin B12 if taking metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet, Metaglip, Glucovance.)

Antibiotics

Destruction of normal gastrointestinal flora by antibiotics can cause a decrease in the normal bacterial production of certain B vitamins including folic acid. Consider supplementing with vitamin B-complex if taking antibiotics frequently for extended periods of time.

Lipid-lowering Drugs (Statins)

Homocysteine has been suggested to be a possible risk factor for heart disease. The B-vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) play an important role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels.

Antidepressants

In combination, the B-Vitamins, including B-6 and B-12, are important for normal neurotransmitter metabolism.

Lipid-lowering Drugs

Homocysteine has been suggested to be a possible risk factor for heart disease. The B-vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) play an important role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels.

Lipid-lowering Drugs (Fibrates)

Homocysteine has been suggested to be a possible risk factor for heart disease. The B-vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) play an important role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels.

Lipid-lowering Drugs (Bile Acid Binding Resins)

Homocysteine has been suggested to be a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The B-vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) play an important role in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be used with caution when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be avoided when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Nutrition and Health State

If no prescription medications are being used, the following supplements may be beneficial for this health state. If prescription medications are being used, please see the drug-interaction database before making recommendations.

A daily multivitamin will help ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients and promote overall health and well-being.

Diabetes – Type II

This key B vitamin helps maintain normal homocysteine levels in the blood, which is important for heart health. Also, metformin may cause diminished oral absorption of vitamin B12. Reduced serum levels of vitamin B12 occur in a significant percentage of patients taking metformin chronically.

Metabolic Syndrome

Reduced serum levels of vitamin B12 occur in a significant percentage of patients taking metformin chronically. Adequate levels of B12 and folic acid help maintain healthy homocysteine levels for heart health. Consider a B complex to insure adequate levels of B12 are maintained.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Consider supplementing with a B complex. When adjusting carbohydrate intake with PCOS, additional B vitamins in a B complex supplement may be beneficial to meet daily requirements. Also, folic acid supplementation is important if taking Glucophage for PCOS, since it may reduce folic acid absorption and subsequently increase circulating homocysteine levels.

GERD/Heartburn

Gastric acid is necessary for assimilation and absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary sources. Since absorption of synthetic B12 is not affected by pH of the stomach, supplements containing B12 should be considered to maintain adequate levels, especially in those aged 50 and over.

Muscle Pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)

Adequate amounts of key B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12) allow SAM-e to work effectively and help promote healthy nerve function.

Depression ( or Mood disorder)

Studies show that people suffering from low moods may have lower blood levels of vitamins B6, B12 , and folic acid which are essential in maintaining emotional well-being. B vitamins are important for normal neurotransmitter metabolism (e.g. serotonin) and overall brain health.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.