Is a b12 level of 2000 bad
Rachel Hickman
Published Apr 03, 2026
Though doses of up to 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 are considered safe, it’s best to speak to a doctor to find out whether taking a supplement is necessary. Most people can fill their B12 needs through a healthy diet. Some, such as older adults or those with certain dietary restrictions, should supplement.
What does it mean if your B12 is over 2000?
But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
Is High B12 serious?
Elevated levels of serum cobalamin may be a sign of a serious, even life-threatening, disease. Hematologic disorders like chronic myelogeneous leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera and also the hypereosinophilic syndrome can result in elevated levels of cobalamin.
What is considered a high B12 level?
An elevated B12 is generally defined as a level higher than the upper limit of the normal range, around 1000 ± 100 ng/L (738 ± 73.8 pmol/L)2,3,4.What causes high B12 numbers?
Usually, excess vitamin B12 is removed in the urine. Conditions that can increase B12 level include: Liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis) Myeloproliferative disorders (for example, polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia)
Can B12 hurt your liver?
The common forms of vitamin B include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Except for niacin (when given in high doses), there is no evidence that the other B vitamins, in physiologic or even super-physiologic high doses cause liver injury or jaundice.
Is B12 level of 1000 too high?
There is no consensus on the definition of high or elevated B12. Previous studies have chosen a variety of levels to represent high or very high B12 (pmol/l) levels. Some examples include: 664.219; 5131; 700 (high) and 1500 (very high)11; and 601 (high) and 1000 (very high)10.
How long does it take to get rid of excess B12?
Unlike most other vitamins, B12 is stored in substantial amounts, mainly in the liver, until it is needed by the body. If a person stops consuming the vitamin, the body’s stores of this vitamin usually take about 3 to 5 years to exhaust.Is B12 level of 1800 too high?
The normal range for vitamin B12 (total) is between 200 – 1100 ng/L (nanograms per liter), 200 – 1100 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter), or 148 – 811 pmol/L (picomoles per liter). The normal range for active vitamin B12 (holoTC) is around 20 – 134 pmol/L (picomoles per liter).
What does high B12 mean in blood test?High levels of vitamin B-12 can be a sign of liver disease, certain types of leukemia, or diabetes. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is a common condition. Between 1.5 and 15 percent of Americans have low levels of vitamin B-12, according to the National Institutes of Health .
Article first time published onIs it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?
The recommended dose for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is 1000 mcg daily. The recommended dose for preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is 1500 mg or 2500 mcg (sublingual tablets) daily.
Is B12 hard on kidneys?
A: Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Excess amounts of it (no matter how much you take) typically are just cleared by the kidney, so high levels of B-12 can occur if the kidneys aren’t working properly. B-12 is stored by the liver, so any liver damage that causes cells to die can increase blood B-12 levels.
How much B12 should an elderly woman take?
Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors A recent study found that for seniors, a daily dose of 500 micrograms was efficient in reversing the signs of B12 deficiency. In general, experts recommend 2.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day for people over the age of 14.
Can stress cause high B12 levels?
Those who have to deal with highly stressful situations or are in a serious crisis need more vitamin B12 than usual. These situations can be high mental or physical stress such as important exams or difficult tests.
Can too much B12 cause weight gain?
In most cases, taking a B vitamin will not lead to weight gain. However, people who are deficient in vitamin B12 might notice the scale creep upwards once they start supplementing. That’s because loss of appetite is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Can u overdose on vitamin B?
You’re also unlikely to get too much vitamin B if you’re taking any supplementation as directed. That said, overdose is possible — especially if you’re taking a supplement without receiving a deficiency diagnosis from your doctor. Symptoms of a vitamin B complex overdose include: excessive thirst.
What is the difference between 2.4 mcg and 1000 mcg?
2.4mcg is only approximately 1/250th of 1000mcg.
What is vitamin B12 1000 mcg used for?
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves.
What are the side effects of vitamin B12 injections?
Pain/redness at the injection site, 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.
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.
How do you fix B12 deficiency?
A serious vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected two ways: weekly shots of vitamin B12 or daily high-dose B12 pills. A mild B12 deficiency can be corrected with a standard multivitamin. In many people, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented.
What medications should not be taken with B12?
Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers …
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?
- Pale or jaundiced skin.
- Inflamed tongue.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Tingling sensations in the hands or feet.
- Trouble walking.
- Blurred vision.
- Shortness of breath or dizziness.
- Changes in thinking, memory and mood.
Does lack of B12 cause weight gain?
Furthermore, while a deficiency in vitamin B12 may not cause weight gain, it can decrease energy levels and contribute to fatigue, making it harder to stay active and manage your weight.
Is vitamin B-12 good for stress and anxiety?
However, when it comes to vitamin B for anxiety, vitamin B12 is especially powerful for managing your mood. For instance, there’s a strong correlation[4] between low levels of B12 and increased rates of anxiety and depression.
Can you recover from pernicious anemia?
With ongoing care and proper treatment, most people who have pernicious anemia can recover, feel well, and live normal lives. Without treatment, pernicious anemia can lead to serious problems with the heart, nerves, and other parts of the body. Some of these problems may be permanent.
How does B12 affect your nerves?
In the nervous system, vitamin B-12 helps produce a substance called myelin. Myelin is a protective coating that shields the nerves and helps them transmit sensations. People who are vitamin B-12 deficient may not produce enough myelin to coat their nerves. Without this coating, nerves can become damaged.