Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and it helps in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12 works closely with vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, to help make red blood cells and to help iron work better in the body.
Which is better folic acid or B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency produces both an anaemia identical to that of folate deficiency but also causes irreversible damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Folic acid will correct the anaemia of vitamin B12 deficiency and so delay diagnosis but will not prevent progression to neurological damage.
Is folic the same as B12?
Vitamin B12 and folate are both part of the B complex of vitamins. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, dry beans and peas, liver, and yeast. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs.
What should I replace first folic acid or B12?
Algorithm 1: Serum cobalamin <150 mcg or serum cobalamin 150-250 ng/ml and neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms with no other identifiable cause or strong clinical suspicion of deficiency (eg SACD) at any B12 level Check folate level but replace B12 first if deficient. Modify any risk factors before proceeding.
Can I take folic acid and B12 together?
Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for health. But when taken together, these B vitamins may interact with each other. You shouldn’t take more than 1,000 micrograms (mcg.) of supplemental folic acid per day.
Who should not take folic acid?
Folic acid should not be used by people recovering from this procedure. Cancer: Early research suggests that taking 0.8-1 mg of folic acid daily might increase the risk of cancer. Until more is known, people with a history of cancer should avoid high doses of folic acid.
What does low B12 feel like?
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
What is the generic name for vitamin B12?
Drugs used to treat Vitamin B12 DeficiencyDrug nameRatingReviewsGeneric name: cyanocobalamin systemic Brand names: Vitamin B12, Nascobal, Dodex Drug class: vitamins For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: Prescribing InformationView information about Nascobal NascobalRateAdd review
What happens if vitamin B12 is low?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiencyextreme tiredness.a lack of energy.pins and needles (paraesthesia)a sore and red tongue.mouth ulcers.muscle weakness.disturbed vision.psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.Meer items…
What are the symptoms of low folic acid?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiencyextreme tiredness.a lack of energy.pins and needles (paraesthesia)a sore and red tongue.mouth ulcers.muscle weakness.disturbed vision.psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.Meer items…
Can taking folic acid mask B12 deficiency?
Although vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia can be masked by high dose folic acid, this has not been shown to be a problem since fortification in the US. 9 The incremental intake of folic acid from fortification is probably much too small to cause masking
How much B12 does a woman need?
Who needs more B12? Most women get the recommended daily amount — 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for most adults, 2.6 mcg for pregnant women, and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding — in their diets.
How much B12 do you need daily?
How much vitamin B12 do I need? Adults (aged 19 to 64) need about 1.5 micrograms a day of vitamin B12. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.
Can you take too much vitamin B12?
Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population.
