Vitamin B12 is vitaminwhich is useful for the formation ofproteins, blood cells, and network. Vitamin B12 requirement daily can be obtained through food or additional supplements.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in fish, shellfish, meat, liver, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese. In addition, vitamin B12 can also be found in fortified cereals or fortified with this vitamin.
In general, the daily requirement of vitamin B12 can be met by consuming the foods or drinks mentioned above. However, in people who suffer from digestive disorders, cancer, HIV infection, or malnutrition, vitamin B12 deficiency can occur, so vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) supplements are needed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also occur in pregnant women, the elderly, people who frequently consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and vegetarians.
Vitamin trademark B12 : Global DHA, Feromax, Jovial Multivitamin Emulsion Gold, Neurobion, Healty Choice Junior Strawberry Flavor, Sakatonic Liver, and Biovitan.
What is Vitamin B12?
| group | Supplement |
| Category | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs. |
| Benefit | Treating vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in patients with pernicious anemia. |
| Consumed by | Adults and children. |
| Vitamin B12 for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Vitamin B12 can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this supplement without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Injections, tablets effervescence, chewable tablets, tablets, capsules, delayed-release capsules, and syrups. |
Precautions Before Using Vitamin B12
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to synthetic vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).
- Tell your doctor if you have low levels of iron, potassium, or folate.
- Tell your doctor if you have blood in your urine (hematuria).
- Tell your doctor if you have polycythemia.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of a drug allergy or cyanocobalamin overdose.
Dose and Rules for Use of Vitamin B12
The dose of vitamin B12 supplements is given based on the age and condition of the patient.
Condition: Pernicious anemia
- Initial dose: 1,000 mcg injected into the muscle, once daily for 6-7 days.
- Advanced dosage: 100 mcg every 2 days for 7 times, then followed by 100 mcg every 3-4 days for 2-3 weeks.
- Maintenance dose: 100-1000 mg per month, throughout the patient's life.
Condition: Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Adult dose: 25-2,000 mcg of oral medication per day.
- Children's dose: 0.5-3 mcg per day.
Daily Requirements and Limit Intake of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 needs can be met through food, supplements, or a combination of both. The following is a breakdown of the amount of vitamin B12 needed per day based on the RDA:
Daily necessities
| Age | Needs (micrograms/day) |
| 0-6 months | 0.4 mcg |
| 7-12 months | 0.5 mcg |
| 1-3 years | 0.9 mcg |
| 4-8 years | 1.2 mcg |
| 9-13 years old | 1.8 mcg |
| 14 years and over | 2.4 mcg |
Pregnant and lactating women need more vitamin B12 intake per day. The nutritional requirement (RDA) for vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 mcg/day, while breastfeeding mothers are 2.8 mcg/day.
There is no limit on the maximum intake of vitamin B12, because the level of toxicity is low and excess B12 intake can be excreted in the urine.
How to Use Vitamin B12 Correctly
Vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to meet the daily vitamin and mineral needs of the body, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food alone is not enough. Keep in mind, supplements are only used as a complement, not as a substitute for nutrients from food.
Take a vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) supplement as directed on the package or as recommended by your doctor. Do not swallow cyanocobalamin whole in the form of lozenges or sublingual. Cyanobalamin in sublingual form needs to be placed under the tongue until it melts on its own.
Do not bite, chew, or crush the delayed-release tablet (delayed-release tablets). Swallow directly with a glass of water.
If you are taking vitamin B12 in the form of a chewable tablet, chew it before swallowing it.
If you want to take vitamin B12 in syrup form, use the measuring spoon included in the package. Do not use a regular tablespoon because the measurements are different.
Interaction of Vitamin B12 with Other Drugs
Vitamin B12 used together with other drugs can cause interactions, namely:
- Decreased absorption of vitamin B12, if taken with colchicine, metformin, drugs and supplements containing potassium, aminoglycoside antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and drugs to treat stomach disorders.
- Increases the chance of side effects and interactions with drugs that affect the bone marrow, such as chloramphenicol.
In addition to drugs, consuming alcoholic beverages can also reduce vitamin B12 levels in the body.
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is safe to use in recommended doses. However, if used in excess of doses, vitamin D is at risk of causing the following side effects:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety disorders
- Involuntary or uncontrolled movements
Although rare, the following side effects can also occur:
- Low levels of potassium in the blood, usually characterized by constipation, irregular heartbeat, and increased frequency of urination.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Blood clots in the hands and feet.
- Anaphylactic shock, which can be characterized by difficulty breathing and decreased consciousness.
- Accumulation of fluid in the lungs.