Can you have too much B-12? - Anemia Message Board

amwood · 10-09-2003, 01:20 PM

I just talked with my primary again and she said my B-12 levels are in the low end of normal, but on some scales would be just out of the normal range. So I'm going in tomorrow to get a B-12 injection and I'm not sure how many I'll end up having. My question is, can you end up with too much B-12 through these injections and what would be the side effects of that? I know most people on this board are B-12 deficient, and I haven't seen anyone here that has TOO MUCH B-12....but, I'm just curious about this, and once you get the shots do you have to keep getting them? I'd like to have a little info before I see my doctor tomorrow so at least I can appear slightly informed on this, and not have to just agree to whatever is recommended....thanks!

NancyH · 10-09-2003, 08:10 PM

Supposedly there are no known side effects of too much B12,I've read every research paper and discussed it with my neuro and it all comes up no. I get them for life twice a month. But I also lack the intrinsic factor neede to absorb the B12, if you are just low it shouldn' take many injection.

Brenda555 · 10-11-2003, 06:28 PM

bump

lmrose · 10-15-2003, 02:08 PM

Hi, from what I and my doctors have read, it is vary rare to build up too much b12. The extra should just flush from your system. I was very concerned with this because when I was pregnant I couldn't keep my b12 level much over 300 and had to get 3cc's 3x's a week just to get to that level. I didn't want to have too much in my system but it seemed there were worse effects from having it too low than too high. As a sidenote, I had my baby on 9/21. My last shot was 1cc on 9/19. I have had my level checked twice since then and it was just over 1000 both times so now I will probably go back to 1cc once a month.

amwood · 10-15-2003, 09:49 PM

Thanks for your replies! What is B-12 supposed to be at? From what I remember, it's a wide range....and did you notice a difference when your levels went up? I haven't had mine checked since the injection, which was only on Friday, but I don't really feel much different...