Originally Posted by rose

If a person does not malabsorb, more than 3 mcg will be absorbed from the usual (not vegan) diet. And if that person has become low because of years of vegan diet, overgrowth of bacteria, or a parasite of another type, the 3mcg per day would help them rebuild stores after the cause of malabsorption has been removed. It would be helpful, but I would prefer to see them rebuild faster with a higher dose.

If a person malabsorbs from food due to too little stomach acid, B12 can still be absorbed just fine from a supplement. That person too could prevent deficiency or rebuild stores with small daily doses of B12 (even 3 mcg). However, that would not be a good idea, because many of those will progress to severe malabsorption, and then they would need much larger doses. [B]So, that is why 1000 mcg is recommended for anyone who has been shown to or might malabsorb. A person who malabsorbs severely may get only about 10 mcg out of 1000 mcg dose.

There are many other scenarios. But, for a person without any symptoms, a regular multi-vitamin containing 3 mcg B12 can be a good insurance policy. If they develop any symptoms or get to be about 50, I would hope they would take a lot more.

Under most circumstances, I think 50 mcg is a pretty silly dose. People who don't malabsorb shouldn't need it, and people who malabsorb severely won't get anything out of it.

rose

Originally Posted by rose

There is no reason to increase B12 slowly, unless one is so near death (fragile) that any change (even improvement) can tip the balance. And that would be rare even in a fragile person.

Under almost all circumstances, the idea is to get stores refilled as quickly as possible.

Jarrett,

I'm so glad you have improved. I assume you meant 3 mg B12.

Regarding Melody's comment : Three mcg per day would prevent deficiency in those who have not begun to malabsorb severely, but for many of us they would be useless.

rose

Originally Posted by MelodyL

Rose:

Really? 3 mcgs a day would be enough for some people? Jarrett knows I'm kidding, because I knew he didn't mean to type 3 mcgs. But in any B-12 bottle (you know, the ones in the stores), the minimum amount I've ever seen is 50 mcgs.

I thought 3 mcgs would amount to taking nothing at all.

Wow, I just learned something.

Anyway, I'm taking the 5000 in the morning AND NOW SO IS ALAN!!!

He wanted to start taking them and he started two days ago.

I see so much improvement in my burning, I can't begin to tell you.

Thank God. Now maybe it's the weather, my weight loss, who the hell knows, and who on earth cares. I will take my B-12 for the rest of my life (or as long as I can afford it

Originally Posted by MelodyL

I think I will give you a new title.

Queen of the B-12.

You most certainly know your stuff.

I learn from you every day.

Thanks so much.

Melody

Originally Posted by MelodyL

Hellooooooo Barbara!!!!!

Mel