B12 Supplements and Potassium Depletion
 

Hello everyone, I’ve read in many places that supplementing with methylcobalamin (B12) can lead to depletion of potassium in the body, and I know mrsD has often mentioned it too.

I’ve been supplementing with oral methylcobalamin for the past four months, starting with 2000 mcg daily and increasing it gradually to 5000 mcg per day. My usual schedule is a divided dosage of 3000 mcg in the morning and 2000 mcg in the afternoon, hopefully for better absorption.

After three months of this regimen, I started developing two sporadic problems: heart palpitations and muscle spasms in my leg. At first I thought I might have developed a heart condition, as I would experience fluttering and skipped heartbeats, but tests showed no problems with my heart. I initially assumed that my muscle spasms, which were often leg jerks, were being caused by my demyelination condition, but it turned out I was wrong about this too.

After doing a little research, I discovered that both of my problems are also symptoms of low potassium. Now whenever either of these problems occur, I usually drink a low sodium V8 (which is very high in potassium) and the palpitations or spasms are gone in a short time. I’ve found from experience that one V8 at night will alleviate my leg spasms for about eight hours. I still have numbness and tingling in my legs, which I assume is being caused by nerve damage.

I’ve also experimented with taking the 99 mg tablets of potassium that you can find in retail stores, but although they work for me, the effect doesn’t last very long so I’ve stopped using them. I now get all of my potassium from foods or drinks. Two good sources of high potassium are V8 and Revive fruit punch.

Usually the potassium issue with B12 has to do with increasing red cell production. People so low in B12 who are also anemic may have this low potassium until the anemia is corrected.

There is alot of potassium in the red cells so they will rob the
plasma of potassium while being increased.

People with frequent loose stools or diarrhea will also lose potassium. And people on low calorie diets can become low too.
Some forms of renal tubular acidosis lose potassium in the urine.

Interesting research finding...I've been supplementing with B12 for many years and not long ago did I get the lightbulb awaking on the potassium, from another friend...but she and I didn't put the two together, I'll have to give her this info.

I just drank my morning MSM drink with 1/2 distilled water and 1/2 V8 with lemon squeeze, got a little pain fix and potassium fix. I'm going to have to buy V8 in cases.... thanks.

Many thanks! I do supplement with methyl b12 and of course b12 in my B Complex as well.

I've been dieting and using an APP that helps you stick to your calorie count. But also shows a handful of nutrients taken in...including potassium. My potassium intake has been woefully low and I've been very concerned.

I'm drinking the v8 (low sodium) now. I took a 99 mg tablet today. I can't find that Zero calorie Revive Fruit Punch water at two stores I've visited. May have to see if my food store will order it.

Years ago I experienced bad muscle spasms in my hands and fingers due to taking meds that lowered potassium levels. They were very strong, almost violent spasms.

Hi Vowel Lady, in my area the Vitamin Water Zero Revive fruit punch is always available at Target, and sometimes at Walmart. Here is the product: http://www.target.com/p/vitaminwater...#prodSlot=_1_2

If you click on the “label info” you’ll see that it contains 880 mg of potassium and is sweetened with Stevia.

I shop vons/pavillions which is owned by safeway, and they carry the vitamin waters. Zero Revive appears to be a big seller...I'm thinking due to high potassium content....other smart people out there too. I hope. Often the zero water is .99 cents, 5 for 5.00, it was no on sale so I paid 1.59 for a bottle, bought 2. I drink a 1/2 bottle at a time...

“Years ago I experienced bad muscle spasms in my hands and fingers due to taking meds that lowered potassium levels. They were very strong, almost violent spasms.”


Hi again Vowel Lady, from what I’ve been reading, muscle cramps and muscle weakness are typical symptoms of low potassium. Like you, my spasms are also sometimes quite strong.

Apparently my skipped heartbeats may be due to dysfunctions within the heart muscle caused by low potassium:

http://answers.webmd.com/answers/117...ymptoms-of-low

An excerpt:

“Since the heart is also a muscle, there can be some changes in the electrocardiogram that are associated with low potassium syndrome, also known as hypokalemia, especially in the repolarization section of the ECG tracing. Palpitations (irregular heartbeats) may be perceived by the patient. In severe cases, hypokalemia can lead to dangerous disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias).”

Im always careful with juices that carry vitamins, or trace metals. More often than not they carry alot of sugar more than the vitamins or metals theyc arry.

Hi Neuroproblem, fruit juices often have more sugar content than I would prefer, which is why I use them only sparingly. But I must admit I am fond of orange juice. :)

All of the drinks and waters I take now contain the natural sweetener Stevia, which includes the Vitamin Water Zero Revive fruit punch. I’ve completely switched away from artificial sweeteners like Splenda, which can be upsetting to your stomach and dangerous to your health.

I used to work as a chemist and worked in nutritional chemistry for over 7 years. I've tested products like vitamin water. By the time you get that product to your house, most of the vitamins are likely depleted and way less than what they say on the label. All the C & B vitamins are extremely temperature, light and oxygen sensitive. Liquid products are more sensitive than solid products.

When we test stuff like this, it is in the most ideal conditions - shipped immediately to us right after it is made, it is placed in a container to not allow light in and it is placed in the refrigerator. They are also tested under special yellow lights so we don't deplete the vitamin content as fast. Vitamin C is tested immediately because it the most sensitive.

I personally would not spend the money on vitamin water unless you are drinking it because you like the taste. And I wouldn't trust the label on the product as it was produced in the absolute best conditions that don't really mimic the actual product life cycle that a typical consumer experiences.