[MaracaSalesman]

hey all,

I have been on different B-12 for a few years, on various forms (standard pill, sub-lingual pill, sub-lingual liquid, extended-release pill, etc.) and dosages. I've been taking at least 200% USRDA every day, well before my neuroinfection got into my brain (i.e., when my encephalitis started) and set things there ablaze.

I just wanted to know what dose/form y'all tend to take... When my encephalitis blew up on me in 2005, I increased to about 5,000% USRDA (taken by standard B-complex w/extra B-12 pill daily).

In 2006, I switched to a similar B-complex with an even higher dose (17,000% RDA) in order to possibly prevent/slow down my neuro symptoms. Then, I went to take what was essentially the same dosage of B-vitamins, except in a sublingual liquid form. I was on that for a while before switching to an extended release B-12 only preparation with 30,000% RDA B-12 (whilst staying on a B-complex with more normal B-12 levels). This is also when I started supplementing additionally with 200% each folate and vitamin C.

A couple months ago, I switched to 50,000% RDA B-12 (in addition to my normal B-complex) in sublingual pill form. I think this was too much/too soon of a release, since I started experiencing pins/needle sensations (parasthesias) within a couple hours of the first dose. Within a few days, I cut the B-12 back down to my former 30,000% RDA XR and the sensations got better.

Strangely, I know that B-6 in high doses can cause peripheral neuropathy, but I looked everywhere to find out about a B-12 toxicity syndrome (and I don't even mean serious symptoms, I just mean published case studies and personal anecdotes showing what side effects patients had). Haven't had any luck, and it seems that the medical world says that one could take my entire bottle of B-12 sublinguals at once and still feel nothing bad.

So I do really want to know what dosage and amount of B-12 that y'all take, and if anybody has had side effects from too much B-12.

(P.S. - My other issue could be not increasing my vitamin C and folic acid intake to match the higher B-12 load. I noted this when I started having a huge craving for citrus fruits and juices during and a few days after my sublinual 50,000% B-12 regimen... and citrus is a big no-no for me around bedtime since my esophagus stopped functioning properly, giving me bad acid reflux!)

(P.P.S. - I also take a daily standard multivitamin, chewable since I can't swallow large pills.)

[mrsD]

Those doses into a more usable format instead of RDA %, to use milligrams/micrograms?

I do think XR versions of B12 are not totally reliable.
Immediate release forms used orally or sublingually usually provide
enough for one day. Only a small amount is absorbed at any one time orally.
For example a 1000mcg/1 milligram dose may provide anywhere from 4 to 10 micrograms absorbed passively.

If you have adequate intrinisic factor you may absorb a little more.

What products are you using? You can name names here.

And there is a difference in the way the body uses the form of B12.
Cyano version is artificial, and some people cannot convert it to active methyl form. Same with folic acid. If you have that genetic failure, then using the wrong form may not work, for you.

[rose]

People who malabsorb severely absorb only about 1% of a very large dose, by default.

Those who have intrinsic factor generally absorb plenty even from a small dose, and much more from a large one. The standard dose is 1000 - 2000 mcg (NOT timed release) per day orally for any type of malabsorption, in case a moderate case is progressing to severe malabsorption.

Too much B12 is not a problem. Only too little of a usable type (most people can convert, but some cannot).

50,000% sounds like a huge dose, but when a person malabsorbs severely it is not.

rose

[Vowel Lady]

I take a B50 tablet daily and for probably a good nine months was taking 2000 mcg of extra B12.
Recently, my doctor asked me to take 5000 mcg of B12 for at least a period of time. He did not elaborate...but my thought was that at some point I would go back to the 2000 mcg. I have not had any side effects at all.
I have noticed that I feel better since taking the B50 and extra B12.

[thav1]

I get a weekly injection and take 1000mcg every day also. They are trying to decide if I have MS and my B-12 levels were in the 300's so they put me on shots and the supplement.

[Peter B]

I've just started taking a 1000mcg/1 milligram dose daily, under the tongue from a dropper. Hoping it will improve my sleep. Using VRP.

[mrsD]

Please do that dose on an empty stomach away from food for good results. Most of the
liquid will get mixed with the saliva and swallowed.

B12 in the GI tract is absorbed passively, but not well when food is present.

[MaracaSalesman]

Hi guys --

Thanks for the further input!

I think I'm just weird, but taking too high of a B-12 dose on an empty stomach gives me tingling and zaps in my fingers.

However, I've found a happy balance in taking instant-release B-12 (3000mcg) on a full stomach a couple hours before retiring for the night.

Perhaps I just absorb the stuff quicker than most people... also, my liver might be busy metabolizing the 8 Rx meds I'm on. =P

[cori01]

Originally Posted by thav1

I get a weekly injection and take 1000mcg every day also. They are trying to decide if I have MS and my B-12 levels were in the 300's so they put me on shots and the supplement.

You don't happen to drink diet pop or anything with aspartame in it do you? I ask b/c aspartame and other similiar products can make someone show signs of ms. Aspartame is very bad!