B12 Question

jkern9110

So I have reread my nutritional information given before surgery. I can't make heads or tails of the B12 information. It says that you need to absorb 350-500 mcg of B12, but that you only absorb 1% of the amount taken. I'm thinking there has to be a typo somewhere. I have been taking a B12 sublingual of 2500 mcg daily. I have no complaints on too much or too litlle energy, but have yet to have any labs run telling me if I'm at a suitable level. What are you taking daily? Or what has your physician prescribed?

PaulaKro

I take a multivitamin that has 833% daily value (50mcg) B12. Instructions are one-a-day; I take two. Also take a B12 supplement which has 33,333% daily value (2,000 mcg). Instructions are daily but I take 2 per week. My B12 lab result was slightly elevated.

My nutritionist said to take a multi with at least 25 mcg B12 (twice-a-day) as well as a B12 supplement (weekly). Here are the instructions:

Take a 1000 mcg sublingual tablet one to three times per week. Weight loss surgery patients need 350 to 500 mcg B12 per day. Most multivitamins contain B12, but B12 in oral vitamins is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract after surgery. The most effective forms of the supplement are tablets taken under the tongue, liquid drops, mouth sprays, nasal sprays, or intramuscular injections. A weekly sublingual supplement is usually sufficient and easiest to take.

So 1/7 of 1000-3000.wkly = 143-430/day. If you add that to the daily (25 x 2.daily = 50/day); you get 193 to 480 day; which is the low range of the 350-500/day guidelines.

The same math for me is: 1/7 of 4000.wkly = 570; plus 50 x 2.daily = 100; for a total of 670/day. No wonder it's a little high. I think I'll reduce my weekly to one/week.

You should always consult your own doctor/nutritionist.