Tag: B12 risks

While vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production, its necessity and safety can vary significantly from person to person. Understanding who stands to benefit the most from B12 supplementation and who should exercise caution is crucial for optimizing health and avoiding unnecessary risks.

According to a 2007–2018 NHANES analysis, approximately 12.5% of U.S. adults have inadequate vitamin B12 levels, underscoring that while a full-blown deficiency is not universal, insufficient levels are relatively common. This raises the important question of whether everyone should consider supplementation to maintain optimal health.

While excess B12 is water-soluble and often harmlessly excreted, abnormally high blood levels, especially without supplementation, can signal serious underlying diseases like liver or kidney issues. This makes it crucial to understand who should not take a B12 supplement, as it could otherwise mask symptoms or lead to adverse effects.