What causes extremely high B12 levels?
The most common cause of high B12 in the blood is due to recent ingestion or injection of supplemental vitamin B12. We don’t worry about overdosing on B12 supplements because excess can be excreted in your urine. It could also be possibly from your diet if high in animal products such as meat, eggs, and shellfish.
Is High B12 serious?
Elevated levels of serum cobalamin may be a sign of a serious, even life-threatening, disease. Hematologic disorders like chronic myelogeneous leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera and also the hypereosinophilic syndrome can result in elevated levels of cobalamin.
Should I be worried if my B12 is high?
There is no upper limit for vitamin B-12 intake because consuming high levels does not cause problems. However, having naturally high levels of vitamin B-12 in the body may be a cause for concern, as it suggests a severe underlying condition.
How long does it take to get rid of excess B12?
Unlike most other vitamins, B12 is stored in substantial amounts, mainly in the liver, until it is needed by the body. If a person stops consuming the vitamin, the body’s stores of this vitamin usually take about 3 to 5 years to exhaust.
How do you control high B12?
You can change your diet to include vitamin B12-fortified grains, a supplement or B12 injections, or a high-dose oral vitamin B12 if you are deficient. Older adults who have a vitamin B12 deficiency will likely have to take a daily B12 supplement or a multivitamin that contains B12.
What are the symptoms of high B12 levels?
High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause:
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Tingling sensation in hands and feet.
What are the dangers of high B-12 levels?
While vitamin B12 is generally not considered toxic in high levels, it’s important to determine if the elevation is due to excess vitamin supplements since other causes of a high vitamin B12 level are usually serious. High vitamin B12 levels are associated with many blood diseases, including various types of leukemia and related blood disorders.
What does high B12 blood levels really mean?
High blood B12 levels can occur in liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Alcoholic liver disease is an example of a liver condition associated with high vitamin B12 . With alcoholic liver disease, vitamin B12 as well as its carrier proteins can be elevated.
What foods are high in B12?
Further dairy, eggs, and cheese are all good natural sources of vitamin B12. Vegetarian foods high in vitamin B12 include fortified cereals, fortified fruit juices, fortified tofu, yogurt, milk, cheese, eggs, vitamin water, and whey powder.
What does an elevated B12 level mean?
Elevated levels of B12 can be caused by cirrhosis, scarring of the liver. Decreased liver function corresponds to elevated B12 levels because the liver cannot maintain B12 properly and the remainder is dispersed throughout the body.