Subscribe to NutritionFacts.org’s free newsletter! As a thank you for subscribing, receive a handbook on the Anti-Aging Eight, the specific foods or actions that may best help to slow aging or improve longevity, from Dr. Greger’s new book, How Not to Age. nutritionfacts.org/subscribe/
One thing I do not understand. There is passive and active intake which translate to: either take 1000micrograms once a week or 20 times less (50mcrg) once a day or 500 times less (2mcrg) at every meal. How does that mechanism work? Do we have some receptors that become saturated for active intake ? How often do those receptors (or whatever mechanism) can get saturated? Lets say someone is deficient and wants to improve and fill up the liver reserves as fast as possible with oral supplementation how many times per day could B12 be supplemented for fastest results? Thanks
9:16 I had no idea about the *potential harmful B12 alteration* when mixed with food, vitamin or mineral supplements. This means AG1 is doing it wrong! Thank you for this precious fact gem 🙏
Gregor is a mid tier nutrition researcher who has been wrong about fermented foods and other sustainable lifestyle practices. He shills for the b12 industry, which mostly comes from china and 85 percent of which is used to make the animal product industry viable.
I'm so glad that Dr. Greger addressed the dose of B12. I was taking 1000 but then thought it might be too much so I cut dowm to 500. I'm 72 years old, so back to 1000!! Thanks!
@@lizhall2961 Source for excessive b12 having adverse effects? In the video he stated that since it's water soluble, any excess just leaves the body in urine like vitamin C.
Hes a shill fpr the supplement industry.. you should be eating fermented foods to help you extend your life and prevent disease as you become an older adult.. B12 supplements often do nothing and are not regulated by the fda.
@@Legitimate123stop acting like you are the nutrition science expert... You are trying to defend a supplement industry that is not regulated! Do your own research and you will see that b12 supplementation can feed unwanted microbes, encourage acne, and may contribute to an early death... DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ARE NOT REGULATED. dr gregor has been wrong about fermented foods for a long time, He doesnt seem to understand that fermented foods are a source of b12, he doesnt talk about b12 in mushrooms, in nori, or in plant based sources... He is behind the times amd everything he says simply supports unfounded dietary supplement industry claims! If you wont do the homework for yourself, i will share sources with you here soon (ive got some stuff to do before i can sit around and educate gregor worshipers). Gregor is not board certified amd is just a salesman.. look at his credentials and who funded nutrition facts, from which he pulls a salary now! Nutrition facts is a portal for other doctors to sell supplements to their patients... Its about money at the end of the day for these people.
No he is not, he is an shill for the supplement industry. Hes a mid tier nutrition researcher. Hes barely a doctor and is mostly a salesman. Hes just getting rich pff of telling people to take pills (that arent even regulated!!!!!)
Yes thank you for this video!!!! Dr. Gregor we appreciate your work and it is help educating so many of us who are not in the medical field, but from a scientific and intellectual background and require proper data, evidence, validation, testing, accuracy, precision and clear information. Thank you.
Meat eaters please get your levels checked if you are having any symptoms of anemia no matter your age. I was deficient when I was eating meat at least twice a day, taking a multivitamin and eating fortified cereals often. I was 28 when diagnosed but I had been deficient for a very long time and had no idea. I was so tired. I couldn't breath going up a flight of stairs. I was told I was depressed given antipsychotics and told to exercise more. I couldn't exercise more because I could not breathe. Anyway I also had cracks in the corners of my lips, spooning nails, and bright pink blood if I was cut or on my period. 3 days of taking supplements and I could not believe the difference. Please please listen to your body and get help. If your doctor ignores you get a new one. 💚
Strange to think you would have died young living off the land in nature back in the day, you aren't supposed to be alive but science and supplements saved you haha lucky you were born in the age of b12 supplements as they've only been around for 100 years max.. you lucky lil feeb 😂
Age 63. Had B12 checked 3mos ago. Taking 1200mcg cyno per day. No deficiency at the start. All is well 😊 I will, however, chew them from now on. Thx Dr G
I was taking the injections because I was very low in B12. I also have stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Since I stopped the injections, I have noticed a difference. Now I know that I don't need the injections and can just buy the B12 best for me
our baby was a 'plant based, choline baby' in utero. Took steps unassisted by 9 months, and walking easily by 10 months. can ask for her own "bottle" and "milk" by 12 months. She's very social at the libraries.
Despite the detail on not just the chemical forms of B12 but also pill taking methods, its odd that liposomal formulations are not mentioned. Absorption and utilization is what matters, and particle size and structure can have as much effect on that as the choice of B12 compound. Liposomal formulations, including multivitamins, claim to transport these sensitive compounds safely to the gut, which bypasses the need for the chew-it-up method. I would love to see evidence on this, and also on liposomal vitamins in general which are claimed to be especially useful for B12 and Iron where efficacy is not just about dosage.
Thank You Dr. Greger so much for this video. In the past recommendations were always lower than 1000 mcg. I switched to 1000 mcg 1 year ago and finally my level is going up: 503. Thanks for keeping up with the new information out there. I'm so grateful for what you do.
Clear as mud. Lots of important information, but we keep kicking the can down the road. After all this talk about B-12 over the decades, we still need a comprehensive set of rules to follow. I take one 5,000-unit capsule each Monday. I used to take one each day until my doctor said I had many years' worth stored in my liver. Please, someone tell me, must I take a daily dose? Or does taking the larger amount and storing it achieve similar beneficial results?
@@leibatt2, that's my understanding, too. My inquiry is into the merits of taking one big capsule per week - since the B-12 is stored in the liver, can the body utilize the stored B-12 as beneficially as the daily dose.
Some vitamins including B vites are water soluble. Excess unneeded B vites are released into urine. Search online. This is not a controversial topic. Stored in liver for immediate use. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002403.htm
He seems very ignorant on how harmful this is for those with MTHFR gene mutation. Im actually shocked that he doesnt mention this as this is very harmful to MANY.
How is it not relevant when a person is unable then to absorb the B12, has high blood levels since the body doesnt absorb it giving the person a false sense of security while having neurological problems as you become very deficient and also then high risk for cancer, etc?
I'd like more information on how several B vitamins affect cancer rates; thank you. I think there's a mixed bag out there of studies showing either reduced risk for some cancers but greater risk for others with Vit B supplementation . . . would love some clarification on where the science stands today! thx
I've said this before on another Nutrition Facts video, but adopting one-size-fits-all policies is almost never a good idea. A minority of seniors have absorption issue due to pernicious anemia etc. and they need significant B12 supplementation. However, most senior are fine, and if they follow the '1000 mcg for all' recommendations they are overdosing. In 2024 we do not yet understand the long-term risks of such massive intakes. Remember that, up to age 65, only 4-5 mcg is considered adequate. Preliminary studies suggest that long-term overdosing of B12 raises the risk of lung cancer in men, and raises the risk of thrombotic events (blood clots and strokes) in both sexes. Have your blood levels checked before you try to 'fix' a problem that may not exist!
Exactly. Half a tablet twice a week could be the right dose for vegans who don’t supplement in any other way. (That is the personal preference of one vegan RUclipsr) For some people, the yeast extract on their toast plus mushrooms as part of their regular diet may well be enough. Also B12 is stored in the body for 6 to 12 months, so I have never understood the obsession some people have for the rapid absorption version of B12.
@@jgreen9361 studies don't show benefit in take b12 supplements in truth and who has lowest value (and so deficiency) tend live longer. In healthy subject b12 is a bit reasorbed in liver/bile
@@cicciomattese B12 and folic acid decreased my homocysteine levels substantially to desired low levels but I don’t know which was more effective. Since vegans tend to have highest homocysteine levels this seemed like a desirable result
Please discuss the age related decrease of the stomach acid required to fully absorb B12. This alone causes many elderly to become deficient. Sublingual tablets or shots may be required. ALSO, I disagree with any benefit to children on plant based diets. I have a family member raising their children vegan and I'm seeing weight issues developing because they eat a lot of processed foods, both the parents and the children.
It's my understanding that methyl is better because when you consume cyano, your liver has to methylize the compound and therefore it eliminates that step and absorbs quicker, thoughts?
Hello Dr Greger, could you make a video on the different pros and cons of taking separate B12 vs a high dose B-complex? I tend to get B12 deficient but also folate deficient and am wondering what is better overall. Thank you
Dr., I’ve been vegan for 14 years and I’m 47. My B12 has always been, since then, less than 300, but the last Acid Metilmalonic test was 0.11 (deficiência above 0.50). My folic acid is nearly 700. I feel great, I don’t have any health issues, never headaches, and I have lots of energy. I do take a low multivitamin supplement once a week, and I eat nutritional yeast with b12 every day. Giving the information above, should I increase my b12 supplements even I feel good?
Thanks dr greger for your continued emphasis on the importance of this. I now take this very seriously. Does anyone else break out and get pimples when taking b12? i take 2000mg once a week as a chewable. I've never had a problem with acne in my life. am i taking too much? thanks in advance for any info.
I also get pimples easily. There’s not much you can do other than lower the dose (and therefore increase the frequency). You could also try whatever general recommendations exist for acne such as a benzoyl peroxide face wash or a weak salicylic acid lotion.
This happens to some people. In some cases the problem is biotin deficiency. To function well, B12 needs other B vitamins, in particular B2, B9 and Biotin. Large doses of B12 can deplete your Biotin, if you are already deficient this can lead to skin problems. The correct procedure would be to take a B Complex that contains all of the B complex (the B12 content in the B complex will typically be low) and then also a single B12 supplement. Since you have a specific problem I would say try at least 300 mcg or higher of Biotin.
@dr. Greger: In what specific way is B12 in a multi vitamin suppl. harmful? The documentation says 'presence of cobalamin analogues', so what does that mean for my body? Thank you in advance.
Cobalt is a toxic element found in combination with arsenic. It's a lie that vegans need to supplement with synthetic garbage made in drug labs. Gregor also recommends getting flu shots. WTF
The set amount of vitamins in your blood are different depending on country, state, city ,age , and doctor. I can not find any doctors agree on how much or how little a person should have
My gp prescribed me b12 ( 1mg a day) following a blood test which showed my b12 was BELOW the recommended guidelines at (147) and in the uk is considered normal if its between 158 and 600) so my level is considered to be only just under normal even though if my level was 599 I would still be within the normal range! I am 72yrs old and I have been taking this dosage of cyanocobalamin for the last eight weeks and eating all the food recommended as containing the highest levels of b12 daily yet not only have I yet to notice an improvement in the awful symptoms of the b12 deficienc❤y I am actually having the last eight weeks
More signs of low b12, the brainfog is bad the weakness and fatigue the red sore mouth and absolutely no energy on top of my jany pjysical illnesses is really getting me down! The gp is going to do another blood test in March which will be 3 months after prescribing the 1mg daily cyanocobalamin, Thanks to your video explaining the levels this medication can be taken I will try to speak to my gp and request a higher dose, I did initially request b12 injections but the gp told me that they can only prescribe the injections if the blood test shows positive meaning that it shows that you are not receiving the nutrients your body needs, my result was negative! Here in Britain on the NHS we have big issues getting gp appointments especially face to face! but all I can do is try.😮
Hi Dr. Greger, cyanocobalamin is cheaper and more effective, but Dr. Lair Ribeiro says to take methiocobalamin because there are people who have a genetic polyformism that cannot transform cyanocobalamin into methio or hydroxocobalamin (only with genetic tests can we determine who has this condition)... cyan, it comes from cyanide... does that make sense?
There was a LOT of content to learn and digest. Worth listening to it a couple times. My B12 levels got down low - - my fault. I got enlarged Red blood cells because of it - - if I understand it right.
@@bm.6349 simply remembering to take a supplement B12. I take a lot of supplements. It was a big error for me not to notice that my B12 bottle was empty and needed to be replenished.
I'll confess I am somewhat confused by the recommended dosages. 50 mcg a day doesn't add up to 2000 mcg a week, but to 350 mcg a week. Why is the weekly dosage so darn high?
5:37 I heard or read somewhere a while ago that over dosage, besides being discharged in urine, could affect acne production, is this true? Thank you for all the detailed information on dosages 🙏
It is true. I (and many people in the vegan forums on Reddit) got acne from 2k once a week. Most people won’t get it, so it just depends if you’re susceptible.
After watching your B12 videos, I am as confused as ever about my daily dose of B12. I was on 2500 micrograms a week as suggested, but now you're saying 1000 micrograms a day. very confusing. Sorry.
If someone is over 65 and needs a 1000 units a day but their supplement is 2500 units could they just take 3 tablets a week and have the same absorption?
If I were in this situation I would break the tablet in half to take 1250 mcg per day. The rate of absorption of B12 decreases as the dose increases. Taking 1000 mcg daily will be more effective than taking a single dose of 7000 mcg once a week.
Try taking smaller doses more often, like 200mcg a day should be good instead of 2000 a week, dr McDougal says it takes years to become b12 deficient, I don't get dr gregers logic on b12.. like when in nature did we ever get 1000mcg a day from water or eating meat lol
We probably never did get 1000mcg a day, but people rarely lived above 65 back then either. Probably back then, people had 5+ years worth stored up at 65, and so they could safely make it to their 70s at least, and if not all older people have problems with absorption, so if they didn’t, then they’d be just fine still, but those that did have impaired absorption would’ve struggled as they reached their 80s, at which point they’re probably already dead from something else
@@Brian-gk1cd or maybe we just simply don't need that much b12 because it stores for years and dr greger is trippin.. he acts like you wake up the next day and all of your b12 is just gone haha
since the body deals with excess b12 so easily, i have just been taking 1000mcg now, so that I'll already have the habit well established when i get older.
@@Jeffs60 as he said in the video if you actually watched, it's water soluble and the body easily pees out excess b12. and elderly are recommended to take 1000mcg anyway, so that's what i do now until i die, whenever that is.
@@linaraepaksa There are people over the age of 100 that are walking and talking who never had access to any vitamins or supplements their whole life so please explain how that is scientifically possible. If you only need 2.4 mcg of B12 per day, why is more better and how does more end up wrecking your health and making the healthcare industry rich?
@@Jeffs60 That number was established in 1958 with a scientific experiment that today would not be recognized as valid for the method used. Furthermore, in 1958 when that dose was established, the health of the nerves (myelin sheath) or homocysteine were not taken into account, about which not much was known at the time. Today many organizations have been proposing an increase in this number for some time, the EFSA proposes 4 or 5 mcg, some researchers or universities say 7, others 10 or even 17 mcg. Consider that when you take a 1000 mcg tablet what you assimilate is *only* 10/13 mcg.
I have a hiatus hernia and have been on proton pump inhibitors for over ten years. I understand that the lack of stomach acid reduces or stops the intrinsic factor and therefore inhibits the absorption of B12. A recent blood test did show l was low on B12. What advice can you give please.
See you doctor asap! and insist on b12 injections in Britain b12 inj3ctions are given weeily if your unable to absorb nutrients, fingers crossed for you. 😊
Yes I have a problem with stomach acid too because of GERD and have to take a ppi. So I take it sublingually under my tongue and let it dissolve which goes right into the bloodstream. It does not bypass the stomach at all
Absolute nón sense. I'm 70. Was B12 deficient for decades, and had to get shots very regularly. Since I'm Carnivore my B12 is in very high range. Eat red meat people.
You dont know what you are talking about.. I have sources that explain why b12 is higher in meat eaters and it has to do with viral load amd isnt a good thing. Stop abusing animals to fuel poor nutrition
The scientific studies show that red meat causes colon cancer. Look it up. Protect yourself. Cancer is usually very slow growing so eating red meat, or any meat years and years ago can cause colon cancer or any type of cancer 5, 10, 15 or 20 years later. See the video "What The Health".
Do you think it's possible that one's blood level of B12 could be very high, over the normal range, (via swallowed methylcobalamin supplementation) but the amount actually utilized by cells is somehow deficient? I'm wondering whether B12 analogues are counted in serum B12 levels though they're not efficacious. Is MMA a more reliable measure of whether active B12 is reaching the target tissues? thank you, Marian
Yes you are right that is why Vitamin B12 and things like Magnesium are not checked on a routine panel or general check up blood tests because they are not that accurate and give false hope to those people who think they can outsmart nature with their clever and tricky diets that were invented in the last 100 years.
I take b12 complex 50 once at lunch then after dinner along with nutritional yeast at breakfast probably way to much my hair skin and nails have never looked so good lol and my urine is SUPER EXPENSIVE lol
I could put forward a hypothesis: there is a smaller amount of scientific literature on methylcobalamin. But I think that the existing one is more than sufficient (try to think of the numerous research done by the Japanese since the 90s on methylcobalamin)
Can anyone tell me why I get a headache when i take 1000 mcg methylated Vit B-12 supplement? So I can only take about 400 mcg without getting a headache.
Heart disease is the number one killer of people today and cancer is number two. Being over weight is the number one factor leading to an early death. People who are over weight have higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Even children today have signs of artery disease. Fast foods and sugary drinks have long term consequences. There is an obesity epidemic today where over 60% of the population is overweight or obese. What is common today and "NORMAL" is not healthy. The average person today is not healthy and is taking medications. Heart attacks were once only common in people over 65. Today people in their 40 are having heart attacks. Add more plants and vegetables to your diet and less junk and overly processed foods
@@mikemaldanado6015 That is how people think when they are not getting the right nutrients. Too much 1) artificial trans fats, 2) Vitamin D pills and 3) B12 pills can cause heart disease and cancer and all 3 do not have any animal fat or cholesterol in it.
What are the most common signs your dietary intake needs supplements - ie more - B - D - C - & ??? .. ect .. I have multiple medical issues - tumour - riddled with skin cancers - also have very bad pin's and needles in feet - legs and hands .. Prescribed morphine for pain relief ... I live in a very very small x1bed room apartment .. Trapped - cant move.... or exercise.. No where outside to sit in the sun ... a very heavy smoker !!! Unable to put on weight ... And just Can not 🚫 sleep !!! Dr Greger please 🙏🙏🙏 any advice would be greatly appreciated !!! Regards
I see that article highlighted mentions cyanocobalamin form. Isn't that synthetic? Also, u can't really know if u r deficiency with a standard blood work, and sadly insurance companies won't paid for a better more efficiency test.
@@josephmgomez3921 oh no I'm not. I've been deficient for longer than I know. I was on a slow painful decline to death. I inject daily now. You infact, need to do some more research..
@@josephmgomez3921 from someone who has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and has had a severe b12 deficiency crash and now injects daily, I am so correct.
@josephmgomez3921 from someone who has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and has had a severe b12 deficiency and crash and now injects daily, I am so correct.
Would you rather spend 8 hours a day having sick complaining patients breathing on you all day long or make a short video 2 times per week and make 15 times the salary of a doctor?
@@Dusty5870 In the last 4 million years no animal food has ever caused any health problem in any human or any other omnivore unless they: 1) consumed way too much of it 2) it was of defective or contaminated quality 3) the human or other omnivore was allergic to it.
Even people eating diets with meat and animal byproducts should be supplementing for b12. Furthermore, livestock needs to be fed b12 fortified animal feed. Which is why animal agriculture is the largest purchaser of b12 vitamin at 90%.
@@Alysuis But how do they treat the kids that have to mine in Congo to get that cobalt? Do you approve of that or just get natural B12 from wild caught sardines?
@@kirk3916 B12 is naturally produced by bacteria found in nature. Animals, our selves included, got most of it by eating food contaminated with dirt and from untreated water. However, our food system is more sterile now a days so we need to add it to our food chain. It's pretty neat, you should look it up if you truly are interested.
@@Jeffs60 You are not wrong! Again, 90% of the worlds B12 goes to animal feed. As such, don't you think we would need a lot less abusive mining if we cut out the intermediary?
Subscribe to NutritionFacts.org’s free newsletter! As a thank you for subscribing, receive a handbook on the Anti-Aging Eight, the specific foods or actions that may best help to slow aging or improve longevity, from Dr. Greger’s new book, How Not to Age. nutritionfacts.org/subscribe/
One thing I do not understand.
There is passive and active intake which translate to: either take 1000micrograms once a week or 20 times less (50mcrg) once a day or 500 times less (2mcrg) at every meal. How does that mechanism work?
Do we have some receptors that become saturated for active intake ?
How often do those receptors (or whatever mechanism) can get saturated?
Lets say someone is deficient and wants to improve and fill up the liver reserves as fast as possible with oral supplementation how many times per day could B12 be supplemented for fastest results?
Thanks
9:16 I had no idea about the *potential harmful B12 alteration* when mixed with food, vitamin or mineral supplements.
This means AG1 is doing it wrong! Thank you for this precious fact gem 🙏
Gregor is a mid tier nutrition researcher who has been wrong about fermented foods and other sustainable lifestyle practices.
He shills for the b12 industry, which mostly comes from china and 85 percent of which is used to make the animal product industry viable.
I'm so glad that Dr. Greger addressed the dose of B12. I was taking 1000 but then thought it might be too much so I cut dowm to 500. I'm 72 years old, so back to 1000!! Thanks!
The best is to have your B12 and MMA measure annually because excessive B12 has adverse effects and as we get older we may not absorb it well.
@@lizhall2961 Source for excessive b12 having adverse effects? In the video he stated that since it's water soluble, any excess just leaves the body in urine like vitamin C.
Hes a shill fpr the supplement industry.. you should be eating fermented foods to help you extend your life and prevent disease as you become an older adult..
B12 supplements often do nothing and are not regulated by the fda.
@@Legitimate123stop acting like you are the nutrition science expert...
You are trying to defend a supplement industry that is not regulated!
Do your own research and you will see that b12 supplementation can feed unwanted microbes, encourage acne, and may contribute to an early death...
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ARE NOT REGULATED. dr gregor has been wrong about fermented foods for a long time,
He doesnt seem to understand that fermented foods are a source of b12, he doesnt talk about b12 in mushrooms, in nori, or in plant based sources...
He is behind the times amd everything he says simply supports unfounded dietary supplement industry claims!
If you wont do the homework for yourself, i will share sources with you here soon (ive got some stuff to do before i can sit around and educate gregor worshipers).
Gregor is not board certified amd is just a salesman.. look at his credentials and who funded nutrition facts, from which he pulls a salary now!
Nutrition facts is a portal for other doctors to sell supplements to their patients...
Its about money at the end of the day for these people.
1000 might be enough.
2000 is better.
This is incredible. Could you please make a video for optimal Vitamin D3 and Omegas too?
Thank you Dr. Greger. You're a godsend!
No he is not, he is an shill for the supplement industry.
Hes a mid tier nutrition researcher. Hes barely a doctor and is mostly a salesman. Hes just getting rich pff of telling people to take pills (that arent even regulated!!!!!)
My take-away is to chew my B12 tablets.
Something I didn't know, even though I've been following Dr Greger for years.
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
Yes thank you for this video!!!! Dr. Gregor we appreciate your work and it is help educating so many of us who are not in the medical field, but from a scientific and intellectual background and require proper data, evidence, validation, testing, accuracy, precision and clear information. Thank you.
Meat eaters please get your levels checked if you are having any symptoms of anemia no matter your age. I was deficient when I was eating meat at least twice a day, taking a multivitamin and eating fortified cereals often. I was 28 when diagnosed but I had been deficient for a very long time and had no idea. I was so tired. I couldn't breath going up a flight of stairs. I was told I was depressed given antipsychotics and told to exercise more. I couldn't exercise more because I could not breathe. Anyway I also had cracks in the corners of my lips, spooning nails, and bright pink blood if I was cut or on my period. 3 days of taking supplements and I could not believe the difference. Please please listen to your body and get help. If your doctor ignores you get a new one. 💚
Strange to think you would have died young living off the land in nature back in the day, you aren't supposed to be alive but science and supplements saved you haha lucky you were born in the age of b12 supplements as they've only been around for 100 years max.. you lucky lil feeb 😂
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
Pls dear What type of supplement you take
Yeah, as asked already, what supplement did you take. B12 , which version.
Age 63. Had B12 checked 3mos ago. Taking 1200mcg cyno per day. No deficiency at the start. All is well 😊 I will, however, chew them from now on. Thx Dr G
I take the methyl version.
Did you have a serum B12 test or an Active B12 test? A serum test is not accurate and B12 tablets will skew that test.
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
can increase cancer
I was taking the injections because I was very low in B12. I also have stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Since I stopped the injections, I have noticed a difference. Now I know that I don't need the injections and can just buy the B12 best for me
Thank you so much. You answered the questions I have had for a while with B12. I appreciate all you do.
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
our baby was a 'plant based, choline baby' in utero. Took steps unassisted by 9 months, and walking easily by 10 months. can ask for her own "bottle" and "milk" by 12 months. She's very social at the libraries.
Despite the detail on not just the chemical forms of B12 but also pill taking methods, its odd that liposomal formulations are not mentioned. Absorption and utilization is what matters, and particle size and structure can have as much effect on that as the choice of B12 compound. Liposomal formulations, including multivitamins, claim to transport these sensitive compounds safely to the gut, which bypasses the need for the chew-it-up method. I would love to see evidence on this, and also on liposomal vitamins in general which are claimed to be especially useful for B12 and Iron where efficacy is not just about dosage.
B12 is water soluable. It doesn't need fat to be absorbed.
Thank You Dr. Greger so much for this video. In the past recommendations were always lower than 1000 mcg. I switched to 1000 mcg 1 year ago and finally my level is going up: 503. Thanks for keeping up with the new information out there. I'm so grateful for what you do.
Clear as mud. Lots of important information, but we keep kicking the can down the road. After all this talk about B-12 over the decades, we still need a comprehensive set of rules to follow. I take one 5,000-unit capsule each Monday. I used to take one each day until my doctor said I had many years' worth stored in my liver. Please, someone tell me, must I take a daily dose? Or does taking the larger amount and storing it achieve similar beneficial results?
The video says younger adults can take 1k twice per week. Older folks (65+) should take 1k per day.
@@leibatt2, that's my understanding, too. My inquiry is into the merits of taking one big capsule per week - since the B-12 is stored in the liver, can the body utilize the stored B-12 as beneficially as the daily dose.
Some vitamins including B vites are water soluble. Excess unneeded B vites are released into urine.
Search online. This is not a controversial topic. Stored in liver for immediate use.
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002403.htm
Great information and insight. Those of us with genetically induced methylation issues ( MTHFR being just one of them), the methylated form is a must!
He said methylated forms aren't stable, I'm sure he would have mentioned methylation issues if it was a thing, try sublingual
He seems very ignorant on how harmful this is for those with MTHFR gene mutation. Im actually shocked that he doesnt mention this as this is very harmful to MANY.
How do we know for sure? What does "the science" say?
2/3 of people have that mutation so its not that relevant. Don't make problems where they ain't
How is it not relevant when a person is unable then to absorb the B12, has high blood levels since the body doesnt absorb it giving the person a false sense of security while having neurological problems as you become very deficient and also then high risk for cancer, etc?
I'd like more information on how several B vitamins affect cancer rates; thank you. I think there's a mixed bag out there of studies showing either reduced risk for some cancers but greater risk for others with Vit B supplementation . . . would love some clarification on where the science stands today! thx
I've said this before on another Nutrition Facts video, but adopting one-size-fits-all policies is almost never a good idea. A minority of seniors have absorption issue due to pernicious anemia etc. and they need significant B12 supplementation. However, most senior are fine, and if they follow the '1000 mcg for all' recommendations they are overdosing. In 2024 we do not yet understand the long-term risks of such massive intakes. Remember that, up to age 65, only 4-5 mcg is considered adequate. Preliminary studies suggest that long-term overdosing of B12 raises the risk of lung cancer in men, and raises the risk of thrombotic events (blood clots and strokes) in both sexes. Have your blood levels checked before you try to 'fix' a problem that may not exist!
other studies conferm high dose increase cancers.....
Exactly. Half a tablet twice a week could be the right dose for vegans who don’t supplement in any other way. (That is the personal preference of one vegan RUclipsr) For some people, the yeast extract on their toast plus mushrooms as part of their regular diet may well be enough.
Also B12 is stored in the body for 6 to 12 months, so I have never understood the obsession some people have for the rapid absorption version of B12.
@@jgreen9361 studies don't show benefit in take b12 supplements in truth and who has lowest value (and so deficiency) tend live longer.
In healthy subject b12 is a bit reasorbed in liver/bile
@@jgreen9361 in truth studies don't show benefit in take b12 supplements in people with very low values
@@cicciomattese B12 and folic acid decreased my homocysteine levels substantially to desired low levels but I don’t know which was more effective. Since vegans tend to have highest homocysteine levels this seemed like a desirable result
So nice to have everything summarised :) thank you for sharing
Please discuss the age related decrease of the stomach acid required to fully absorb B12. This alone causes many elderly to become deficient. Sublingual tablets or shots may be required. ALSO, I disagree with any benefit to children on plant based diets. I have a family member raising their children vegan and I'm seeing weight issues developing because they eat a lot of processed foods, both the parents and the children.
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
Thats a conflated issue.. eating prcoessed foods is not a sustainable lifestyle choice
Whole foods are best. Processed foods are not healthy because they are full of oil, salt and sugar.
Take it as absorbed under your tongue so you don't have to worry about stomach acid at all it goes right into the bloodstream sublingually
It's my understanding that methyl is better because when you consume cyano, your liver has to methylize the compound and therefore it eliminates that step and absorbs quicker, thoughts?
Good point
@@twelveofthem yeah i really dont know what source of info to trust about that
Dr Greger is the best on the planet ❤❤
Hello Dr Greger, could you make a video on the different pros and cons of taking separate B12 vs a high dose B-complex?
I tend to get B12 deficient but also folate deficient and am wondering what is better overall.
Thank you
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
You're better off getting both.
B vitamins are synergistic with each other.
Taking B12 alone while lacking other B vitamins could make it ineffective.
Dr., I’ve been vegan for 14 years and I’m 47. My B12 has always been, since then, less than 300, but the last Acid Metilmalonic test was 0.11 (deficiência above 0.50). My folic acid is nearly 700. I feel great, I don’t have any health issues, never headaches, and I have lots of energy. I do take a low multivitamin supplement once a week, and I eat nutritional yeast with b12 every day. Giving the information above, should I increase my b12 supplements even I feel good?
This video reminded me to take my B12
Thanks dr greger for your continued emphasis on the importance of this. I now take this very seriously.
Does anyone else break out and get pimples when taking b12? i take 2000mg once a week as a chewable. I've never had a problem with acne in my life. am i taking too much? thanks in advance for any info.
I also get pimples easily. There’s not much you can do other than lower the dose (and therefore increase the frequency). You could also try whatever general recommendations exist for acne such as a benzoyl peroxide face wash or a weak salicylic acid lotion.
This I believe can settle down. It's just one of those things. This or your life. You choose.
yes, it too. It can increase cancer
This happens to some people.
In some cases the problem is biotin deficiency.
To function well, B12 needs other B vitamins, in particular B2, B9 and Biotin.
Large doses of B12 can deplete your Biotin, if you are already deficient this can lead to skin problems.
The correct procedure would be to take a B Complex that contains all of the B complex (the B12 content in the B complex will typically be low) and then also a single B12 supplement.
Since you have a specific problem I would say try at least 300 mcg or higher of Biotin.
@@stefanozebralight518 too b vitamins can increase cancers
@dr. Greger: In what specific way is B12 in a multi vitamin suppl. harmful? The documentation says 'presence of cobalamin analogues', so what does that mean for my body? Thank you in advance.
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
Cobalt is a toxic element found in combination with arsenic. It's a lie that vegans need to supplement with synthetic garbage made in drug labs. Gregor also recommends getting flu shots. WTF
The set amount of vitamins in your blood are different depending on country, state, city ,age , and doctor. I can not find any doctors agree on how much or how little a person should have
Very helpful review. :)
No, stop listening to gregor on this topic, he is a shill for the b12 industry.. see my comment for more info
My gp prescribed me b12 ( 1mg a day) following a blood test which showed my b12 was BELOW the recommended guidelines at (147) and in the uk is considered normal if its between 158 and 600) so my level is considered to be only just under normal even though if my level was 599 I would still be within the normal range! I am 72yrs old and I have been taking this dosage of cyanocobalamin for the last eight weeks and eating all the food recommended as containing the highest levels of b12 daily yet not only have I yet to notice an improvement in the awful symptoms of the b12 deficienc❤y I am actually having the last eight weeks
More signs of low b12, the brainfog is bad the weakness and fatigue the red sore mouth and absolutely no energy on top of my jany pjysical illnesses is really getting me down! The gp is going to do another blood test in March which will be 3 months after prescribing the 1mg daily cyanocobalamin, Thanks to your video explaining the levels this medication can be taken I will try to speak to my gp and request a higher dose, I did initially request b12 injections but the gp told me that they can only prescribe the injections if the blood test shows positive meaning that it shows that you are not receiving the nutrients your body needs, my result was negative! Here in Britain on the NHS we have big issues getting gp appointments especially face to face! but all I can do is try.😮
You need injections
Hi Dr. Greger, cyanocobalamin is cheaper and more effective, but Dr. Lair Ribeiro says to take methiocobalamin because there are people who have a genetic polyformism that cannot transform cyanocobalamin into methio or hydroxocobalamin (only with genetic tests can we determine who has this condition)... cyan, it comes from cyanide... does that make sense?
You answered your own question.
cyanocobalamin is cheaper because it is synthetic.
Thank you Dr. Greger.
What should your b12 level be when tested if your over 65 years.Thanks for video doc
At least over 600. A serum test is inaccurate. You need an Active B12 test. I'm over 65 and been through it all.
There was a LOT of content to learn and digest. Worth listening to it a couple times. My B12 levels got down low - - my fault. I got enlarged Red blood cells because of it - - if I understand it right.
@@audreyfischer8662 how did you go about fixing it?
@@bm.6349 simply remembering to take a supplement B12. I take a lot of supplements. It was a big error for me not to notice that my B12 bottle was empty and needed to be replenished.
I saw him on the 7th day adventist channel giving a lecture, very good.❤
Wow🎉 What a great bunch of information 🍇 Thanks 😊
I'll confess I am somewhat confused by the recommended dosages. 50 mcg a day doesn't add up to 2000 mcg a week, but to 350 mcg a week. Why is the weekly dosage so darn high?
Are gummies a good method?
5:37 I heard or read somewhere a while ago that over dosage, besides being discharged in urine, could affect acne production, is this true?
Thank you for all the detailed information on dosages 🙏
For injections, yes!
But with oral the amplitude in the blood seems to not be high enough according to Dr greger
Derrick from Stinnett nutrition has this problem
@@dominicmutzhas6002 i also have this problem and take 2000mg chewables once a week. i have no history of acne?
It is true. I (and many people in the vegan forums on Reddit) got acne from 2k once a week. Most people won’t get it, so it just depends if you’re susceptible.
You cannot overdose on b12. Your bodies will take what it needs and pass the rest. Yes b12 can stimulate acne problems no matter what the dose.
Shoud WE take this dose everyday?
After watching your B12 videos, I am as confused as ever about my daily dose of B12. I was on 2500 micrograms a week as suggested, but now you're saying 1000 micrograms a day. very confusing. Sorry.
Dr. Greger uses the most current scientific studies.
I have ordered 3 of your books
Okey, i was taking 9 mcg a day which i guess is way too low. But taking 5 pulls a day seem like a lot.
I hear this can aggravate acne in the acne-prone, and I'm one of those.
i am not acne prone at all but am getting acne taking 2000mg per week.
If someone is over 65 and needs a 1000 units a day but their supplement is 2500 units could they just take 3 tablets a week and have the same absorption?
If I were in this situation I would break the tablet in half to take 1250 mcg per day.
The rate of absorption of B12 decreases as the dose increases.
Taking 1000 mcg daily will be more effective than taking a single dose of 7000 mcg once a week.
@@stefanozebralight518 got it. Thanks for the reply 🥰
@@stefanozebralight518
If a B12 toothpaste could work, what about a topical B12 cream?
I worry about breaking out with b12, how do I know what to do 😢 I'm worried
Try taking smaller doses more often, like 200mcg a day should be good instead of 2000 a week, dr McDougal says it takes years to become b12 deficient, I don't get dr gregers logic on b12.. like when in nature did we ever get 1000mcg a day from water or eating meat lol
Lolol
We probably never did get 1000mcg a day, but people rarely lived above 65 back then either. Probably back then, people had 5+ years worth stored up at 65, and so they could safely make it to their 70s at least, and if not all older people have problems with absorption, so if they didn’t, then they’d be just fine still, but those that did have impaired absorption would’ve struggled as they reached their 80s, at which point they’re probably already dead from something else
@@Brian-gk1cd or maybe we just simply don't need that much b12 because it stores for years and dr greger is trippin.. he acts like you wake up the next day and all of your b12 is just gone haha
We hadn't heard of the toothpaste yet, that is an interesting suggestion!
Interesting - more money for Merck, they hold a patent on B12 filed in 1945 and granted in 1951. Everything you've heard about B12 is a lie.
What about B complex? bad as a multivitamin regarding to b12 absorption?
B complex is better
since the body deals with excess b12 so easily, i have just been taking 1000mcg now, so that I'll already have the habit well established when i get older.
The body does not deal well with excess anything whether it is B12, Vitamin D, wine, or saturated fat. You only need 2.4 mcg of B12 per day.
@@Jeffs60 as he said in the video if you actually watched, it's water soluble and the body easily pees out excess b12. and elderly are recommended to take 1000mcg anyway, so that's what i do now until i die, whenever that is.
@@linaraepaksa There are people over the age of 100 that are walking and talking who never had access to any vitamins or supplements their whole life so please explain how that is scientifically possible. If you only need 2.4 mcg of B12 per day, why is more better and how does more end up wrecking your health and making the healthcare industry rich?
@@Jeffs60 That number was established in 1958 with a scientific experiment that today would not be recognized as valid for the method used.
Furthermore, in 1958 when that dose was established, the health of the nerves (myelin sheath) or homocysteine were not taken into account, about which not much was known at the time.
Today many organizations have been proposing an increase in this number for some time, the EFSA proposes 4 or 5 mcg, some researchers or universities say 7, others 10 or even 17 mcg.
Consider that when you take a 1000 mcg tablet what you assimilate is *only* 10/13 mcg.
I have a hiatus hernia and have been on proton pump inhibitors for over ten years. I understand that the lack of stomach acid reduces or stops the intrinsic factor and therefore inhibits the absorption of B12. A recent blood test did show l was low on B12. What advice can you give please.
See you doctor asap! and insist on b12 injections in Britain b12 inj3ctions are given weeily if your unable to absorb nutrients, fingers crossed for you. 😊
Get the B 12 under the tongue is absorbed better
Yes I have a problem with stomach acid too because of GERD and have to take a ppi. So I take it sublingually under my tongue and let it dissolve which goes right into the bloodstream. It does not bypass the stomach at all
I use methylcobalamin sublingual....most metabolically active form
What brand?
@@loricohen672 I take the same and it is by Nature's truth
Absolute nón sense. I'm 70. Was B12 deficient for decades, and had to get shots very regularly. Since I'm Carnivore my B12 is in very high range. Eat red meat people.
You dont know what you are talking about..
I have sources that explain why b12 is higher in meat eaters and it has to do with viral load amd isnt a good thing.
Stop abusing animals to fuel poor nutrition
The scientific studies show that red meat causes colon cancer. Look it up. Protect yourself. Cancer is usually very slow growing so eating red meat, or any meat years and years ago can cause colon cancer or any type of cancer 5, 10, 15 or 20 years later. See the video "What The Health".
Do you think it's possible that one's blood level of B12 could be very high, over the normal range, (via swallowed methylcobalamin supplementation) but the amount actually utilized by cells is somehow deficient? I'm wondering whether B12 analogues are counted in serum B12 levels though they're not efficacious. Is MMA a more reliable measure of whether active B12 is reaching the target tissues? thank you, Marian
Yes you are right that is why Vitamin B12 and things like Magnesium are not checked on a routine panel or general check up blood tests because they are not that accurate and give false hope to those people who think they can outsmart nature with their clever and tricky diets that were invented in the last 100 years.
Search online. Your answer:
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002403.htm
I take b12 complex 50 once at lunch then after dinner along with nutritional yeast at breakfast probably way to much my hair skin and nails have never looked so good lol and my urine is SUPER EXPENSIVE lol
I’m just going
I’m
I take b12 capsules....( On plant based diet), so how do I boost the level? Chewing????😮
A liquid supplement or a pill that dissolves
@@Poorstargazer23 thanks, Dr greger said it is well established fact that oral pills are as effective as I / V but he emphasizes chewing...
Why does he never address those with MTHFR gene mutation who cannot methylate the cyano version. UGH. This is basic medical knowledge.
I could put forward a hypothesis: there is a smaller amount of scientific literature on methylcobalamin.
But I think that the existing one is more than sufficient (try to think of the numerous research done by the Japanese since the 90s on methylcobalamin)
For once, the whole story, no extra googling needed. Thank you!
Can anyone tell me why I get a headache when i take 1000 mcg methylated Vit B-12 supplement? So I can only take about 400 mcg without getting a headache.
I can't tell but been reading there are side effects some may experience ,also could be due to other health issues
Heart disease is the number one killer of people today and cancer is number two.
Being over weight is the number one factor leading to an early death.
People who are over weight have higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Even children today have signs of artery disease. Fast foods and sugary drinks have long term consequences.
There is an obesity epidemic today where over 60% of the population is overweight or obese.
What is common today and "NORMAL" is not healthy. The average person today is not healthy and is taking medications.
Heart attacks were once only common in people over 65. Today people in their 40 are having heart attacks.
Add more plants and vegetables to your diet and less junk and overly processed foods
yes but what does this have to do wtih b12 :)
@@mikemaldanado6015 That is how people think when they are not getting the right nutrients. Too much 1) artificial trans fats, 2) Vitamin D pills and 3) B12 pills can cause heart disease and cancer and all 3 do not have any animal fat or cholesterol in it.
Portuguese subtitles, please...
What are the most common signs your dietary intake needs supplements - ie more - B - D - C - & ??? .. ect .. I have multiple medical issues - tumour - riddled with skin cancers - also have very bad pin's and needles in feet - legs and hands .. Prescribed morphine for pain relief ...
I live in a very very small x1bed room apartment .. Trapped - cant move.... or exercise.. No where outside to sit in the sun ...
a very heavy smoker !!!
Unable to put on weight ... And just Can not 🚫 sleep !!!
Dr Greger please 🙏🙏🙏 any advice would be greatly appreciated !!! Regards
A how to/not to give birth book would be amazing.
Doesn't this guy think fluoride is good for us? Is there other forms of B12?
I see that article highlighted mentions cyanocobalamin form. Isn't that synthetic?
Also, u can't really know if u r deficiency with a standard blood work, and sadly insurance companies won't paid for a better more efficiency test.
All forms are synthetic.
No doctor will check B12 or Vitamin D unless your basic CBC and CMP test results are not in proper range.
Too much description from documents not attractive eagerness to watch video. please show in more animated or just apt things in a shorter video.
Oral B12 will NOT address a deficiency. You need injections.
You're so wrong.
@@josephmgomez3921 oh no I'm not. I've been deficient for longer than I know. I was on a slow painful decline to death. I inject daily now. You infact, need to do some more research..
@@josephmgomez3921 oh no I'm not. You infact need to do some more research. There is a difference between deficient and insufficient.
@@josephmgomez3921 from someone who has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and has had a severe b12 deficiency crash and now injects daily, I am so correct.
@josephmgomez3921 from someone who has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and has had a severe b12 deficiency and crash and now injects daily, I am so correct.
1 of 3 vegans they tested it on? And we are supposed to think thats a study? Really? 🙄
"1 of 3" refers to a percentage, not the sample size.
Kerri, go back to school
@@Brian-gk1cddon't be rude.
One IN three, not one OF three. That is to say, 33.3 %.
We must have eaten a lot of meat every single day back in the day to get 1000mcg a day cause no water source on earth has that much b12
It’s from bacteria…
@@Brian-gk1cd I know
No water source? B12 comes from healthy soil. People ate offal particularly liver where the b12 stores. Offal is not popular these days.
@@binathere2574 on Dr gregers website he says we used to get all the b12 we needed from natural water sources, he must be lying
The "bookends of life" are an outdated way of living
Title is an arcane concern only for folks with silly dietary restrictions.
Plant based diets are the worst diets for humans.
Would you rather spend 8 hours a day having sick complaining patients breathing on you all day long or make a short video 2 times per week and make 15 times the salary of a doctor?
Read the science. See the video "What the Health". Meat can easily cause cancer ( in time ). Protect yourself.
Making videos can help thousands of people on a daily basis. @@Jeffs60
@@Dusty5870 In the last 4 million years no animal food has ever caused any health problem in any human or any other omnivore unless they:
1) consumed way too much of it
2) it was of defective or contaminated quality
3) the human or other omnivore was allergic to it.
Why not eat a proper humand diet (meat) and then you don't need the suppliments.
Even people eating diets with meat and animal byproducts should be supplementing for b12. Furthermore, livestock needs to be fed b12 fortified animal feed. Which is why animal agriculture is the largest purchaser of b12 vitamin at 90%.
@@Alysuis so umm... how did humans survive before supplement manufacturers?
@@Alysuis But how do they treat the kids that have to mine in Congo to get that cobalt? Do you approve of that or just get natural B12 from wild caught sardines?
@@kirk3916 B12 is naturally produced by bacteria found in nature. Animals, our selves included, got most of it by eating food contaminated with dirt and from untreated water. However, our food system is more sterile now a days so we need to add it to our food chain.
It's pretty neat, you should look it up if you truly are interested.
@@Jeffs60 You are not wrong! Again, 90% of the worlds B12 goes to animal feed. As such, don't you think we would need a lot less abusive mining if we cut out the intermediary?