Vitamin B12 is one of the water-soluble vitamins and has many functions in the human body.

It is involved in the formation of red blood cells, is a component of some enzymes, but also plays an important role in energy metabolism and is important for a well-functioning nervous system.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has scientifically examined and confirmed the functions of vitamin B12 in the human body. [1] 

What can vitamin B12 do for your health?

• is important for normal energy metabolism
• contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
• supports normal homocysteine metabolism
• contributes to normal psychological function
• is important for the normal functioning of the immune system
• is involved in the normal formation of red blood cells
• helps reduce tiredness and premature fatigue
• has a function in cell division

Vitamin B12 is especially important for vegetarians and vegans

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, such as beef and beef liver, lamb, fish, venison, salmon, shrimp, scallops, poultry and eggs. This is why vegetarians and vegans often lack vitamin B12, especially when dairy products and eggs are not consumed.

Many older people also have a vitamin B12 deficiency. The reason for this, is the decrease in the production of stomach acid with age. This helps to remove vitamin B12 from food.

Vitamin B12 capsules are recommended:

• for increased vitamin B12 requirements
• for vegetarians with restricted vitamin B12 intake through food
• for vegans to compensate for the lack of vitamin B12 sources in the diet
• for stomach and intestinal problems
• during pregnancy and lactation
• for increased homocysteine levels
• for people at an advanced age
• for increased alcohol and tobacco consumption

Does vitamin B12 in high doses have side effects?

Vitamin B12 is one of the water-soluble vitamins and is very safe. The body uses the amount needed individually at a certain point in time and excretes the rest through the urine. Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin has no side effects even in very high doses.

The currently recommended daily requirement of 2.5 µg is the amount that humans need in order not to get any deficiency symptoms. But this does not mean that the daily requirement is a maximum limit.

Instead it is an approximate minimum amount that the majority of the population needs in order not to get a deficiency. In fact, the need can vary greatly depending on the life situation, age and diet.

Therefore, orthomolecular doctors recommend much higher amounts than the recommended daily requirement, if not only to compensate for a deficiency, but to also boost a person's vitality and energy by taking vitamin B12.

The most common recommended dosage of methylcobalamin is 1000 µg per day.