What level of B12 is considered deficient?
A serum vitamin B12 level less than 180 ng/L may cause megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathies. Vitamin B12 levels less than 150 ng/L are considered evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Is low vitamin B12 life threatening?
B12 deficiency. Delay in diagnosis and treatment resulted in a near fatal presentation of a common disease. The primary care physician should be aware that there is a window of opportunity for diagnosis and treatment; several complications of Vit. B12 deficiency are irreversible if early treatment is not provided.
How much B12 should a 65 year old woman take?
When you’re in your 60s you should officially start getting blood tests to test for vitamin B12 deficiency. Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day.
How much B12 should a 70 year old woman take?
Dosages for Older People Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day. Not only does this mean consciously eating foods that contain vitamin B12 but it also means that you should ingest this vitamin as a supplement. By taking supplements, you will ensure that your body absorbs vitamin B12.
What does a low vitamin B12 level mean?
What Abnormal Results Mean. Values of less than 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L) are a possible sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms.
What is a normal B12 level for an elderly person?
Values of less than 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L) are a possible sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms. Older adults with a vitamin B12 level less than 100 pg/mL (74 pmol/L) may also have symptoms.
What happens if vitamin B12 is not taken?
Early detection and treatment is important. If left untreated, the deficiency can cause severe neurologic problems and blood diseases. A serious vitamin B 12 deficiency can be corrected two ways: weekly shots of vitamin B 12 or daily high-dose B 12 pills. A mild B 12 deficiency can be corrected with a standard multivitamin.
Is it safe to take high doses of vitamin B12?
Yet, it should be noted that most of these studies focused on high-dose injections rather than oral supplements (, 6, ). There is also some evidence suggesting that high doses of B12 may lead to negative health outcomes in those with diabetes or kidney disease.