Too much B-12?

Hi, I had surgery 7/23/04, I have been taking B-12, 2500 most days, for the last 2years. I went to my doctor to have some blood work done, received a letter in the mail that said to stop taking B-12, my B-12 value is 1507, Low is 211, high 911. I didnt know you could get too much B-12, I guess I thought this is something you would need to take daily for the rest of your life after this surgery. Was wondering if anyone else experienced this, and/or if their doctor advised them to stop taking it. I have friends who also had this surgery years before I did and they still have to go into their doctors office for shots monthly. Thanks.

I have a Rx for B-12 shots that I give myself once a month. I have had my blood work done and I have never been over. Maybe take it every other day or once a week? All I know is that you do NOT want to be deficient in it either.

B12 is not toxic. You cannot really OD on it. I'd stick with what you are doing or switch to taking it 4-5 times a week. Do not eliminated it. Neurological damage can be caused in the lower range of what is called "normal". The US bases it's ranges on cardiac issues due to the B12. Neurological damage can happen in the 300s. My doctor said "Your B12 is 1450. It's high. But we LIKE it high." Kathy

I keep my levels between 1000 and 1500. You have to remind your doc that your not normal so those ranges mean nothing to us. B12 is very important...... I do a sublingual daily and self inject every two weeks per docs orders. Darlene

Thanks for posting this. I just went and had my labs drawn today, because I am having issues that I think are because my b12 is too low. Ex: numbness in legs, skin disturbance, mouth & tongue tingling, etc.. It will be interesting to find out what my levels are next week. I have also heard that you cant OD on b12. Georgina

Make sure that your doctor checks your other B levels, especially B1 Thiamine. Your symptoms can be related to that as well. Sandy

I agree with Kathy and Darlene, we want ours high, it isn't toxic and you will eliminate what you don't need through urinating. My last B-12 reading was 1756, I was taking 2000 mg a day. My PCP recommended I take 1500 mg a day until my next labs to see what is happening. He said taking the 2000 mg a day is ok, but I'm "wasting" the extra 500 mg sublingual I take since my numbers are so high. I've read up allot on B-12 and most believe that for WLS patients keeping the B-12 level above 1000 is optimal. Dana

I just had my 5 year appointment and my B12 level was over 2500. NO KIDDING! The doc was a little surprised, but I was only taking a sublingual tab three times a week. So, I'm cutting it back to once a week. But reading all these posts, I'm thinking I might try to keep it up. Unfortunately, my protein level was a little on the low side. My question is...how do I get in more protein without upping my calories? Christy

Hi Christy, What is mcg amount of your sublingual B-12 you are taking? I take one that is 1000 mcg, once a day, wondering if this is enough.

You *cannot* get too much B12, and the US ranges are abysmally low. Japan's are much higher. Babies are born with levels of 2000, and there's where I like to keep mine. I do shots 2-3X WEEK! Keep taking the same dose you're taking . . . you're not wasting it. B12 is cofactor for the conversion of harmful stress hormone homocysteine to harmless. Keeping your levels high is cheap insurance for your brain and heart . . .