Question:
Is it possible to get TOO MUCH B-12?

I am supposed to take 350 mcg. of B-12 sublingually each day. The lowest dose I could find at GNC is 1 mg, which is almost 3 times more than I need. If I take it everyday, can something go wrong? Is it possible to overdose on B-12? I am 5 weeks post-op Lap RNY, down 30 pounds!! Woo-hoo!    — LaRayne H. (posted on April 17, 2002)

April 17, 2002
I have read that you should not take more then the recommended dosage of any vitamin B. Can you cut or divide the sublingual vitamin B-12 pill in any way? You also might want to try a health food store and see if they carry vitamin B-12 in smaller amounts or look on line. GNC is not the only place to buy vitamins. I get some of my vitamins from Nutrition Plus stores.
   — Susan M.

April 17, 2002
My doctor told me that we no longer absorb B-12 orally. Then my PCP told me that he prefers the monthly shots because they are better absorbed systemically rather than sublingual. Which ever way you decide to go with this, you should only take the prescribed dosage ordered for you.
   — Bonnie H.

April 17, 2002
You should be able to find Twin Lab dots (sublingual), and they're 500mcg. You can take one every other day if you want. The B12 is not like a MEDICINE, so what you want is simply to not let the levels fall off as much as possible. A regular swallow pill is pretty useless. IF we could still extract B12 orally, we would not need to supplement. The B12 can't get together with the intrinsic factor in the old stomach. I personally do the shots, as I am way too lazy to do any kind of lozenge or thing that hangs out in my mouth. LOL! According to my book, no cases of toxicity have been reported. You'll get labs in 3 months, hopefully, and once you comare to pre-op levels, you'll know EXACTLY where you are.
   — vitalady