What are the risks of excess vitamin B12? The medical response

What are the risks of excess vitamin B12? The medical response


Useless integration can overload liver and kidneys




For a long time, vitamin B12 has been associated only with essential benefits, such as the production of red blood cells, the correct functioning of the nervous system and the maintenance of energy. However, according to Dr. Dr. Eliana Teixeira, post -laurea in Endocrinology and Nutrology, the exaggerated consumption of this vitamin can bring undesirable effects.

Although it is soluble in water, partially eliminated by the urine when in excess, vitamin B12 at persistently high blood levels can report problems.

“Useless integration can overload liver and kidneys, as well as promoting skin changes such as acne and rosacea,” explains the expert.

In more serious cases, persistently high values ​​can indicate liver dysfunctions or even some tumors, since the circulating B12 can also increase in disease situations. Therefore, integration should only be performed with medical tests and laboratory tests.

Symptoms of excess vitamin B12

Heachache

Anxiety and insomnia

Palpitations

Digestive changes

Skin eruptions similar to acne

“It is important to differentiate the symptoms related to the excessive use of supplements from those relating to basic diseases that naturally increase B12,” says the doctor.

Of course, vitamin B12 is obtained in animal foods. They are among the main sources:

  • Red meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish such as salmon and sardines
  • Liver
  • Egg
  • Milk and derivatives

“The people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets have a higher risk of disability, since they do not consume these natural sources,” explains the expert.

When integration is required

The integration is indicated when laboratory test deficiency is confirmed or in situations of increased risk.

“This includes elderly (for a lower intestinal absorption), patients undergoing bariatric interventions, people with inflammatory intestinal diseases (such as Crohn’s disease), individuals in prolonged metformin or proton pump inhibitors, as well as vegan and vegans”, explains the doctor.

The treatment should be customized, respecting the appropriate doses and forms of administration for each case, oral or injectable.

Source: Terra

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