Vitamin B12 is essential like vitamins C, D, and Omega-3, with wellness circles swearing by its properties. It is known to have a massive role in red blood cell formation, energy production, and brain health. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a B12 deficiency or are doubtful you might have one, you’re probably wondering: how long does it take for B12 to start working?
The answer? It depends.
Each body’s response time varies based on how depleted B12 levels are, the form of B12 taken (oral supplements, injections, or IV), how well someone is able to absorb and utilize B12, an individual's overall health and other extenuating factors. Some people feel a surge of energy within days, but for others, full recovery can take weeks or even months.
Therefore, if fatigue, brain fog, or sluggishness have you questioning your B12 levels, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn how B12 works, how to restore your levels, and when to expect improvements.
How Does Vitamin B12 Work?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your body functioning smoothly. While it is best known for supporting red blood cell production, its benefits go way beyond that.
Vitamin B12 is found to be essential for:
-
DNA Synthesis: Helps create and maintain genetic material in every body cell.
-
Tissue Regeneration: Supports bone marrow regeneration and repairs the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract lining.
-
Nervous System Health: Supports nervous system function, boosts brain performance, and helps prevent neurological issues.
-
Oxygen Transport: Helps form healthy red blood cells to ensure oxygen is delivered efficiently throughout the body.
Vitamin B12 Absorption & Intrinsic Factor
Vitamin B12 is unique compared to other nutrients because it requires a special protein called the intrinsic factor to be absorbed into your body. Typically, the stomach produces this intrinsic factor, which binds to B12 and transports it to your small intestine for absorption.
If intrinsic factor levels are low due to underlying conditions like pernicious anemia, digestive disorders, or MTHFR mutation, your B12 absorption becomes inefficient, which may create deficiency.
Types of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes in several forms, each with slightly different properties:
-
Cyanocobalamin: A synthetic form often used in supplements and fortified foods.
-
Methylcobalamin acid: A naturally occurring form found in food and considered highly bioavailable.
-
Adenosylcobalamin: Another naturally occurring form important for cellular functions.
-
Hydroxocobalamin: Readily converts to other active forms.
Signs You Might Need More Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 keeps your body and brain strong, but if you're not getting enough, your body will signal that it is running low on this crucial nutrient. Here are some signs to watch for:
-
Tiredness: Extreme fatigue may occur even after a good night’s sleep. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries can cause exhaustion, and there are no other discernible causes for your fatigue..
-
Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded: Dizziness may be experienced while standing up too fast or walking.
-
Heart palpitations: Feeling your heart beating faster or skipping a beat, even when sitting still.
-
Pale or Patchy Skin: Your skin might look washed out or develop darker spots, especially around the hands or joints.
-
Sore, Swollen Tongue: The tongue may look redder than usual, feel swollen, or have a smooth, glossy texture.
-
Tingling or Numbness in Hands & Feet: That “pins and needles” feeling might stick around longer than usual, even without prolonged pressure.
-
Brain Fog & Forgetfulness: Difficulty concentrating, losing track of conversations, or forgetting things may be experienced that normally would not happen.
-
Mood Changes: Feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety may arise for no reason.
Note: These symptoms may vary from person to person and may be of different severity. Also, many of these symptoms can be associated with other conditions, so it's important to proceed through the next steps with a medical professional.
Your Next Move If You Have Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could mean a vitamin B12 deficiency or that there is something else requiring medical attention. Take action. The first step is to check with your healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes. If B12 deficiency is on the table, your doctor can look for physical signs and run the right tests to confirm it. Here is what you can expect:
1) Tests
Your doctor will likely recommend a blood test to assess your B12 levels, other key nutrients, and common markers associated with vitamin deficiencies.
A complete blood count (CBC) will also be suggested to evaluate your overall health.
If testing is advised, you can schedule an appointment at a lab or healthcare facility to confirm your B12 status.
2) Review Your Results
Once your results are in, your doctor will analyze your B12 levels, related markers, and CBC results. If you have a B12 deficiency, your doctor will provide a treatment plan to restore your levels. You may need to undergo further testing to pinpoint the cause.
3) Start Treatment
Your doctor may advise one or more of the following treatment options, depending on your current condition:
-
Vitamin B12 injections: For those with absorption issues. Injections help bypass the digestive process and deliver vitamin B12 shots directly into the bloodstream. The frequency and duration of injections will depend on the severity of the deficiency.
-
Weekly IV regimen: For individuals with severe deficiencies or pernicious anemia, a weekly IV infusion of B12 may be recommended. This can be combined with iron if needed or customized into a tailored blend based on individual health needs.
-
Vitamin B12 supplements: If injections aren’t necessary, your doctor may prescribe potent, bioavailable B12 supplements. These can be in the form of pills, capsules, or lozenges.
-
Dietary adjustments: If your deficiency is mild, and depending upon the cause, your provider may recommend simple changes to your diet to ensure you are getting enough of this nutrient. This could include certain foods rich in B12 like dairy products, fortified cereals, or daily supplements.
4) Monitoring Progress and Maintaining B12 Levels
Your doctor will monitor your B12 levels through regular blood tests to ensure proper absorption and recovery.
To maintain optimal B12 levels long-term:
-
Continue supplementation if necessary: Depending upon the cause of B12 deficiency, some people may need lifelong maintenance doses.
-
Eat B12-rich foods: Meat, fish, dairy and eggs.
-
Address underlying causes: Treat absorption issues or other contributing factors.
-
Monitor medication interactions: Some medications can interfere with B12 absorption, so check for those.
How Fast Does B12 Work?
Recovering from a B12 deficiency does not happen overnight. Your body needs time to rebuild its B12 levels, ease symptoms, and prevent future dips. Several factors influence how quickly you’ll notice improvements:
1) Type of B12 supplement
-
Intramuscular injections: Since they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, they improve symptoms early, but full recovery can take weeks or months. They also might not be sustainable or comfortable for long-term maintenance.
-
Supplements: They work well for most people. However, the results vary depending on intrinsic factors for absorption as well as the quality and bioavailability of the supplement. For people with digestive issues, this may take longer to restore levels.
2) Severity of deficiency: Mild deficiencies may resolve within a few weeks, while severe cases, especially those with neurological involvement, can take months or years.
3) Dosage & frequency: Higher doses can speed recovery but should be taken under medical supervision.
4) Underlying Health Conditions: Digestive disorders and conditions like pernicious anemia can slow absorption.
5) Neurological Symptoms: If a B12 deficiency has caused nerve damage, recovery may take a long time, with gradual improvements over several months.
Maximize Absorption and Results with the Right B12 Supplement
For those seeking a highly bioavailable B12 supplement in a convenient format, our RegenaB12VitalFol lozenges are for you! Our lozenges contain a blend of methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin combined with the active, natural form of folate. All of these work synergistically to maintain optimal B12 levels with the folate enhancing absorption and overall wellness.
Important: Before starting any new supplement, consult your doctor first. They will help assess your health status, consider any pre-existing conditions or medications you currently take, and determine if a high-grade B12 supplement is appropriate. While our lozenges are designed for optimal absorption, individual results may vary. Relying solely on supplements without addressing the underlying causes of B12 deficiency may not be sufficient. A healthcare professional can help identify and treat potential absorption issues or other contributing factors.
Remember, supplements should be used as an addition - not as a replacement for a balanced diet and professional medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does it take to recover from a B12 deficiency?
B12 deficiency recovery time varies. If your B12 levels are mildly low, you might experience improvements within a few weeks of consistently taking supplements. However, for more severe deficiencies, full recovery could take several months. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your progress and ensure effective and safe results.
2) Can I make B12 work faster?
While you cannot instantaneously increase your body's absorption of vitamin B12, you can support the process by incorporating foods rich in vitamin B12 into your diet, maintaining adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water and addressing any underlying health conditions hindering absorption.
3) How will I know if my B12 levels are getting better?
You may observe improvements in your energy levels and focus, a reduction in fatigue, and an overall improvement in your mood. However, a blood test is the best method to confirm that your vitamin B12 levels are improving. Consult with your physician for further guidance.
4) Are there any side effects of taking B12 supplements?
B12 supplements are generally safe. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as headaches or nausea. In rare instances, allergic reactions to vitamin B12 injections can occur as itching or swelling. If you experience any side effects, seek advice from your doctor.
5) Do I need to take B12 forever?
If your low B12 levels are due to insufficient consumption of B12-rich foods, adjusting your diet might be enough to maintain healthy levels without supplements. However, if your body has difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 properly, your doctor may recommend a long-term supplementation regimen.