Should you take B12 and folic acid together?
For this reason, you may want to take a B complex vitamin that includes all B vitamins. Taking folic acid at high doses can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. So these vitamins are often taken together.
What does B12 do for your body?
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the foods we eat. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form.
Which is better folic acid or B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency produces both an anaemia identical to that of folate deficiency but also causes irreversible damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Folic acid will correct the anaemia of vitamin B12 deficiency and so delay diagnosis but will not prevent progression to neurological damage.
How do you you know if you need vitamin B12?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
- a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
- a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- mouth ulcers.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- changes in the way that you walk and move around.
- disturbed vision.
- irritability.
- depression.
Will taking folic acid increase my B12 levels?
High levels of folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, so talk with your doctor before taking folic acid. Folic acid supplementation should be combined with vitamin B12 supplementation in people who have megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia with vitamin B12 deficiency.
How does too much folic acid affect vitamin B12?
Therefore, people experiencing symptoms like weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath may benefit from getting their B12 levels checked. High intakes of folic acid may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. In turn, this could increase your risk of brain and nervous system damage. 2. May accelerate age-related mental decline
Can high folic acid make B12 levels appear normal?
There is concern that high intakes of folic acid from fortified food and dietary supplements might mask the macrocytic anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency, thereby eliminating an important diagnostic sign.
What are the benefits of taking vitamin B12?
Boosts Energy