Methylcobalamin Dosage Per Day & Risks of Overdose

Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) that is used to alleviate signs of B12 deficiency. Symptoms of a deficiency can include low energy, difficulty focusing, memory problems and irritable mood.

Deficiency in Vitamin B12 is common in vegetarians and in the elderly. As we age, the absorption rate of Vitamin B12 from foods we eat declines due to lower levels of intrinsic factor – a compound required to absorb this vitamin.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, older adults taking a low dose of between 25-37.5 mcg of B12 daily are more likely to have healthy, normal levels compared to those who do not use supplements.

Methylcobalamin supplements are purported to be more bioavailable and more active in the body than other forms of Vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin. Below is some information about this supplement to help you determine the right methylcobalamin dosage for your purposes.

Methylcobalamin

Vitamin Supplement

Brain Function

Mood & Sleep

Fatigue

How It Works:

• Supports brain cell health & nerve function
• Supports sleep, mood & memory
• Regulates healthy homocysteine levels

Dosage:

Between 1 - 25 mcg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Common Methylcobalamin Supplement Uses

Methylcobalamin, also known as Methyl B12, is a common form of vitamin B12 that is often used in the production of supplements. The Natural Medicines Database reports that these supplements have been used for many different purposes, ranging from allergies to canker sores.

Research has shown that this supplement is likely safe when it is used appropriately and that any side effects experienced are typically mild. However, if the wrong dose of methylcobalamin is consumed, adverse effects may develop. For this reason, it is important to take the proper dosage of methylcobalamin at all times

Methylcobalamin has been used for many ailments and conditions. Some of these purposes include boosting energy, psoriasis, malignancy, hemorrhage, thyrotoxicosis, mood elevation, improved concentration, aging, canker sores and multiple sclerosis. Methylcobalamin is also used to prevent and/or treat vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methylcobalamin Effects

Studies have shown that methylcobalamin affects the body in several different ways. Some of methylcobalamin’s benefits include:

• Cardiovascular Effects – Taking methylcobalamin lowers homocysteine levels in the body, which may in turn lower the chances of cardiovascular problems.
• Effects on Bone Health – Consuming a methylcobalamin supplement may reduce the risk of bone fractures.
• Effects on Brain Health – Supplementing methylcobalamin may resolve neurological symptoms among infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Anticancer Research – Some studies have shown that supplementing vitamin B12 may prevent certain types of cancer. However, the FDA has not approved Vitamin B12 for the prevention of cancer and high doses of this supplement could increase the risk for other forms of cancer.

Taking a Safe Dosage of Methylcobalamin

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg per day. However, some people choose to take more than this amount as an additional supplement.

Dietary supplements may also be required by older individuals who may not absorb this vitamin as well as younger individuals. According to NMD, 10% to 30% of older people do not efficiently absorb vitamin B12 found in foods.

For these individuals, consuming B12 fortified foods or supplements at a dosage of between 25-100 mcg daily may be required. Methylcobalamin supplements can also be used, but should not be relied upon as the sole source of Vitamin B12, since it cannot be converted into other necessary forms of this vitamin.

In order to avoid the potentially serious side effects of taking too much methlycobalamin, selecting the right dosage is essential. Using high doses for long periods of time is associated with a risk of serious health problems.

At this time, no standardized dosing guidelines for methylcobalamin supplementation exist. The recommendations below are based on the amounts that have been used in past research studies.

Methylcobalamin Injection Dosage:

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency – 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin injected intramuscularly once daily for up to ten days.
• Depression – 1 mg of methylcobalamin injected intramuscularly once per week for four weeks.
• Cognitive Function – 1000 mcg injected daily for five days, followed by a monthly injection of 1000 mcg for five months.
• Hereditary Sideroblastic Anemia – 100 mcg of methylcobalamin injected intramuscularly once per month for four months.

Methylcobalamin Oral Dosage:

• Prevention of megaloblastic anemia – Up to 10 mcg of methyl B12 daily for 16 weeks.
• General dosage – 2.4 mcg daily for individuals over age 14.

Methylcobalamin Spray Dosage:

• Vitamin B12 replacement therapy – 500 mcg per week.

Sublingual Methylcobalamin Dosage:

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency – 500 mcg daily for up to four weeks.
• Canker Sores – Daily doses for up to six months.

Methylcobalamin Dosage for Neuropathy

Some studies have explored the effectiveness of methylcobalamin for treating diabetic neuropathy. One study used a dosage of 25 mg of methylcobalamin per day for ten days, followed by 25 mg per month for five months.

In the study, no serious adverse effects occurred and most patients experienced an improvement of symptoms. According to the NMD, more research is needed to rate the efficacy of methylcobalamin or cobalamin for neuropathy.

Methylcobalamin Dosage in Pregnancy

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 mcg per day. Talk to your doctor before taking more than this amount to make sure the dosage you have chosen is safe.

According to the NMD, there is insufficient research available to determine the safety of higher doses of Vitamin B12 for pregnant or lactating women.

Maximum Methylcobalamin Dosage Per Day

In order to avoid methylcobalamin overdose and the long-term side effects of taking too much of this supplement, it is important to take no more than the amount of methylcobalamin that your doctor recommends.

According to Oregon State University, no immediate toxic or adverse effects have been reported, even with very high doses of methylcobalamin. Dosages as high as 1 mg monthly by intramuscular injection or 2 mg daily by mouth have been taken without serious problems.

However, even though these dosages may not produce acute side effects, high dosages of this supplement may still cause problems if you continue to take them for extended periods of time. Likewise, it is possible that acute side effects may still occur in some people.

For this reason, consumers are still encouraged to consult a physician before adding a methylcobalamin supplement to their daily regimen. Ask your doctor what methylcobalamin dosage is right for you, and report any side effects you experience immediately.

Methylcobalamin Side Effects and Complications

The Natural Medicines Database reports that methylcobalamin is likely safe, as long as it is used appropriately. Forms of methylcobalamin that are likely safe include oral forms, topical forms, intravenous forms and intranasal forms.

Some of the side effects of methycobalamin usage may include nausea, dysphagia, gout and hypokalemia.

High doses of methylcobalamin over time may contribute to the development of prostate or lung cancer, the development of adult-onset Still’s disease and lower survival rates among elderly hospitalized patients.

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