How much b12 can a child take
Vitamin B12 – SmartyPants Vitamins
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How much do I need?
The current recommended dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin B12 are:
- Infants 0 - 6 months - 0.4mcg
- Infants 6 - 12 months - 0.5mcg
- Children 1 - 3 years - 0.9mcg
- Children 4 - 8 years - 1.2mcg
- Men 9 - 13 years - 1.8mcg
- Men 14 and older - 2.4mcg
- Women 9 - 13 years - 1.8mcg
- Women 18 and older - 2.4mcg
- Pregnant Women 14 - 50 years - 2.6mcg
- Breastfeeding Women 14 - 50 years - 2.8mcg
These are the daily amounts established by the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academy of Sciences (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine).
Why we include it
We don’t mean to make your coffee jealous but… Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body uses to support energy production and normal immune function. * Vitamin B12 is important for overall good health, but it’s not something your body makes. Instead, it must come from your diet.
We use the premium form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, because it’s what’s best for your body. Many other supplements are made with cyanocobalamin. However, methylcobalamin is the form your body prefers and can easily use.
Where can I get it?
Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products. It’s not typically found in plant-based and other foods unless they are fortified.
Some food sources of vitamin B12 include:
- 3 oz clams – 84 mcg
- 3 oz beef liver – 70 mcg
- 3 oz lamb – 60 mcg
- 8 oz oysters – 30 mcg
- 3 oz mussels – 20 mcg
- 3 oz mackerel – 16 mcg
- 2 oz fish eggs – 6 mcg
- 3 oz beef – 2 mcg
- 2 eggs – 2 mcg
If you don’t eat animal products…
If you or your children are vegan or vegetarian, you may need to supplement to ensure you are getting adequate B12 in your diet. We recommend you work with your primary care provider to determine your needs.
If you do decide you need to supplement, we recommend you look for vitamin B12 in the premium form of methylcobalamin. This is the form that is found in nature and most easily used by the body – it’s also the form we use in all SmartyPants supplements.
The majority of supplements contain B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin, where the cobalamin molecule is bound to a cyanide molecule. However, methylcobalamin is the form your body prefers.
We recommend you seek the advice of your pediatrician or primary care provider before making changes to you or your child’s nutrient intake.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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+ View References - Hide References- http://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1434458/?page=1
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/
Learn About Other Nutrients
Can Kids Take Vitamin B12? I Hiya Health
Kids have unique nutritional needs, so sometimes it’s hard to tell if certain vitamins or supplements are even necessary for them. Unless you’re a doctor or scientist yourself, you probably don’t know all the details about Vitamin B12, the other B Vitamins, or the several other vitamins that your kid needs to promote their growth and development. You already have enough on your plate, you shouldn’t have to devote yourself to becoming an expert on all of this, too! Thankfully, we are here to help you with some guidance and advice on whether or not kids can, or should, take Vitamin B12.
What Is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a part of the Vitamin B complex. The Vitamin B complex consists of a total of eight different essential vitamins that are all water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water and are discharged from the body via urine. The challenge relating to vitamins like B12 is that the body cannot produce them or store them for very long, so it’s important to obtain a steady supply of Vitamin B12 on a daily basis from food sources or supplements. Vitamin B12 is one of the biggest and most complicated vitamins, but we’re here to break everything down for you so that you can then use this information to make the best decisions for your child’s health.
Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?
Vitamin B12 does so many important things for the body that it’s really hard to explain it all in just a few sentences. So that you can truly understand how vital Vitamin B12 is for a wide variety of bodily functions, here’s a comprehensive list of benefits and functions of Vitamin B12 that have been backed by scientific studies:
- Helps to support bone health, increasing bone density, and preventing bone diseases like osteoporosis.
- Helps your body produce red blood cells that transport oxygen through the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. Poor red blood cell function and mobility may lead to issues like anemia.
- Promotes eye health and may prevent macular degeneration with age.
- Vitamin B12’s connection with synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin means that your Vitamin B12 levels can affect your mood. Lower Vitamin B12 levels can lead to lower serotonin levels – which can contribute to mental health issues like depression.
- Vitamin B12 is also connected with the nervous system, and can prevent brain atrophy.It also helps neurons to function properly and can aid with memory.
- Is important for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Healthy skin is important for a functioning immune system. Low levels of Vitamin B12 are associated with skin conditions like vitiligo and hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, and brittle hair.
What Are Sources of Vitamin B12?
The challenge with Vitamin B12 is that it is only naturally found in animal products, meaning that those who do not consume animal products for whatever reason might have trouble getting enough Vitamin B12 in their diet. Fortunately, Vitamin B12 is added to non-animal products like bread, breakfast cereals, and milk. Here are some of the best sources of Vitamin B12:
- Eggs
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Fish like haddock and tuna
- Chicken
- Beef
- Ham
- Pork
- Lamb
What Are the Other B Vitamins?
Vitamin B12 might be the biggest vitamin of all, but it isn’t alone within the Vitamin B complex! The seven other B Vitamins are:
- Vitamin B1 or thiamine
- Vitamin B2 or riboflavin
- Vitamin B3 or niacin/niacinamide
- Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid
- Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine
- Vitamin B7 or biotin
- Vitamin B9 or folic acid
Can Kids Take B12?
Yes – kids can take Vitamin B12, and they likely should be taking it! Vitamin B12 is perfectly safe for kids and is vital for their bones, blood, eyes, mood, hair, skin, and nails. Kids who aren’t getting enough Vitamin B12 are at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency, especially kids who have a restricted diet and cannot consume animal products containing Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause long-term problems,and it’s actually more prevalent than many researchers have previously thought. Here are some signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency to look out for:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Pins and needles sensation in arms and legs
- Developmental and growth delays
- Irritability
If your child has any of these symptoms or if you have reason to believe that they may be Vitamin B12 deficient, it’s important to speak with their pediatrician right away about your concerns and potentially get a test to evaluate their levels.
How Much Vitamin B12 Should Kids Take?
Now that we know kids can take Vitamin B12, it gets a little bit more complicated – how much should they actually take? The exact amount of Vitamin B12 that your child needs depends on their age:
- Infants aged 6 months and younger need 0.4 mcg of B12 per day
- Infants aged 7 to 12 months need 0.5 mcg of B12 per day
- Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years need 0.9 mcg of B12 per day
- Kids aged 4 to 8 years need 1.2 mcg of B12 per day
- Kids aged 9 to 13 need 1. 8 mcg of B12 per day
- Teenagers aged 14 to 18 need 2.4 mcg of B12 per day
“Mcg” means “micrograms,” or 1/1,00,000 of one gram. Clearly we are talking about very small amounts here. You might have two questions about these small numbers: If these numbers are so small, then how important can Vitamin B12 really be for kids? What happens if a kid takes more than these very small recommended doses? To answer the first question: a little bit of Vitamin B12 really does go a long way since it’s so large and complex of a nutrient. After going over all of the benefits and functions of B12, it’s obvious how important it is to the body even in small amounts. To answer the second question: since Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, it is considered very safe even at high amounts since it won’t remain in your system for very long, the excess simply being disposed of in urine. So, even if your child did somehow get a hold of higher amounts of Vitamin B12, it’s unlikely to have a significant negative effect on their health.
How to Find a B12 Supplement?
Now that you’ve conquered the challenge of knowing everything you need to know about Vitamin B12, it’s time for your next task – finding a beneficial Vitamin B12 supplement for your child. The good news is that we’re here to make the process a lot easier.
We recommend going with a complete children’s multivitamin supplement. These supplements not only contain Vitamin B12, but several other vitamins and minerals that are essential for growth and development in children.
Choosing a specific multivitamin for your child can also be a challenge. Every company out there claims to be the best, so how can you really know? The smartest thing to do is to look at the label. The best kids’ vitamins will only contain vitamins from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources. It’s also best to avoid chemicals, fillers, sugar, and preservatives. A lot of benefits from vitamins can actually be contradicted by high amounts of sugar and synthetic materials, which are commonly found in gummy vitamins. Instead, look for a sugar-free children’s vitamin option that is naturally sweetened – like the vitamins made by Hiya. Also be sure to look for products that pediatricians believe in and support. That way, you can trust their expertise and have the peace of mind that your child is getting all of the nutritional support they need to counteract their picky eating practices. Just think of all the dinner table battles you can avoid when you trust their supplements!
*The FDA plays a specific role in regulating nutraceuticals and for all companies requires the following disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What you need to know about vitamin B12
WHY YOU NEED VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 (or cyanocobalamin) is needed for the formation of red blood cells, neuronal development and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency can lead to the accumulation of homocysteine (a neurotoxic compound), anemia, loss of balance, numbness of the limbs, fatigue and memory impairment.
Lack of vitamin B12 is most pronounced: at an older age, after surgery to reduce the stomach, with reduced stomach acid or medication to reduce it, when taking heartburn medications, with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn's disease), with a vegan diet.
Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver. Normally, there is a reserve in the human body for several years, but then it can be exhausted. Therefore, people who switch to a vegan or raw food diet feel good at first, especially if they ate a lot of meat before. After a few years, most people go back to eating meat and do not have time to feel the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
VITAMIN B12 RATES
The daily requirement for vitamin B12 depends on age. For adults, it is 2.4 mcg per day, for pregnant and breastfeeding women - a little more. Vitamin B12 has traditionally been prescribed by injection, but 1000 micrograms of the vitamin per day orally has now been shown to be effective, even in people with poor absorption and low acidity. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then vitamin B12 will be poorly absorbed from food. But taking in large doses will solve the problem. This vitamin can accumulate and is non-toxic, so it is advisable to drink or inject it not constantly, but in courses.
B vitamins interact, so sometimes it is important to drink not vitamin complexes, but those that are not enough. Such an interaction exists, for example, with vitamin B9. Its excess can mask the lack of vitamin B12. A person, for example, eats a lot of vegetables and does not eat meat. If a person does not use B12 for a long time (several years), and then he does an analysis for homocysteine, then the indicator is likely to be normal. This is because B9 and B12 are involved in the same metabolic pathway. But this does not mean that you can do without B12. Masking does not mean compensating.
Another reason to take vitamin B12 alone is that the cobalt ion in it destroys other vitamins. B12 interacts with some medications, so if you are taking any medications, especially for treating heartburn, ulcers, and diabetes, be sure to check with your doctor.
WHEN THERE IS A DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN B12
A lack of vitamin B12 can be suspected by the results of an analysis of homocysteine - this substance becomes more with a lack of vitamin B12. But this analysis is not completely reliable. If you consume a large amount of folic acid, for example, thanks to a vegan diet, the level of homocysteine will be normal.
Another marker of B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia. It is diagnosed with a blood test. Anemia caused by a lack of B12 passes safely, but neurodegenerative processes due to a lack of cyanocobalamin are irreversible. A number of studies have shown that people with various forms of dementia often lack vitamins B12 and B9, but the therapeutic effect of these vitamins on patients with dementia is rather weak.
Fervent fans of a purely plant-based diet cite herbivorous primates as an example, since they eat only fruits and are not deficient in B12. But primates in the wild eat termites and other insects, and along with them - a sufficient amount of B12.
WHERE IS VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, primarily in red meat, liver and fish, but also in eggs and milk. It can be added to food products at the factory, which must be indicated on the label.
WHO SHOULD USE B12:
- vegans and vegetarians with experience;
- people with low stomach acid;
- people with chronic bowel disease (Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) or after surgery on the gastrointestinal tract;
- people over the age of 50;
- AIDS patients;
- people who take antacids, metformin to treat diabetes.
In some cases, B vitamins can be poorly absorbed or even harmful, so rule number 1 is to consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or medications.
Source
what foods contain, daily allowance, why is it needed
In 1934, doctors George Maycott and William Parry Murphy derived the substance cobalamin from red meat, which raised patients to their feet. Doctors later received the Nobel Prize for this discovery.
What foods contain vitamin B12
Most of the vitamin B12 is found in animal products - liver, beef, pork, lamb, eggs and turkey breast. It is also useful to eat milk, cheese, beef kidneys, cod, salmon, mackerel, shrimp and mussels.
Why Vitamin B12 is needed
B12 dissolves well in water and is the only vitamin that is rich in minerals, such as cobalt. Therefore, B12 is also called cyanocobalamin and cobalamin.
The main feature of B12 is that it is involved in the formation of erythrocytes - red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. It is also responsible for the division of blood cells and the formation of DNA. Regulates the work of immunity, skin and gastric mucosa. Participates in the construction of nerve fibers and affects metabolism, regulates the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates.
Strength of mind, endurance and beauty with vitamins of group B
Natural tonic Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex serves as a source of vital vitamins of group B, which are involved in many important metabolic and energy processes, ensure the normal functioning of the nervous, cardio - vascular and immune systems, improve blood formation processes and are responsible for the beauty and youthfulness of the skin. The vitality and emotional state also largely depend on the level of provision with B vitamins. The need for B vitamins increases during periods of significant physical and psychological stress, chronic stress, as well as in old age.
dietary supplement. NOT A DRUG
Vitamin B12 protects the body from anemia. It is especially useful for children, as it is simultaneously responsible for the growth and development of all organs.
Cobalamin affects the psycho-emotional state. Removes feelings of anxiety, irritability. Helps to concentrate and memorize large flows of information.
Doctors prescribe vitamin B12 for various forms of anemia, polyneuritis, psoriasis, bone injuries.
Also recommended for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, gastritis, pancreatitis and radiation sickness.
Vitamin B12 Daily Value
Vitamin B12 is useful in small doses. So, on average, an adult needs only 3 micrograms of cobalamin per day.
Babies up to six months need only 0. 4 micrograms. For children under 3 years old, 0.9 micrograms of the vitamin is enough. But adolescents under 13 years old already need 1.8 micrograms of a useful element per day.
In tonic formula Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex contains the main vitamins of group B - B1, B2, B3, B6, B7 and B12, which are responsible for the strength of the mind, beauty and endurance, as well as a whole bunch of vegetable juices and extracts, which serve as a valuable source of dietary fiber and bioactive substances, enrich the vitamin and mineral composition of the tonic and enhance its beneficial effect, increase the absorption of vitamins, improve digestion, heal the gastrointestinal tract and give the tonic a wonderful taste and aroma.
The product does not contain preservatives, colors or artificial flavors. Due to the absence of lactose and gluten, it can be consumed by vegetarians and vegans, and the high content of vitamin B12 makes the tonic especially useful for this category of consumers.
dietary supplement. NOT A MEDICINAL
Vitamin B12 deficiency
The first signs of B12 deficiency are nervousness and pale skin. He gets tired quickly and always wants to sleep. Appetite disappears. There are back pains, shortness of breath with elementary walking. There is a feeling of numbness in the arms and legs. The work of the stomach is also disturbed. Simply put, a person melts before our eyes and loses vitality. In advanced cases, "pernicious anemia" begins.
B12 deficiency is common in vegetarians and vegans who avoid meat, fish and dairy products. And they neglect to use synthetic cobalamin.
Excess vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 from natural food is not stored in the body. Otherwise, it simply comes out naturally (along with urine).
Excess occurs only in cases of individual intolerance and with synthetic intake. Of the side effects: pulmonary edema, blood clots in the vessels, heart pain, urticaria or anaphylactic shock.
Tonic Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex is recommended for adults and children over 14 years of age to take 20 ml once a day with meals (do not forget to shake before use!).
Duration of admission - 1 month. Taking the tonic at the recommended dose (20 ml per day) provides the daily requirement for thiamine (vitamin B1) by 79% (1.1 mg), riboflavin (vitamin B2) by 88% (1.4 mg), niacin by 89% ( 16mg), Vitamin B6 70% (1.4mg), Vitamin B12 250%* (2.5mcg), Biotin 100%* (50mcg). Strength of the mind, endurance and beauty with B vitamins - now it's easy!
dietary supplement. NOT A DRUG
Expert comment
- Vitamin B12 is responsible for blood formation. Without it, the formation of hemoglobin is impossible. It also stimulates the growth of any tissue. Provides fatty metabolism of the liver. Responsible for the state of the nervous system. When there is not enough vitamin B12, then most often problems with the stomach begin - the same gastritis. There is also fatigue and shortness of breath with little physical exertion, pallor of the skin. In the elderly, the gait changes, it becomes more shaky. Very often, hemoglobin drops during fasting or in vegetarians because they refuse animal products.