Is It Possible The Elevated Result Could Be From Taking The Supplements Even Though Excess B12?

Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 Answered on

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I am concerned about my recent b12 results...it was 1517. I was alternating between 500mcg in a b complex and 5mcg in my multi vitamin every other day. I did not take any supplements for 72 hours before the bloodwork. I weigh 100lbs and never drink enough water. Is it possible the elevated result could be from taking the supplements even though excess b12 is excreted through urine? My doctor wasn't concerned and just said to stop the supplement for 2 months. But I have read very concerning things about elevated b12.

Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The reason of elevated B12 is likely to be an overdose.

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.

A vitamin B12 level of 1517 is definitely high.
You are on oral B12 supplements so the most likely reason of this would be an over ingestion.
Vitamin B12 levels is very much influenced by supplements and/or a Vitamin B12 rich diet (like meat,poultry,eggs and milk).

I advise you to just stop the supplements altogether,take a predominantly vegetarian diet and get the levels checked after a gap of 2 months.
If it remains high,then only,should you be concerned about it.
Myeloproliferative disorders may cause an elevated levels of Vitamin B12.

Hope that I have answered your query.

Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (14 minutes later)

Thank you for your response. So even after 3 days of not supplementing it is possible that the excess may not have been excreted through urine and this would be considered normal? When I read about high levels being the first sign of many cancers are they primarily referring to people who have high levels without supplementation?

Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The reason of elevated B12 is likely to be an overdose.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Hypervitaminosis B12 might be due to some cancers but this is primarily regarding the people who have high levels without supplementation.
3 day of abstinence might not have excreted the excess of vitamin thus misleading the result.
Please repeat the levels after a sufficient time gap and be positive.

Happy living.
Warm regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana