Great popularity is being enjoyed these days more than ever by mineral and vitamin supplements. One just has to look at the stocked shelves in health stores, drug stores and discount department stores. One of the issues concerning minerals and vitamins involves how much of them one can and should take.

Many think that because they are totally natural they can simply take as much as they want without giving it any further thought. People give little or no thought to the idea that perhaps even natural things might have the potential to be harmful. People should take their time and educate themselves in facts involved with supplements before deciding just how much is the most beneficial amounts to be consumed.

Let’s take a look at always popular vitamin B12 and how much vitamin B12 is the proper amount that should be taken to help and not to harm.

One of the primary roles Vitamin B12 plays is to help in avoiding anemia. It also assists in the absorption of iron and formation of blood cells. It also Helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats while also helping maintain fertility. Nerves are protected by its helping produce myelin and memory is subsidized by the acetylcholine it also assists in producing.

The time frame involved for the digestive tract to absorb the vitamin will usually be several hours. Some extra will be stored in the liver for sometimes up to five years. Any other excess vitamin will be removed through the urine. 2mcg. is the suggested recommended daily allowance (RDA). In the case of women who are pregnant the daily requirement is higher.

Higher daily doses are also suggested for individuals with AIDS, the elderly, vegetarians, those taking potassium and anyone dealing with gout.

A safe daily level without revealing any toxicity is taking 100 mg. per day. A person can unquestionably consume more daily than what is suggested on the label on the bottle. Some tests have shown that the elderly should take higher dosages than recommended because their stomachs slow gastric levels do not draw enough from the foods they ingest.

It has been shown that supplements do in fact help to avoid diseases and illnesses, but it is wise to make any increases in intake under a doctor’s supervision.

In most situations involving the elderly, the suggested way best for them to get the vitamin B12 they need is by injection. Again however, this should all be done under doctors care and direction.