[FSVA]

Hello ! I have been vegan for 5 years. I never made sure that I consumed adequate levels of b12 - so I became deficient. Over the past year and a half I have been trying to replenish my levels of b12. However, it has some very strange effects on my mind.

Positive: my mind is more agile at quick-thinking activities; i feel SO much happier - sometimes even a feeling of euphoria (but this can be worrying as it seems to make me overoptimistic and not cautious enough).

Negative: Memory is the main thing - I feel like I forget how to do learnt activities - essay writing, spelling - it feels a bit like my brain has been reset. I also sometimes feel quite spaced out.



I've done a load of internet searches trying to find any post about a similar experience or some advice - but have had no luck. Please let me know if you have had any strange experiences - even if not the same - when trying to replenish b12 levels. And, of course, any advice would be great!



Thanks

 

[Tom]

How much B-12 are you taking each day, and how long have you been taking it? Also, did you find out you were deficient in B-12 by being tested for it?

Anyway- B-12 is about the only supplement I take regularly. I take it orally in tablet form. As I understand it, B-12 isn't harmful in large doses and it's maybe the only B vitamin that your body can store. We only need a tiny amount; I think I take about 10 times the RDA each day, usually with a meal.

I haven't noticed any changes, although my blood tests / checkups haven't indicated a deficiency and I've mentioned the issue to my physician.

 

[fineartmarcella]

Your are likely to be feeling the affects of being B12 deficent for 5 years, it was not something to have causually neglected. B12 is a Critical nutrient to your Brain and nervous system, along with other systems, a long term deficiency can cause temporary to permenant neurological defects. The effects of the restoring your levels of this critical nutrient is not to feel worse, if you are concerned, try using another type of B12 supplement or brand, it is always better to use Methylcobalamine as a B12 replacement. If you have a gene defect assoc with MTHFR then the other type, B12 cobalamin, might cause a negative affect, but you would know this by now, and at that point you would know to always take the B12 Methylcobalamine. It is Wise to supplement if you want to be healthy as you grow older, it is not anything to mess with. It is critical in your Brain, nervous system, and multiple other functions in your body and so cheap to support thru supplements. Did you have your level checked? Is it now within normal limits? If it is super high you could have the MTHFR gene defect, which could be a possiblity if your B12 blood level was 8,000 instead of 800, (normal is 200-900). I would have your PCP assess your condition, and Always Supplement B12 Methylcobalamine. Did you know that in America 38 percent of Americans are low or deficent in B12? And it is mostly meateaters, not vegans, because Vegans supplement, and meateaters 'think' they are getting their B12 from the unhealthy sickly animals that make it to slaughter. You are on the right track, just always remember to supplement with B12 (Methylcobalamine)