VoltraVitamin B12: who needs a supplement?
The people most likely to be low in B12 are older adults, people with pernicious anaemia or gut disorders, people who've had gut surgery, vegetarians, and babies of vegan mothers [1]. Metformin, the first-line medicine for prediabetes and diabetes, may also lower B12 levels [1].
If your level is fine, extra B12 doesn't appear to improve athletic performance or endurance [1].
Who's at risk, and why
- Older adults, people with pernicious anaemia or gut disorders, and people who've had gut surgery [1]. Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Authority lists poor absorption, a lack of the intrinsic factor after digestive surgery, some medicines, and too little B12 in the diet, especially without animal foods [4].
- Vegetarians and vegans: deficiency can happen in vegetarians who don't take supplements [2], and Saudi Arabia's health ministry advises strict vegetarians to eat B12-fortified foods or take a supplement [3].
- Medicines: metformin may reduce B12 absorption and blood levels [1], and the MSD Manual also lists antacids [2]. Metformin is the first-line medicine for diabetes, so ask your doctor whether your B12 should be checked.
Is too much a problem?
B12 has no upper limit, because it's considered safe even at high doses [1]. Only a small share of a large oral dose is absorbed, about 2% of 500 micrograms [1]; even so, older adults with a deficiency benefit from B12 tablets [2].
B12 for energy?
B12 shots and tablets are often sold for energy. For people whose B12 is already sufficient, supplements don't appear to improve athletic performance or endurance [1].
In Voltra
Log B12, like any supplement, on the Eat tab, or tell the Coach to log it.
Frequently asked
Who needs a B12 supplement?
People at risk of deficiency: older adults, vegetarians and vegans, people with gut disorders or gut surgery, and people on medicines such as metformin, after checking with a doctor.
Does metformin lower B12?
It may: metformin can reduce B12 absorption and blood levels. Ask your doctor about checking it.
Can you take too much B12?
B12 has no upper limit, because it's considered safe even at high doses.
Does B12 give you energy?
Not if your level is already fine: supplements don't appear to improve athletic performance or endurance in people with enough B12.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (2025). Vitamin B12: fact sheet for health professionals (updated 2 July 2025). Groups at risk; interactions; health risks from excess; energy and endurance.
- دليل MSD الإرشادي، إصدار المستخدم. عوز الفيتامين B12. In Arabic. Causes; treatment.
- وزارة الصحة، المملكة العربية السعودية. النظام النباتي. In Arabic. Downsides of vegetarian diets.
- الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء، السعودية (٢٠٢٣). دليل الفيتامينات. In Arabic. p. 34.
Sources checked on 30 September 2026.
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