#asktheexpert my two & hair years baby has 1500 vitamin b12 what can I do

Question

Accepted Answer

If your two-and-a-half-year-old has a vitamin B12 level of 1,500 pg/mL, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. The normal range for vitamin B12 is typically between 200 to 900 pg/mL for children, so a level of 1,500 pg/mL could indicate hypervitaminosis B12, which is rare but can occur with excessive supplementation.

What You Can Do:

1. Consult a Pediatrician: The first step is to discuss the elevated B12 levels with your child's pediatrician. They can evaluate your child's overall health and dietary intake and determine whether further tests are necessary.

2. Review Dietary Intake: Assess your child's diet to see if they are consuming excessive amounts of B12-rich foods or supplements. Foods high in B12 include:

Meat (beef, lamb, liver)

Fish (salmon, trout, sardines)

Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)

Fortified cereals

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any unusual symptoms your child may exhibit, such as irritability, fatigue, or changes in appetite. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

4. Avoid Excessive Supplementation: If your child is taking any multivitamins or supplements that contain B12, discuss with your doctor whether to continue or adjust the dosage.

5. Follow Up Testing: Your pediatrician may recommend retesting to monitor vitamin B12 levels after some time, especially if dietary changes are made.

Additional Considerations:

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, which means excess amounts are generally excreted in urine. However, consistently high levels could indicate an underlying health issue.

For more detailed information, you may find the following resources helpful:

American Academy of Pediatrics - Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Healthline - Vitamin B12: Benefits, Deficiency, and Sources

Always prioritize professional medical advice for specific health concerns.