Frequently Asked Questions

In what foods is vitamin B12 found?

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products (such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, or dairy). Breakfast cereals and enriched soy or rice milk are also often fortified with B12.  Both beef liver and clams, an odd combination, have incredibly high levels of B12, but omega-rich salmon and trout have good levels, and there is some B12 in chicken, tuna, yogurt, milk, eggs and cheese. B12 is also found in virtually all multivitamins, as a standalone vitamin, and in prescription form.

Is there Vitamin B12 in Cooper Complete multivitamins?

Yes, all of our adult formulations (Cooper Complete Original, Elite Athlete, and Basic One) contain 400 mcg Vitamin B12 per daily serving.

How do I know if I should take supplemental Vitamin B12?

The only way to know for sure if your B12 level is low is to get a blood test.  The accepted range for B12 is between 254 and 1,320 picograms per milliliter of blood serum. Cooper Clinic physicians like to see levels at of least 450 picograms per milliliter of blood serum or higher.

Who is at risk for having a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

As Vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal products, vegetarians, vegans, and those who consume very little animal protein, milk, or dairy should supplement to avoid a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Those with “pernicious anemia” are also often Vitamin B12 deficient, as are heavy drinkers, and those who have had weight loss surgery. As stomach acid helps extract the Vitamin B12 from food, those who take proton-pump inhibitors (like Prilosec or Nexium), H2 blockers, or other antacids regularly to reduce stomach acids may have a deficiency.

With age, stomach acid levels decline. In addition, many older adults trend towards a diet with less animal and dairy products, and the combination of changing diet, and lower stomach acid levels can cause a deficiency. For these reasons, Cooper Clinic regularly measures B12 blood levels in patients over the age of 60, and in others who might be at risk.

What are symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Symptoms of B12 deficiency include memory issues, moodiness or depression, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, numbness or tingling in arms and legs, shakiness, an unsteady gait and incontinence – the same exact symptoms that mimic the downside of aging for many. For this reason, and because it’s possible to have only one or two of the symptoms and still be deficit, our recommendation is to consider B12 deficiency if any of the symptoms exist. Researchers have reported that these symptoms may occur when vitamin B12 levels are just slightly lower than normal and are considerably above the levels normally associated with anemia.

Can I take this product if I am also taking Coumadin or Warfarin?

If you are taking Coumadin or Warfarin, we recommend consulting your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.