Question about B12

I just got my 3-month labs back and everything looks really good.  I have a question about B12 and Folate, however that I'm hoping someone can help me with (Kelly?)

My B12 level was 730 and my Folate was >24.

I remember reading that B12 shouldn't be below 550, so I assume I'm good with my 730 figure.  

But my question is, can your B12 be too high?  The reason I'm asking is that I've been taking the Celebrate Vitamins B12 which contains 1,000 mcg B12 and 200 mcg Folate.  I take one tablet a day.  I'm almost out, so I bought some B12 at Costco (after reading multiple posts that it's not necessary to pay extra for the special "bariatric" vitamins).  But the Kirkland brand B12 sublingual tablets I got contain 5,000 mcg of B12 (and no folate). That's 5x what I've been taking.

So I'm wondering if I'm okay to take one of those a day or if I should to it more like every other or even every 2 days.  Any thoughts?

Also, do you think I should get a separate Folate supplement or do you think I'm ok given that my levels were quite high (the reference figure was >2.8 and I was at >24, so almost 10X the reference figure).  

I do take a B-complex supplement per day which contains 400 mcg of folate (plus an additional 150 mcg of B12).  

Any input would be appreciated.  The whole vitamin thing is a bit confusing but I know some of you are well versed in what are good levels to shoot for and what is too much or too little.  

I tried finding the guidelines I've seen posted on here a couple of times about the different vitamin levels and how to interpret blood work, but I couldn't find them   :(

I take the 5K pill daily and my numbers went up but did not go skyrocketing high.

I do know a few people at support group take it twice a week. If you are having your labs done every 3 months right now, I'd make the change and see what your numbers say at the next lab draw. But that's just me and I am not a medical professional. 

I think you can probably take that every other day and be okay. But there's nothing wrong with having more than 1000. I've actually read that it's better for your labs to show that you're getting at least 1000. I know that if mine is below 750 I feel tired all the time. I try to keep it above 1000. So I take mine daily.

It might be possible for your B12 to be too high but too high would be way way way higher than 730.  I like mine to be at least 1000.  It can safely be at least 2000.  I would try taking the 5000 mcg B12 every two or three days.  If I was you, I'd want my B12 to go up some.

Your folate level is fine.

Thanks Kelly.  I know you seem to be the vitamin guru around here.  So I appreciate your input.  I think I'll try it daily for 3 months and see how my 6 months labs look.  

I had labs done at two months and 6 months post op, both times my levels were grater than 2,000. I was taking a 5,000 mcg a day but have knocked it down to 2,500 mcg 5 days a week. 

Neither my PCP or my surgeon were concerned about my levels though my surgeon's PA said I could reduce my intake to 1,000 mcg a day and my levels would be okay still. I'd rather not mess with my levels, so I'm not budging from my dosage. The side effects of a ( severe ) B 12 deficiency scare me too much.  

The nutritionist at the bariatric center I go to said it's impossible to take too much B12 - it can't hurt you.  I'm assuming that means it's water soluble or whatever the term is (you pee excess out).

I think it might depend on how well you personally absorb b12. I was taking two 500 mcg sublingual tablets per day and my b12 just came back at over 1900. I am now taking just one tablet per day.