Can You Take Vitamin C With Vitamin B12?

Vitamins and minerals are necessary in every diet. They assist the body in maintaining healthy bones, organs, tissues, and skin, but while it's easy to assume they coincide seamlessly, the truth is that some vitamins may hinder the function of others. If your health routine includes supplements, we want you to know how to make the best of them. 

Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is one of the eight B vitamins that our body needs. Mayo Clinic staff illustrates that vitamin B-12's prime functions are to form red blood cells, transport genetic info, and support a healthy nervous system. Without this key vitamin, the body goes into a fatigued state. Anemia (low iron), digestive issues, weakness, and unstable moods are all symptoms of a deficiency. You can see why this vitamin is deemed essential.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a well-known immune booster. WebMD notes that it is required for adequate growth and healing. This water-soluble vitamin is involved in a number of body functions. Vitamin C overflows with antioxidants that work to prevent illnesses ranging from the small common cold to heart disease, and perhaps even strokes. Proper vitamin C levels are vital. Anywhere the diet may come up short, supplements are ideal to fill in the nutritional blanks.

If they're both healthy, why the conflict?

According to SF Gate, vitamin C is strong enough to break down B-12 during digestion. When you take your daily multi-vitamins, MedicineNet recommends taking vitamin C over two hours from the time B-12 is ingested.

Dosages are equally as important as timing. For men, around 90 milligrams of vitamin C is safe. Women should look for vitamins with a daily dose of 75 milligrams (via Healthline). Adults who've been found to require a vitamin B-12 supplement should take around 2.4 micrograms daily, according to Mayo Clinic.

The ideal way to get most of your much-needed vitamins is through a well-rounded diet. A daily variety of whole foods will increase vitamin levels in the body. Oranges are a natural source of vitamin C. Add more vitamin B-12 to your diet with eggs and fortified breakfast cereals. If you still need both supplements, be mindful to take them two hours apart.