Vitamin B12 for Tinnitus - How Much is Enough?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that our bodies need for a variety of functions. It's found naturally in animal products like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It's also added to some foods, like fortified breads and cereals. Currently, the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms per day for adults over 19 years old.

Vitamin B12 has many roles in the body, including supporting nerve function and red blood cell production. Because of this, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a number of problems like fatigue, anaemia, and tingling in the extremities. A common symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency is tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can also be caused by other things like earwax build-up or an infection, so it's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing this symptom.

In a 2013 study tinnitus patients with low B12 vitamin levels, audiometric tests conducted after B12 vitamin treatment revealed a significant improvement in hearing levels.

Currently, there is no recommended dosage of vitamin B12 for tinnitus specifically. However a safe dosage of vitamin B12 is 1000mcg per day of the methylcobalamin form. 

How Vitamin B12 Supports Tinnitus Sufferers

Vitamin B12 is involved in many processes in the body, including supporting nerve function and red blood cell production. A 1993 study found that people with tinnitus had lower levels of vitamin B12 than people without tinnitus. Because vitamin B12 plays a role in maintaining healthy nerves, a deficiency can lead to tinnitus.

In addition to being involved in nerve function, vitamin B12 is also necessary for the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. When there aren't enough red blood cells or they're not functioning properly, it can lead to anaemia. Anaemia has been linked to tinnitus in several studies and may be one reason why people with tinnitus are more likely to have low levels of vitamin B12.

Why might I be low in Vitamin B12?

There are a number of reasons why vitamin B12 levels might be low. The use of stomach acid blocking medication can reduce vitamin B12 levels. People consuming vegan diets may also have low B12 if they aren't consuming it from supplements or fortified foods. Finally, some people have genetic mutations which means they require more vitamin B12 than other. 

If you have tinnitus, you might be wondering if there's anything you can do to ease your symptoms. While there's no cure for tinnitus, some research suggests that taking a supplement of vitamin B12 may help improve symptoms for some people. Vitamin B12 is essential for many processes in the body and a deficiency can lead to tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about getting a Vitamin B12 blood test and whether taking a supplement might be right for you.

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