Side Effects To B12 Vitamins That You Should Be Aware Of Before You Use The Supplement

Vitamin B12 is a supplement that is used to treat a variety of disorders related to a B12 deficiency. It may benefit people with pernicious anemia. In the elderly it can be prescribed to boost memory and to treat Alzheimer’s and depression. Vitamin B12 is responsible for red blood cell, brain and nervous system development. Some people take B12 to get a boost of energy.

Side effects to B12 vitamins are generally very mild. B12 is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages, even for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should not take more than 2.8 mcg of vitamin B12 per day because vitamin B side effects at higher dosages have not been studied in breastfeeding women.

People with an eye disorder called Leber’s disease, a hereditary condition, should not take vitamin B12 due to the potential for damage to the optic nerve. Side effects to B12 vitamins can also occur in people with megaloblastic anemia, a condition that causes an abnormal red blood cell count. B12 may help in treating megaloblastic anemia but it’s usage should be carefully monitored by a doctor.

Some people are allergic to the active ingredient in vitamin B12, which is cobalt or cobalamin. Side effects to B12 vitamins in people allergic to the synthetic form of vitamin B12 can be severe, and include itching, swelling, difficulty breathing and rashes. These individuals should not take a vitamin B12 supplement in any form.

Vitamin B12 can be taken as an oral supplement by itself, in a multivitamin, or in combination with other B vitamins such as B6 and folate. It can also be provided through a nasal spray, via an injection, a patch, or as a topical treatment for certain skin conditions. No negative vitamin B12 side effects have been reported in people who are using the topical skin cream for psoriasis.

Side effects to B12 vitamins are also reported in people who are taking the drug chloramphenicol, a broad spectrum antibiotic. Short term use of chloramphenicol and vitamin B12 does not appear to pose a large risk, but the antibiotic decreases production of red blood cells. People should talk to their doctor if using chloramphenicol for extended periods of time and also supplementing vitamin B12.

Other side effects to B12 vitamins include diarrhea, rashes, rapid heartbeat and nervousness. Although B12 has no safe upper dosage limiting, meaning it is safe in most people, large doses of B12 above the recommended limit should be avoided. B12 can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the blood and in rare instances may cause cancer cells to divide rapidly. These problems are usually associated with people who are taking extremely large dosages due to medical conditions.

Excessive use of B12 may also lead to the blood clotting too rapidly. Some people report insomnia, heart palpitations and nervousness following vitamin B12 supplements. Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are most common in vegans and vegetarians. Because the vitamin is found naturally in animal products, those who eat red meats, fish and shellfish may not need to supplement vitamin B12.