Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is one of the essential B-complex vitamins that help the body to process carbohydrates into energy, as well as metabolize protein and fat. People who are deficient in vitamin B12, such as people who are vegan, have an eating disorder, have HIV or are elderly, may need to take a B12 supplement. Few risks are associated with vitamin B12 supplements, but certain people may experience negative side effects and health dangers.
Mild Side Effects
You may experience headaches, runny nose or nausea while taking vitamin B12, Drug Digest says. Taking high doses of vitamin B12 could cause acne or make your existing acne worse, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Also, if you take vitamin B12 supplements for a long period of time, you may develop a deficiency of other B-complex vitamins, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Interactions with Diseases & Medical Conditions
You should consult your doctor before taking a vitamin B12 supplement if you have certain medical conditions. If you have megaloblastic anemia, vitamin B12 may cause gout or fatal hypokalemia, warns the Mayo Clinic. If you have Leber's disease, a hereditary condition that causes optic nerve atrophy, you shouldn't take vitamin B12, because it can worsen the disease.
Prescription Drug Interactions
If you take certain prescription medications with vitamin B12, you may have negative interactions. Vitamin B12 supplements can reduce the absorption and effects of antibiotics and tetracycline, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Therefore, you shouldn't take a vitamin B12 supplement at the same time as tetracycline or antibiotics, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, keep in mind that taking certain other medications may cause you to require increased doses of vitamin B12, due to the drugs' effects on vitamin depletion, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Certain anticonvulsant medications, chemotherapy drugs like methotrexate, colchicines, cholesterol-lowering medications that affect bile production, H2 blockers, the diabetic medication metformin and proton pump inhibitors all reduce vitamin B12 levels in your body.
Allergic Reaction
You could experience an allergic reaction--even one that is life-threatening--from vitamin B12. Allergic reactions are rare and typically experienced only when vitamin B12 is injected, not taken orally, notes the University of Michigan Health System. The allergic reaction may come from the preservatives or other additives in the B12 injection and not the vitamin itself, however. Nevertheless, you should avoid vitamin B12 supplements and injections if you're allergic to cobalt or cobalamin, the Mayo Clinic says. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash or hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness or fever, Drug Digest cautions.
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