Allergic reactions from taking vitamins are not considered a common allergy but can affect you in various ways. A vitamin allergy can be linked to the overuse of vitamins on a daily basis, which causes the body to build a resistance to the vitamins. A vitamin allergy causes similar reactions to that of a food allergy. Common reactions develop in the lungs, on the skin and in the sinus cavity, according to Health Tree. Talk with a doctor if you experience allergy reactions every time you take a vitamin supplement.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are a hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance, such as vitamins, according to MayoClinc.com. When someone ingests an allergen, her immune system mistakes the substance as a potentially hazardous substance, causing the production of antibodies. The antibodies attempt to ward off the substance. The increased amount of IgE antibodies in the system cause certain cells to produce histamine, leading to common allergy symptoms.
Types
The various types of allergic reactions from vitamins include asthma, nasal complications, skin reactions and fatigue. After ingesting vitamins, the person with a vitamin allergy may experience shortness of breathe, wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. Nasal complications include congestion, a runny nose and postnasal drip, according to Health Tree. Skin reactions can cause an outbreak of hives or eczema, itchy rashes that cause inflammation in the skin.
Tests
In order to determine the cause of an allergic reaction, an allergist may want to perform tests. Blood tests are performed to identify an increase in IgE antibodies in the blood after ingesting certain vitamins, according to Health Tree. Skin tests use a small amount of the allergen to determine which vitamins are causing a reaction. The allergen is injected under the skin. The injections that cause a skin reaction are considered confirmed allergens.
Treatment
MayoClinic.com states that the best way to treat a food-related allergy is to avoid the substance. There is no cure for a vitamin allergy, but it is manageable. An allergy to vitamin supplements does not mean that the patient cannot eat the same vitamin naturally found in foods, according to Health Tree. Talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you condition.
Warning
A sever allergic reaction can lead to death if not treated promptly and effectively, according to MayoClinic.com. Anaphylaxis is a condition where the entire body experiences an allergic reaction that restricts breathing, lowers blood pressure and decreases the heart rate. Someone experiences anaphylactic shock may need an epinephrine injection to restore his normal bodily functions.
