Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in fish, meat and dairy. It assists in major processes of the body, including red blood cell production, neuron function and the formation of genetic cellular material. Supplements in pill form are taken sublingually, meaning under the tongue, dissolving quickly and entering the blood directly. This sublingual form does not cause the irritation or pain that typically is experienced from supplementation by injection. Side effects are infrequent and tend to be minor; however, common reactions may occur due to individual differences.
Diarrhea
RxList.com indicates that a common side effect from taking supplements for this vitamin is diarrhea. Typically, this side effect will subside as the body gets used to receiving the supplement. If mild diarrhea is experienced, the reaction still needs to be monitored because of diarrhea's potential to lead to dehydration. Heartburn and stomach queasiness also may be experienced. A health provider should be contacted for evaluation if these reactions are prolonged.
Blood Clots
According to the eMedTv.com, peripheral vascular thrombosis, or in this case, blood clots in the legs, have been reported as a side effect of taking vitamin B12 supplementation. Blood clots are serious, for they can be life-threatening. Therefore, a medical history of various blood-clot-related conditions such as lower extremity thrombosis, stroke and pulmonary embolus places an individual at increased risk for this adverse effect.
Nervousness and Insomnia
Vitamins.lovetoknow.com states that taking vitamin B12 supplementation may be associated with increased nervousness or anxiety. Also, this may be accompanied by panic attacks and insomnia. If any of these symptoms persist, notify your doctor in order to evaluate and relieve these side effects.
Precautions
According to the Mayo Clinic, caution should be used in post-op angioplasty patients because vitamin B12 after coronary stenting may increase re-stenosis rates. Additionally, B12 is contraindicated for patients with Leber's disease, a hereditary disease that involves optic nerve atrophy. Specifically, vitamin B12 supplementation can produce sudden optic atrophy. Lastly, patients allergic to cobalamin or cobalt should not take B12 supplementation due to a possible allergic reaction to these ingredients.
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