Vitamin B-12 supplements, also marketed as cobalamin and cyanocobalamin, are water-soluble vitamins used to treat vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is needed in the body for the production of healthy red blood cells and for the maintenance of healthy nerve cells, according to Medline Plus. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Some patients may overdose on vitamin B-12 and experience adverse effects.
Upset Stomach
Patients who overdose of vitamin B-12 may experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, according to Drugs.com. Ingested vitamin B-12 undergoes the normal digestion process and intrinsic factor, a protein found in the stomach, binds to the vitamin and helps it get absorbed in the small intestine. Patients who have ingested large amounts of B-12 experience increased gastrointestinal effects as more of the vitamin is absorbed.
Thrombosis
Vitamin B-12 overdose may thicken the blood and lead to blood clots, also known as thrombosis, in blood vessels, according to Drugs.com. Blood clots in blood vessels block normal circulation of blood leading to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Patients with kidney and liver problems are at increased risk of having high levels of vitamin B-12 in their system. The liver and kidney help excrete excess vitamin B-12, and when they are damaged the body is unable to excrete the vitamin B-12 leading to the accumulation of the vitamin in the blood.
Polycythemia Vera
Overdosing on vitamin B-12 can cause symptoms of polycythemia vera, according to Medline Plus. Polycythemia is the overproduction of blood cells, which leads to increased blood thickness and clotting. Patients with polycythemia vera experience symptoms such as problems breathing, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath and red coloring of the face.
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