An allergy to B-12 vitamins is rare, but can occur in people who are receiving B-12 injections. Drugs.com warns that if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing and facial swelling, call your doctor right away. B-12 is commonly administered if you're deficient of the vitamin. Health adults do not require B-12 supplementation. B-12 needs to be taken under a doctor's supervision and direction. Some reactions to B-12 are not related to an allergy, but are common side effects of the injection.
B12 Allergy
A B12 allergy can cause serious complications. You may not notice any symptoms during the first few times taking the vitamin because your immune system is slowly building up a resistance. Once the immune system recognizes the vitamin as an allergen, you will experience common allergy symptoms. Your immune system creates specific antibodies, call immunoglobulin E, or IgE, to help fight off the vitamin. Although the supplement doesn't present any danger, your body reacts as if it is harmful. This causes other chemicals in the body to be produced, which leads to most allergy symptoms.
Skin Reactions
A common side effect from B-12 supplementation is skin reactions. It is important that your doctor evaluate the rash to determine if it is the result of an allergic reaction or normal side effects. Drugs.com states that normal side effects include redness, minor swelling and irritation around the center of the injection. Rashes that develop in other parts of the body may be the result of an allergic reaction. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that hives and eczema are two common rashes that are related to allergic reactions. Hives and eczema can appear anywhere on the body and are extremely itchy and cause inflammation.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms related to a vitamin B-12 allergy include: runny nose, fatigue, headaches, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing and digestive issues, according to Health Tree. Inflammation in the digestive tract, if the supplement is taken orally, can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Diagnosis
The most effective way to diagnose an allergic reaction is with allergy testing. Allergy tests use a sample of your blood and your skin to determine if your body creates IgE antibodies when vitamin B-12 is introduced. If you test negative for an allergic reaction, your doctor may recommend other treatments to manage your symptoms.
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