Your body relies on vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells and maintain proper brain function. Adults should consume between 2.4 and 2.8 mcg of vitamin B-12 each day to keep their bodies healthy, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The primary sources of vitamin B-12 include certain foods, such as fish and beef, and dietary supplements. If you take a vitamin B-12 supplement, be sure to only use this supplement as directed to limit your risk of developing unusually high vitamin B-12 blood levels.
Overdose Symptoms
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble nutrient and is typically non-toxic to your body -- even when it's present in high levels. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins are not retained or stored in your body's fat tissue. Instead, your body simply absorbs the amount of vitamin B-12 it needs and removes the remaining vitamin B-12 from your body in the form of urine. Consequently, there are no symptoms or side effects specifically related to taking too much vitamin B-12, the Linus Pauling Institute explains; however, if you experience any unusual medical problems after taking a high dose of vitamin B-12 consult your physician for further evaluation and care.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects including diarrhea and skin rash may occur during treatment with any dosage of vitamin B-12 supplements. Discuss chronic diarrhea with your doctor as this side effect may cause dehydration. Symptoms associated with dehydration include dizziness, excessive thirst, fatigue and headache.
Medication Interactions
Before taking vitamin B-12 supplements, be sure to discuss all medications you are currently taking with your primary medical provider. Concomitant use of vitamin B-12 and tetracycline, a specific type of antibiotic, should be avoided, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Vitamin B-12 may prevent your body from absorbing tetracycline, which can reduce the efficacy of this antibiotic.
Contraindications
If you have any pre-existing health problems, be sure to let your doctor know before you begin treatment with vitamin B-12 supplements. Additionally, do not take this supplement if you are allergic to vitamin B-12, cobalt or cabalamin, MayoClinic.com warns. Hypersensitive people who use this natural supplement are at risk of develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction requires emergency medical care and may cause breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, hives, weakness or facial swelling.
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