Your body uses the water-soluble nutrient vitamin B-12 to support a number of processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells and normal nerve function. On a daily basis, adults should consume 2.4 to 2.8 mcg of vitamin B-12 through eating vitamin B-12-rich foods, such as meat, poultry or fish, or receiving oral or injectible forms of vitamin B-12 supplements. Talk with your physician about the safety of vitamin B-12 supplements before you add them to your daily regimen.
Mild Side Effects
When used as directed, vitamin B-12 supplements typically do not cause side effects. Both oral and injectible vitamin B-12 might cause mild side effects in certain people, including itching, stomach upset, diarrhea or flu-like symptoms. If you receive vitamin B-12 by injection, you might develop a mild to moderate skin reaction at the site of treatment. The treated skin might temporarily appear red, inflamed or swollen and might be tender to the touch. Mild side effects associated with vitamin B-12 supplements typically subside within a few hours or a day after treatment. Seek care from your medical provider if mild side effects persist or increase in severity.
Serious Side Effects
Infrequently, serious side effects might occur following treatment with vitamin B-12 supplements. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, rapid weight gain or swelling, shortness of breath or unusual warmth, pain or redness in your arms or legs after receiving a vitamin B-12 injection. Certain people might also experience a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction after taking vitamin B-12, known as anaphylactic shock, the signs of which include facial swelling, hives, wheezing, pale skin and loss of consciousness. If any of these severe side effects arise, seek emergency medical care.
Contraindications
Depending on your health status, treatment with vitamin B-12 might not be appropriate. Always inform your medical provider of any health problems or concerns you might have before taking supplements, including vitamin B-12. Do not take vitamin B-12 if you are allergic to any form of this nutrient, including cobalt or cobalamin. Additionally, avoid taking vitamin B-12 supplements if you have Leber's disease or any health condition related to your red blood cells, such as megaloblastic anemia or polycythemia vera.
Drug Interactions
Let your medical provider know if you are taking any drugs or supplements before beginning treatment with this nutritional supplement. Do not take vitamin B-12 in conjunction with chloramphenicol. This combination might reduce the efficacy of vitamin B-12.
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