Healthy skin, eyes, nerves and blood: all are important and need vitamin B12 to develop and function. Unfortunately, your body isn't able to produce B12 on its own. Most of us meet our body's B12 needs from animal-sourced foods or fortified plant sources in our diet. Those with certain medical conditions, however, may need a supplement. Before heading off to the vitamin aisle, consider the safety of taking a B12 supplement and talk with your doctor.
Uses
B12 supplements are used primarily to treat a type of anemia resulting from a deficiency in the vitamin. Taking vitamin B12 supplements has also been touted as an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. Beyond having a deficiency, however, there is little medical evidence that taking this vitamin -- as a preventative measure or a treatment -- is valid for many of these conditions, such as sleep disorders, Alzheimer's disease, cancer or infertility.
Who Should Avoid B12
Having certain health conditions should also be a factor in deciding whether to take a B12 supplement. You should avoid taking the vitamin If you are allergic to cobalt because this element is a key component of B12's chemical makeup. Having an eye condition called Leber's disease also makes supplementation unsafe, according to the National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus. While taking B12 is generally safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, you should discuss dosage with your physician. Taking large amounts may be hazardous to you and your baby.
Side Effects
Taking vitamin B12 can produce some serious side effects including diarrhea and a number of skin conditions. These include itchiness, rashes and acne-like skin eruptions. Prescription medications designed to treat a B12 deficiency can potentially cause several effects, such as breathing difficulty, muscle pain, nausea and headaches. Anxiety and related symptoms have also been reported side effects of B12 supplementation including dizziness and nervousness.
Unsafe Interactions
B12 supplements can interact with certain medications and other vitamins. Such drugs can reduce the amount of this vitamin in your body, so consulting with a healthcare professional is particularly important. These include the diabetic medication metformin; antacid drugs including proton pump inhibitors; and chemotherapy. In addition, vitamin B12 supplements may interfere with your body's ability to effectively use medications including certain antibiotics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking other supplements, such as folic acid and potassium, can cause unsafe interactions as well.
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