Vitamin B-12 is a dietary supplement prescribed to individuals with an abnormal deficiency of the nutrient. Most healthy adults do not need to take a vitamin B-12 supplement because their bodies successfully store and use the vitamin. If you're currently taking a vitamin B-12 complex supplement and you develop adverse reactions, stop taking it and call your doctor. Most vitamin B-12 complex supplements come from animal by-products, which could cause an allergic reaction.
Cause
Reactions that occur after taking a vitamin B-12 supplement may relate to common side effects or an allergic reaction. Drugs.com states that common side effects from the supplement include itching, rash, fever, joint pain, headache, weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, swelling, dizziness and nausea. If your symptoms are the result of an allergic reaction, you have a hypersensitivity to one or more ingredients in the supplement. This causes your body to fight against the supplement with various chemicals that cause inflammation to occur in your body.
Allergic Reaction
Many symptoms of an allergic reaction to vitamin B-12 are similar to the common side effects. Seek an evaluation by your health care provider to determine whether your symptoms stem from an allergic reaction. An allergy can cause minor to severe symptoms, such as nasal congestion, asthma, trouble breathing, wheezing, chest pain, skin rashes, hives, facial swelling, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Most allergy symptoms develop within minutes of taking the supplement.
Inactive Ingredients
Every B-12 complex contains different inactive ingredients depending on the brand. If you have any known food or medication allergies, talk with your doctor before using a B-12 supplement. Common inactive ingredients that may cause an adverse reaction in your body include lactose, whey and wheat proteins. The law requires manufacturers to disclose common allergens in their supplements.
Anaphylaxis Consideration
A severe reaction can cause your body to experience a state of shock, which could result in death. Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include fainting, a lump in the throat, hives, a faint but rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and dizziness. If you develop any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately for emergency attention. Treatment for anaphylaxis is an injection of epinephrine. This medication will temporarily alleviate your symptoms but you still need an evaluation by a doctor in case your symptoms return.
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