It's possible that taking vitamin B-12 could trigger a state of shock in your body if you have an allergic reaction. While a severe allergic reaction is rare, according to Drugs.com, it could cause your body to expereince a state of shock and other life-threatening symptoms. Vitamin B-12 is a water soluable vitamin that is primarily acquired through diet. Most people do not need to take a B-12 supplement if they maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you develop concerning symptoms after taking B-12 supplements, call your doctor.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin in the human body to help maintain healthy never cells and red blood cells. A B-12 supplement or injection is typically only administered to people with a B-12 deficiency. This vitamin is stored by the body for many years, making it rare to need a supplement. This vitamin is commonly found in dairy products, shellfish, meat and fish. If you are allergic to any of these foods and are unable to eat them, you may develop a deficiency, requiring you to take a B-12 supplement. Do not use this or any supplement without first talking with your doctor. The elderly are at the highest risk of B-12 deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com.
Allergy
Shock that occurs from taking vitamin B-12 occurs only if you have a severe allergic reaction. MayoClinic.com warns that you should not use this supplement if you have an allergy to cobalt, cobalamin or any other ingredients in the supplement. Some supplements may contain highly allergenic ingredients, such as wheat, soy or dairy. The supplement label will disclose the use of any allergenic ingredients. B-12 supplements are made with synthetic ingredients that your immune system may not identify as safe. If this occurs, your body will react to the supplement as if it were an infectious intruder.
Shock
If one or more of the ingredients in the supplement trigger an allergic reaction, immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine are released to attack the substance. These allergy-fighting agents cause inflammation and constriction in soft tissue. When your entire body releases these chemicals, you will develop a severe allergic reaction, leading to anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when excessive amounts of these chemicals are released, causing your body to become overwhelmed, according to MedlinePlus.
Symptoms
Anaphylactic shock symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, anxiety, wheezing, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, hives, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure and an increased hear rate, according to PubMed Health. Call 911 if these symptoms develop.
Member Comments