Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex vitamin group. Rexall B-12 sublingual vitamins is a synthetically manufactured and highly concentrated form of vitamin B-12 that comes in a dissolvable tablet that you place under your tongue. Sublingual vitamins are absorbed directly into your blood stream through the thin tissues under your tongue, bypassing the digestion process of your stomach and intestines, which not only slows the absorption of the vitamin, but may also lessen its effectiveness. Vitamin B-12 is important in the production of red blood cells and the function of your central nervous system. However, some side effects are associated with sublingual vitamin B-12 supplementation. Consult your physician before using a vitamin B-12 supplement.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Although Rexall Vitamin B-12 tablets are sublingual and are placed under your tongue for absorption, some of the dissolved product still ends up in your stomach, which may cause gastrointestinal distress. Although these symptoms are usually mild, high amounts of vitamin B-12 supplementation may cause you to experience an upset stomach, persistant stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Drinking adequate amounts of water may reduce the severity of gastrointestinal distress resulting from sublingual vitamin B-12 supplementation.
Abnormal Red Blood Cells
Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. Too little vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia, or a low red blood cell count, but too much vitamin B-12 can lead to a condition called megaloblastic anemia, or abnormal red blood cells. According to the National Library of Medicine, or NLM, megaloblastic anemia is sometimes associated with vitamin B-12 supplementation. Because of this risk, the NLM recommends only using vitamin B-12 supplements under the careful supervision of a health-care professional.
Allergic Reaction
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to vitamin B-12 supplements. An allergic reaction may occur due to an intolerance of the vitamin itself, or one of the ingredients in the sublingual tablet that help hold it together, such as the mineral cobalt. An allergic reaction may cause the appearance of hives or a rash, and may be associated with itching, swelling of your face and neck, difficulty breathing, and an irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction is a medical emergency; seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these effects following sublingual vitamin B-12 use.
Interactions
Sublingual vitamin B-12 may have adverse interactions with other medications or herbal supplements. A number of drugs may inhibit the function of vitamin B-12, increasing the risk of developing anemia. Protein pump inhibitors, gastric acid inhibitors, and drugs that treat high cholesterol may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 should be avoided with folic acid, potassium, and vitamin C supplementation because they can interfere with the effects of vitamin B-12 in your body.
References
- "Anabolic Primer"; Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne; 1998
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- Medline Plus; Vitamin B12; 2011
- Oregon State University; Vitamin B12; Jane Higdon; 2007
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