Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient, and one of eight B-complex essential vitamins. Cobalamin contributes to nervous system functioning, aids in red blood cell function and supports your metabolism. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can harm your health, causing dangerous anemia. Taking vitamin B-12 supplements can prevent or treat a deficiency but can also lead to side effects in some cases.
Allergic Reactions
One of the reported reactions to vitamin B-12 is the development of an allergic reaction. Vitamin B-12 contains cobalt, a possible allergen, so your body might respond negatively to a vitamin B-12 injection or nasal spray, mounting an immune response that causes noticeable symptoms. You might develop skin rashes or irritation in your nasal cavity or around the injection site, as well as develop more serious symptoms like chest tightness and difficulty breathing. If you develop allergy symptoms after taking vitamin B-12, seek immediate medical attention.
Seizure
Another reported reaction to vitamin B-12 in some cases is the occurrence of seizures. Individuals, including infants or babies, with severe vitamin B-12 deficiency typically receive vitamin injections to boost their vitamin B-12. Some infants develop seizures after receiving intramuscular injections of vitamin B-12 that subside within a few days or weeks after treatment. If your child requires vitamin B-12 therapy, talk to your doctor about the risk of seizures.
Drug Interactions
Many people report drug interactions as a side effect of taking vitamin B-12. These interactions can pose a significant health risk if vitamin B-12 interferes with the efficacy of medication. Taking vitamin B-12 supplements along with the antibiotic tetracycline might prevent the treatment of infection, since cobalamin prevents your body from absorbing tetracycline. To avoid this interaction, take any vitamin supplements at a different time of day than antibiotic medication, or talk to your doctor about a possible need to stop taking vitamin B-12 for the duration of antibiotic treatment.
Considerations
Any drug, supplement or vitamin has the potential to cause side effects when introduced to your system, but, if used correctly, these compounds typically do more good than harm. You can help to minimize the side effects of vitamin B-12 by only taking the vitamin under the close supervision of a doctor. Notify your physician of any changes in your vitamin B-12 dosage, or if you switch vitamin brands or add new products to your supplement routine. Finally, if you begin to develop adverse reactions to vitamin B-12 oral supplements, injections or nasal gels, stop taking the vitamin immediately and seek medical attention.
Member Comments