What Are The Side Effects Of Vitamin B-12?
Oral vitamin B-12 is safe to take at recommended doses for healthy people. Injectable vitamin B-12, which is used to treat significant deficiencies, can cause the following side effects: mild diarrhea
itching
skin rash
headache
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure early in treatment
vein thrombosis
sensation of swelling
polycythemia vera (rare, slow growing blood cancer) Vitamin B-12 can cause very rare but serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). This includes swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
If this occurs after you take vitamin B-12, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Some agents are linked to reduced absorption or serum levels of vitamin B-12. You may need vitamin B-12 supplements if you take any of the following: colchicine
metformin
proton pump inhibitors
vitamin C
chloramphenicol
H2 blockers
aminosalicylic acid Folic acid supplements may interfere with vitamin B-12.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you take folic acid. You may need to take vitamin B-12 separately from the above drugs and supplements — say, one in the morning and one at night — so you can get the full dose of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is safe to take in recommended dosages if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Seek medical attention if your symptoms get worse or are severe. You can consult your doctor to establish an appropriate dose if it’s determined that you don’t get enough B-12 from food sources.
What’S The Correct Dosage Of Vitamin B-12?
Foods with vitamin B-12 include: eggs
Cheese
Fish
Shellfish
Liver
Kidney
Red Meat
How Are Vitamin B-12 Side Effects Treated?
How Much To Get?
For The Consumer
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Diarrhea
skin rash with a general disease.