Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a vital role in the metabolism of the human body. Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins. According to doctors, vitamin B12 has a significant role in making red blood cells (RBCs). Vitamin B12 also supports the functioning of the brain and nerves.
Vitamin B12 is important for everyone and most people can get enough by including food products rich in vitamin B12 in their diet or consuming oral supplements. Vitamin B12 supplements are often prescribed to treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological, and psychological problems if it is not treated. Although oral supplements are important to treat the deficiency, excessive consumption of Vitamin B12 can lead to life-threatening side-effects.
What are the side effects of Vitamin B12?
At recommended doses, oral vitamin B12 supplements are safe. However, injectable vitamin B12, often prescribed to treat serious 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)
Moreover, in rare cases, vitamin B12 can cause serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The condition leads to swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. If this occurs after you take vitamin B-12, contact the emergency medical service immediately.
How much vitamin B12 should you take?
According to the National Institutes of HealthTrusted Source, the recommended dietary amounts (RDAs) are as follows:
- 2.4 micrograms (mcg) daily for ages 14 years or older
- 2.6 mcg daily for pregnant women
- 2.8 mcg daily for breastfeeding women
What are the food sources of vitamin B12?
You can get vitamin B12 naturally by consuming food products like:
- eggs
- cheese
- fish
- shellfish
- liver
- kidney
- red meat