In that case, be sure to stick to the recommended vitamin B12 dosage and use only as directed. However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in a low number of red blood cells (anemia), stomach /intestine problems, and permanent nerve damage. Mild diarrhea 2. You can barely stay awake in the afternoon—even if you slept 8 hours. One of the most surprising vitamin B12 injections side effects is the ability to improve mood and mental health. Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss [ 1, 3, 31 ]. are clickable links to these studies. Common symptoms include numbness in the hands and f… West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation, Eatontown, NJ. If negative vitamin B12 supplement side effects persist, consider decreasing your dosage or consult with your doctor. Dizziness 2. However, having too much vitamin B12 can also make you suffer from various side effects. Along with its needed effects, cyanocobalamin (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B12) may cause some unwanted effects. According to The Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 injections are generally recognized as safe as long as they are administered properly. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur in … You may report side effects … Despite the multitude of benefits associated with vitamin B12, can too much vitamin B12 be harmful? Nausea 5. If you've been prescribed vitamin B12 injections and experience diarrhea, itching, rash, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, speak with your doctor. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. A headache is one possible side effect in people that are using vitamin B12 supplements. In addition to decreasing homocysteine levels, which could potentially help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some research also indicates that higher vitamin B12 levels could be linked to improved outcomes for those who have suffered from an ischemic stroke and may be associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. When a person has too little, they are at … Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. How can you minimize these potential vitamin B12 side effects while maximizing the benefits? An inability to digest B12 as a result of low levels of intrinsic factor – for either genetic reasons or a result of physical damage to the stomach or small intestine – can also cause deficiency. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Some of the most common vitamin B12 shot side effects include: Headache Dizziness Rash Itchy skin Facial flushing Skin redness Cold symptoms Anxiety Swelling … 3. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In some cases, supplementation may be necessary, especially if you don’t regularly consume foods high in vitamin B12 or have issues with vitamin absorption. ), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, Top 15 Potassium-Rich Foods to Start Eating Today, Tatsoi: The Immune-Boosting, Heart-Healthy Benefits of ‘Vitamin Green’, Rosemary Benefits: Top 6 Reasons to Add This Herb to Your Diet (+ How to Use It), Oregano Benefits for Inflammation, Infections & More, Mushroom Powder: The Versatile Superfood for Coffee & More. In recent years, research has unearthed a number of vitamin B12 side effects, including positive effects, such as its ability to improve energy levels, enhance mood and keep your heart healthy. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that excess amounts are flushed out of the body through the urine, making a vitamin B12 overdose nearly impossible. Some of the most common vitamin B12 shot side effects include: The best way to avoid the potential side effects of too much vitamin B12 is to get the majority of your vitamin B12 from nutrient-rich food sources, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. Vomiting Vitamin B12 is generally well-tolerated, even in doses well above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), which is 2.4 micrograms daily for adult men and women.Because vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and is excreted in the urine when consumed in excess, it's difficult to overdose on this essential nutrient. Not only is vitamin B12 crucial for preventing birth defects, but a deficiency may also increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient with many health benefits. However, vitamin B12 has been shown to cause rare side effects in some cases. Inadequate dietary consumption of foods containing B12 such as red meat, fish, or dairy products – an issue for many vegetarians and vegans – can lead to deficiency. Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cyanocobalamin: Some side effects of cyanocobalamin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Here are 10 side effects of vitamin B12 you should know. Vitamin B12 is absolutely essential during pregnancy for ensuring healthy fetal growth and development. headache. Side effects of B12 … A B12 deficiency may occur in certain health conditions … Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. O 0, Other brands: Nascobal, CaloMist, Cobal 1000, LA-12, ... +3 more. Although side effects do occur with certain users, they are rare; and, when they are reported, the side effects typically resolve themselves within a few hours. Anxiety 4. For this reason, vitamin B12 is a common component of most prenatal vitamins and can also be found in many fortified foods. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) You may also be more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency if you have: Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to … Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can … Common side effects may include: diarrhea; or swelling anywhere in your body. However, while vitamin B12 is safe when used as recommended, there are several vitamin B12 injection side effects to consider as well. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. What does B12 do for your body? When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Cyanocobalamin (cyanocobalamin)." Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. In order to minimize vitamin B12 supplements side effects, it’s best to stick to the recommended dosage and use as directed. Fall prevention. However, there are a few side effects … Some of the most visible signs of vitamin B12 deficiency can be spotted right in your hair, skin and nails. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. [Ref], Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic shock and death, allergic hypersensitivity reactions[Ref], Frequency not reported: Mild transient diarrhea, prolonged abdominal pain, prolonged nausea or vomiting[Ref], Frequency not reported: Severe dizziness, drowsiness, muscular paralysis, loss of consciousness[Ref], Frequency not reported: Itching, transitory exanthema, acneiform eruptions, bullous eruptions[Ref], Frequency not reported: Pulmonary edema[Ref], Frequency not reported: Polycythemia vera[Ref], Frequency not reported: Vision problems[Ref], Frequency not reported: Feeling of swelling of entire body[Ref], 1. Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; loss of appetite; or. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of Vitamin B12. Headache.