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What is a Vitamin B12 Toxicity?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Vitamin B12 toxicity is essentially a condition that develops when a person takes too much vitamin B12 and begins to develop side effects, such as swelling or diarrhea, as a result. A person would likely have to take massive doses of vitamin B12 in order for it to cause toxicity, as the vitamin is generally very well tolerated. To avoid developing this condition, a person may consult his doctor or a nutrition expert to learn the safe levels of vitamin B12 supplementation. An individual is unlikely to develop toxicity because of vitamin B12 that is ingested through the course of normal eating.

While an individual may want to keep his vitamin B12 consumption to the levels suggested by his doctor or a nutrition expert, it's interesting to note that there are no reported toxicity levels. This means scientists have not established levels at which this vitamin may become toxic. In fact, research studies have been unable to pinpoint precise symptoms of vitamin B12 toxicity. As such, there is no maximum daily dosage recommendation.

B12 can be injected injection.
B12 can be injected injection.

Though vitamin B12 is unlikely to be toxic, even at higher levels, there are some symptoms that could be associated with taking too much. If unpleasant symptoms develop when a person is taking vitamin B12, this may mean that he has taken too much for his body, despite the fact that the same amount may not cause problems in the average person. Among the symptoms that may develop in such a case are diarrhea and swelling all over the body. An individual with vitamin B12 toxicity could possibly develop blood clots in his legs as well.

Hives can be a side effect of vitamin B12.
Hives can be a side effect of vitamin B12.

It's important to note that a person could develop allergy symptoms when taking vitamin B12. Such symptoms usually do not mean a person is experiencing vitamin B12 toxicity, however. Instead, it usually means that he is actually allergic to the vitamin supplement or something that was used in preparing it. Possible allergy symptoms include hives or a rash on any part of the body, swelling of the face, swelling of the mouth or throat, shortness of breath, and wheezing. If an individual develops allergy symptoms that he thinks are related to vitamin B12 supplementation, he should stop taking supplements and contact his doctor for advice.

Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated.
Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated.

An individual who takes vitamin B12 through injections, usually in the course of some type of medical therapy, may have a slightly heightened risk of developing vitamin B12 toxicity. He may also be more likely to develop an allergic reaction to the vitamin. Like those who take it by mouth, it's important to report strange symptoms to a health care professional as soon as possible.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1005284

Great piece of content. Cheers! It is very usual for people with vitamin B12 deficiency problems to resort to shots or try pills. But they are being less helpful as most of us buy the capsules and take them on our own. This seems to create trouble. One should consult a physician or take vitamin vapes (inhalevitamins.com) . With vape products, you smoke a very little amount of B12 every day. So 10-20 puffs will complete your daily dose. So no more vitamin toxicity. Hope this helps.

stoneMason

@burcidi-- I'm not a doctor and you should ask your doctor about this for the best advice.

The way I see it, too much of everything is bad. Even though vitamin B12 is water soluble, the amount of it in your bloodstream will go up if you take very high doses regularly. Plus, people with impaired kidney function may not be able to get rid of excess vitamin B12 as fast as it needs to be removed. So toxicity is definitely possible.

That being said, if you don't go over the daily recommended dose, I don't think you will experience toxicity. My wife had vitamin B12 toxicity several years ago, but it was due to vitamin B12 injections that she was getting to support her vegan diet. The only symptom she had was diarrhea.

burcidi

I take a vitamin B12 supplement daily and toxicity never occurred to me as a possibility. As far as I know, vitamin B12 is water soluble. So if I take too much, my body will get rid of the excess via urination. How can vitamin B12 be toxic if the body doesn't store it?

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    • B12 can be injected injection.
      By: Matthias Enter
      B12 can be injected injection.
    • Hives can be a side effect of vitamin B12.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Hives can be a side effect of vitamin B12.
    • Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated.
    • A person who takes too much vitamin B12 may experience diarrhea as a result.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      A person who takes too much vitamin B12 may experience diarrhea as a result.
    • Possible allergic reactions to vitamin B12 can include shortness of breath and wheezing.
      By: nuiiko
      Possible allergic reactions to vitamin B12 can include shortness of breath and wheezing.