Toxicity of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 has a major significant role to play for normal functioning of our body. It is responsible for cell metabolism and formation of blood in our body. Also, it controls various functions related to the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B are of eight different types, and Vitamin B12 is one of them. Vitamin B12 has a very complex structure and one of the rarest element cobalt is present in this vitamin.

The main sources of vitamin B12 are meats and various dairy products. As a result. vegans are prone to suffer from deficiency of vitamin B12. There is possibility of pregnant women getting a deficiency of vitamin B12. Our stomach has the capacity to produce a proteinaceous substance known as Intrinsic Factor which is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12. With the increase in age, production of this protein in the stomach reduces, which leads to deficiency of vitamin B12 in elderly people. Those people who suffer from deficiency of vitamin B12 need to take the vitamin as an oral dose.

Side Effects of Vitamin B12

Some people are allergic to cobalt present in vitamin B12. They should strictly avoid intake of this vitamin. A common side effect of vitamin B12 is itching, swelling and different types of skin rashes. It can persist for quite a few months even after stopping the supplement. In case the eruptions turn severe, proper medical treatment is required. Some other side effects that have been observed are diarrhea, chest pain, breathing problems, heart palpitation, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

Toxicity of Vitamin B12

A heavy dosage of vitamin B12 is mostly considered harmless because it is soluble in water . Therefore, the part of unabsorbed vitamin B12 can be thrown out of the body through the colon. However, if there is substantial increase in the amount of vitamin B12 present in the body, it could increase the possibility of different types of cancers and other ailments.

There is a link between cancer and vitamin B12. This is because, intake of Vitamin B12 as a supplement activates cell division. However, it fails to identify healthy and unhealthy cells. Thus, it adversely facilitates the growth of cancerous cells. Patients using vitamin B12 to treat pernicious anemia may develop leukemia. Rise in level of vitamin B12 in our body can increase the risk of developing prostrate cancer. If intake of vitamin B12 is accompanied by high cholesterol diet and animal protein, then stomach and esophagus cancer may occur.

It can also lead to excessive growth red blood cells as well as overall volume of blood, which is known as polycythemia vera. Vitamin B12 can lead to some diseases related to blood and blood vessels. Vitamin B12 can cause clotting of blood inside the blood vessels. When vitamin B12 is administered for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia, it has led to fatal conditions like hypokalemia and gout in some patients.

The chances of intake of vitamin B12 in excess quantity often occur due to the fact that there is no definite upper limit of vitamin B12 consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to take this vitamin in moderate amounts only, and importantly in consultation with your doctor.