How can too much B12 affect you?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- bleeding from the gums or nose
- blue lips and fingernails
- chest pain
- cough
- coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
- decreased urine output
- difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
- difficulty with swallowing
- dilated neck veins
Can too much B12 cause headaches?
There are many health benefits of B vitamins, but too much may have side effects. Excessive vitamin B3 (niacin) consumption commonly causes skin flushing and headaches. People with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency may be prescribed a high dosage as treatment, though this may yield headaches as a side effect.
What does it mean if your B12 is too high?
“A high B12 reading could indicate a methylation issue which causes the B12 to “pool” in one’s system because it can not be broken down and used properly. There is a low-cost blood test available that can detect this genetic defect. It is MTHFR.
Will too much vitamin B12 cause any side effects?
This would cause your vitamin and blood levels to rise. Early symptoms of too much vitamin B12 side effects from illness include loss of appetite or fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms and feel generally unwell, see your doctor.
Can B12 cause head pain?
B12 insufficiency and deficiency can lead to neurological side effects, including headaches. In fact, headaches are amongst the most commonly reported symptoms related to B12 deficiency in both adults and kids ( 2 , 10 , 11 ).
What vitamins can give you headaches?
According to the National Headache Institute, B vitamins, including B12, lower the amount of the amino acid homocysteine, high levels of which can lead to headaches.
Can vitamin B12 cause migraines?
Conclusion: We conclude that lower vitamin B12 levels than 400 pg/mL may be associated with tension- type headache, migraine, and unclassified headache.
What does it mean if your B12 is too high?
An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status can be an early sign of liver disease, diabetes, or certain types of leukemia. A doctor may use the results of a vitamin B-12 test to help form their diagnosis.
Is it normal to have headache every day?
No, it's NOT normal to get headaches everyday Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches, which come in many forms – most of them pretty disabling.
What deficiency causes headaches?
A deficiency in vitamin B2 has been linked to migraine headaches. Although all of the B vitamins play a role in protecting you from headaches, vitamin B2 (also known as Riboflavin) seems to stand out the most.
Is vitamin B12 good for headaches?
According to a 2020 study, headaches were the most common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency in adolescence. Other research shows that vitamin B12 might help treat chronic migraine. In a 2019 study of 140 people, researchers found that the participants who had migraine also had low blood levels of B12.
Can B complex cause headaches?
1) B vitamins, including B6 and B12 High levels of it can cause many problems – one of the most common of which is headaches.
How much B12 should I take for headaches?
The beneficial effects in reducing migraine frequency appeared after a month of daily doses of 400 mg, and increased over the next two months, researchers said. The 400 mg daily dose is 200 times the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin.
How do you flush B12 out of your system?
Drink lots of water. It is water soluble. It will flush out from your body. Avoid any B12 supplements.
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?
Vitamin B12 dosage and frequency But dosages can vary depending on if you're treating severe, mild, or asymptomatic B12 deficiency. For vitamin B12 pills, most people take these daily in doses recommended by their doc but taking 1,000 mcg daily is pretty standard.
What should a women's B12 level be?
Normal values are 160 to 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), or 118 to 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L).
Can vitamin D cause headaches?
Among them, 18 studies showed a link between serum vitamin D levels and headaches, with the strongest connection reported between serum vitamin D levels and migraine.
Can too much vitamin D cause headaches?
Signs and symptoms of too much vitamin D Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. Headache.
What are the signs of vitamin overdose?
Confusion, mood changes.Convulsions (seizures)Fainting.Fatigue.Headache.Mental changes.Irritability.
Can Too Much vitamin C cause headaches?
In some people, vitamin C might cause side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn, and headache. The chance of getting these side effects increases with higher doses. Taking more than 2000 mg daily is possibly unsafe and may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea.
How many drugs are associated with headaches?
Headache (pain in head) is found to be associated with 4,766 drugs and 5,093 conditions by eHealthMe.
Does B12 cause headaches?
Summary: Headache is found among people who take Vitamin b12, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Vitamin b12 and have Headache. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 80,314 people who have side effects when taking Vitamin b12 ...
Is B12 a cobalamin?
Vitamin b12 has active ingredients of cobalamin. It is often used in vitamin b12 deficiency. eHealthMe is studying from 81,691 Vitamin b12 users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
According to the National Institutes of Health Medline Plus website, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include loss of balance, weakness, tingling or numbness in the legs and arms and anemia. Other symptoms include nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss and an enlarged liver.
Why is B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood and nerve cells and is also necessary for the formation of DNA. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare due to the fact that your body can store several years’ worth of vitamin B12. However, deficiency can occur due to a number of factors.
What tests are done to check for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Diagnosis. Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency involves a physical examination and a series of blood tests to check your complete blood count or CBC; vitamin B12 levels; methylmalonic acid, MMA, and homocysteine levels; and intrinsic factor and parietal cell antibodies. Your doctor may also perform bone marrow tests.
What vitamins help with anemia?
Vitamins to Heal Wounds. Learn More. Pernicious anemia occurs when the body lacks enough vitamin B12 to make enough healthy red blood cells. During digestion, vitamin B12 is released from protein you get from the food you eat.
Can B12 be taken in the small intestine?
Medical disorders that impair vitamin B12 absorption can cause deficiency, such as Crohn’s or celiac disease. Some antibiotics and seizure and diabetic medications can affect vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine, as can removal of all or part of the small intestine.
Is B12 essential for DNA?
Written by Connie Peete. 08 July, 2011. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood and nerve cells and is also necessary for the formation of DNA. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare due to the fact that your body can store several years’ worth of vitamin B12.
Does B12 have any side effects?
Along with its needed effects, cyanocobalamin (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B12) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Does cyanocobalamin need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of cyanocobalamin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
What vitamins are good for headaches?
Headaches and migraines are a reported sign of deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium and iron. Taking vitamins for migraines and discontinuing use of vitamins to prevent headaches may put you at a standstill. To avoid headaches altogether, try to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
What supplements can help with headaches?
Magnesium and coenzyme Q10 supplements are often recommended to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches as well as prevent migraines. Some herbal supplements, such as feverfew, have also been known to treat headaches.
What is it called when you overdose on vitamins?
Any vitamin, mineral or multivitamin consumed in excess may yield vitamin overdose symptoms. In severe cases, this is known as hypervitaminosis, and it occurs when abnormally high amounts of vitamins are stored in the body and cause toxicity. This is also known as multiple vitamin overdose. Other symptoms include:
How many B vitamins are in a multivitamin?
Many people take multivitamins containing several of the B vitamins. This is also known as a B complex supplement, which usually contains eight B vitamins in one serving. There are many health benefits of B vitamins, but too much may have side effects.
Can you get a headache from eating too much fortified food?
Even if you do not take a multivitamin, you may still suffer from a vitamin headache from over-consuming fortified foods.
Can you take vitamins for headaches?
Vitamins for Migraines and Headaches. When you have a headache caused by vitamins, you may want to see a doctor and discontinue use. However, there are cases where people take vitamins for migraines and headaches.
Does vitamin B3 cause headaches?
Excessive vitamin B3 (niacin) consumption commonly causes skin flushing and headaches. People with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency may be prescribed a high dosage as treatment, though this may yield headaches as a side effect. Ironically, B vitamin deficiencies are also associated with chronic headaches.
What are the side effects of B12 deficiency?
3. Sensations of Pins and Needles. One of the more serious side effects of a long-term B12 deficiency is nerve damage. This can occur over time, as vitamin B12 is an important contributor to the metabolic pathway that produces the fatty substance myelin.
What happens if you don't get enough B12?
This can occur when an untreated B12 deficiency results in nervous system damage to the optic nerve that leads to your eyes ( 18 ).
What is the role of B12 in the production of red blood cells?
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the production of the DNA needed to make red blood cells. Without it, the instructions for building the cells are incomplete, and cells are unable to divide ( 5. ).
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
What does it mean when you have a B12 deficiency?
1. Pale or Jaundiced Skin. People with a B12 deficiency often look pale or have a slight yellow tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, a condition known as jaundice. This happens when a lack of B12 causes problems with your body’s red blood cell production ( 4.
Can low B12 cause low folate levels?
Low levels of B12 cause your folate levels to drop. However, if you have a B12 deficiency, correcting low folate levels may simply mask the deficiency and fail to fix the underlying problem ( 3. ). Here are 9 signs and symptoms of a true vitamin B12 deficiency. 1.
Is B12 a deficiency?
Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is common, especially in the elderly. You’re at risk of deficiency if you don’t get enough from your diet or aren’t able to absorb enough from the food you eat.
What is the B12 nutrient?
B12 is a critical nutrient in the formation of red blood cells. Image Credit: foxline/RooM/GettyImages. Vitamin B12 supplements are popular among people who want to increase their energy level, endurance and sports performance. Even though the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for B12 is only 2.4 micrograms (mcg), ...
What Is B12?
B12 is a critical nutrient in the formation of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough — or properly formed — red blood cells, the body can't get the oxygen it needs. This results in a condition called anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite and depression.
How much B12 is recommended daily?
Even though the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for B12 is only 2.4 micrograms (mcg), some supplements provide 10,000 mcg per serving, or 416, 666 percent of the RDA. That amount of B12 daily for a long time can have potentially serious effects. Video of the Day.
Why is B12 replaced?
It must be replaced through food or supplements each day to keep blood levels at a normal level. Because blood levels can't build up, there's low risk of toxicity. For this reason, the National Academy of Medicine did not establish an upper limit (UL) for B12, noting that no negative effects are associated with excess B12 from both food ...
Does B12 lower homocysteine?
High levels of homocysteine are associated with low B12 and increased risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. However, while a high dose of B12 does reduce homocysteine levels, it hasn't been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack or to improve cognitive function. Advertisement.
Do vegetarians need B12?
Getting Enough B12. B12 is primarily found in animal foods. Because of that, many vegetarians and vegans find it difficult to get enough of the vitamin from their diets, so supplementation may be necessary. The body's ability to absorb B12 also decreases with age, so older adults may need a B12 supplement.
Does B12 cause acne?
Excess B12 may also affect the skin, causing acne and rosacea, according to a 2015 review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
Symptoms
- According to the National Institutes of Health Medline Plus website, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include loss of balance, weakness, tingling or numbness in the legs and arms and anemia. Other symptoms include nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss and an enlarged liver. A beefy red...
Pernicious Anemia
- Pernicious anemia occurs when the body lacks enough vitamin B12 to make enough healthy red blood cells. During digestion, vitamin B12 is released from protein you get from the food you eat. It then combines with a substance called intrinsic factor, or IF, before it is absorbed into your bloodstream. Pernicious anemia is caused by insufficient IF. Symptoms include fatigue; dizzines…
Causes
- Medical disorders that impair vitamin B12 absorption can cause deficiency, such as Crohn’s or celiac disease. Some antibiotics and seizure and diabetic medications can affect vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine, as can removal of all or part of the small intestine. A tapeworm infection can also cause a deficiency because the tapeworm feeds on the vitamin B12.
Diet
- A diet lacking in foods rich in vitamin B12 can lead to a deficiency. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood institute, vegetarians who exclude dairy or animal products are at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, as are breastfed infants whose mothers are vegetarians. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs and dairy product are your best sources of vitamin B12. Vegetarians may ne…
Diagnosis
- Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency involves a physical examination and a series of blood tests to check your complete blood count or CBC; vitamin B12 levels; methylmalonic acid, MMA, and homocysteine levels; and intrinsic factor and parietal cell antibodies. Your doctor may also perform bone marrow tests.
Treatment
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency involves replenishing vitamin B12 via pills or injections. Shots are given every week or every day until vitamin B12 levels are restored, after which time you may get one shot per month. A person with pernicious anemia may require shots for the rest of his life.