Too Much Vitamin B12

They say that too having too much of anything can be a bad thing. Everything must be done and taken in moderation so as not to be deficient or overwhelmed. Can this hold true for vitamins as well? Take vitamin C for example. Too little in a person's body can lead to scurvy (yes, the disease pirates used to have) but too much of it can lead to problems in the stomach (especially if your source of vitamin C is citrus fruits and you are suffering from stomach ulcer). Can this also be true for vitamin B12? Is it dangerous to have too much vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the formation of blood, maintains the normal functions of the brain and nervous system, helps metabolize fat and in the synthesis and regulation of DNA. Vitamin B12 is closely associated with pernicious anemia where the cells of the gut that produce intrinsic factor that help absorb B12 are destroyed; therefore the person suffers from vitamin B12 deficiency.

But did you know that vitamin B12 also helps in weight loss and the reduction of stress levels? Vitamin B12 also helps in increasing a person's energy levels. This is why people take vitamin B12 shots in addition to their vitamin B12 supplements.

Vitamin B12 is not dangerous per se. As a water-soluble vitamin, it easily flushes out of the system and needs to be replenished through healthy diet. But some people take too much vitamin B12 and this can lead to complications.

• Blood clots- one of the most serious complications of having too much vitamin B12 in thebody, this can be fatal if left untreated.


• Insomnia -another side effect of having too much B12 in your system; this vitamin gives your body energy making it difficult to fall asleep or to maintain a restful sleep.


• Anxiety - attackpanic attacks characterized by heart palpitations and heavy pressure in the chest is a symptom of too much vitamin B12 in the body.


• Hives- too much B12 in the body can aggravate allergy symptoms

Remember that vitamin B12 shots are not to be taken by just anybody and you should avoid having too much vitamin B12 in your body. These shots are for people suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. If you want to increase your energy levels and lose weight, just go with the tried and tested diet and exercise and avoid overdosing yourself with vitamin B12.