Oral B12 Overdose/Megadose Problem

[Symptomatic]

I was taking B12 because I just had a B12 deficiency. Then someone mistakenly told mw I wasn't taking enough. So I took two tabs twice a week for about six weeks. These were the strongest tabs available. When I stopped taking them, my system became allergic to every food and drink. Now I can only drink bottled water and eat organic protein (to prevent allergic reactions, minimally). If I do not eat the organic protein, I have reactions--> rise in body temp, pressure on heart, difficulty breathing, crawly sensations in scalp, heartburn, etc. I have to bathe 3 to 5 times a day to keep my hair and skin clean so I can feel normal. If not, snot will run out my nose, I'll have UTIs, chest pains, nausea, sensitivity to odor, etc.. I cannot wear anything cotton or anything with the slightest bacteria. When my head touches material or the slightest bacteria, I can feel it in my scalp. I need a bit of postassium each day or else there is trememndous pressure in my legs a the top of the thigh and knee as if there are rubberbands squeezing. This problem has been going on for over 18 months. I don't know what to do. I know it shouldn't be toxic, but I can't do anything. Thanks in advance.

[Lilmagic]

Definitely get your B12 levels re-assessed. There is a chance that you could have pernicious anaemia and if so, no amount of oral B12 will raise your levels. Your levels will continue to fall and one of the problems can be nerve damaged and deterioration. This may explain your skin sensitivity perhaps?

If you do have pernicious anaemia you will require B12 by intramuscular injection regularly. In the UK this is every 3 months.

Good luck with getting this sorted!

[WindDancer143]

A related discussion, pernicious anemia and B12 overdose was started.

[Aub]

There is  a radio advertisement selling sub-lingual B-12, Folic Acid, and something else.  This is has been going on for a long time.  It is called the Tri-Vita Company.   They make a lot of claims that it lowers homocysteine and the cholestoral plays virtually no part in heart trouble.  I went on Quackwatch and now I am skeptical about all of these radio and TV Informercials.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Before assuming that the B-12 levels are causing the symptoms, you may want to obtain some blood tests to check the levels first.  I would also obtain a metabolic panel and blood count - since various abnormalities in the electrolytes can lead to some of your symptoms.  

Adjusting the B-12 supplement so that the levels are in the normal range may help with your symptoms.  

A referral to a neurologist can be considered if the symptoms continue without a revealing cause.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b