I wish I had known this earlier about vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12, like any other vitamin, is necessary for your body.
Most people suggest—I do, too—to have enough vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12.
But, everything in life has pros and cons. Vitamin B12 is no different.
Usually, the manifesting side effects are an indicative sign of kidney dysfunction or liver diseases as the body doesn't process and secrete the excess vitamin properly.
So, high dosages of vitamin B12 are dangerous for people who have kidney dysfunction, such as people who have diabetic nephropathy (diabetes that leads to loss of kidney functioning).
But, if you have normal functioning kidneys, you shouldn’t be worried about vitamin B12 excessive consumption.
Instead, you should worry about vitamin B12 deficiency more.
Vitamin B12 plays a huge role in your body. There are so many things that vitamin B12 does.
It creates red blood cells, maintains nerve cells for nerve functioning, metabolizes cells, helps with immune functioning, anemia prevention, and even converts food into energy.
So, vitamin B12 can lead to neurological issues (such as depression and mood changes), anemia, and even birth defects (for pregnant people).
Vitamin B12 isn't dangerous. Excess consumption might be quite dangerous—but hey!—excess consumption of everything is bad! So, if you choose to be so concerned about the "excess consumption" thing, then you'll probably have to say everything is dangerous.
Vitamin B12 itself is not inherently dangerous; in fact, it is essential for various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. However, there are a few contexts in which vitamin B12 can be considered problematic:
Deficiency Risks: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to serious health issues, including anemia, neurological problems, and cognitive decline. Those at risk include vegetarians, vegans, and older adults who may have absorption issues.
Excessive Supplementation: While B12 is water-soluble and excess amounts are typically excreted through urine, extremely high doses—usually from injections or supplements—can lead to complications in certain individuals, particularly those with specific health conditions (e.g., certain types of kidney disease).
Interactions with Medications: High doses of vitamin B12 may interact with certain medications, such as those for diabetes (metformin) or proton pump inhibitors, potentially affecting their efficacy or leading to complications.
Underlying Conditions: In people with certain medical conditions, such as Leber's disease (a hereditary optic neuropathy), high levels of B12 can exacerbate symptoms or lead to complications.
In general, while vitamin B12 is crucial for health, it's important to maintain an appropriate balance and consult healthcare providers for advice on supplementation, especially for those with dietary restrictions or health concerns.