Here's Why Vitamin B Can Cause Side Effects Like a Rash, Hives and Flushing

Food is the best way to get the nutrient. Per the NLM, good sources of vitamin B include:

  • Fish like salmon
  • Poultry like chicken and turkey
  • Meat like beef or lean pork chops
  • Leafy greens like spinach
  • Legumes like beans, peas and lentils

Tip

Dietary supplements and injections contain large doses of B vitamins, which may increase the risk of side effects and allergic reactions. That's why it's important to remember the FDA does not require supplements to be proven safe or effective before they are sold, so there’s no guarantee that any supplement you take is safe, contains the ingredients it says it does or produces the effects it claims.

You Took Too Much Vitamin B

While vitamin B is an important nutrient for your blood cell health and overall functioning, too much of it can can lead to side effects like — you guessed it — skin problems. Here are possible culprits:

1. Vitamin B6

Too much vitamin B6 may cause severe skin lesions, along with other symptoms like numbness, digestive issues and poor muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Niacin

High-dose niacin-supplements/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >niacin supplements can also cause skin-related side effects. This may be the case, for instance, if you take a prescription supplement to help manage high cholesterol, as these pills can come in doses higher than the daily recommended intake of 14 to 16 milligrams, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Itching
  • Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
    • Gout
  • Liver damage

Fix it: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements so you can get a formula that meets your individual needs and has minimal or no side effects.

But if you've already taken a supplement and have symptoms of a vitamin B overdose, stop taking the supplement and talk to your doctor, per the Mayo Clinic. From there, they can help you determine the best dose (and sources) of vitamin B for you.

Signs You're Not Getting Enough Vitamin B

On the flip side, not getting enough of the nutrient may cause skin problems in rare cases — like if you have a biotin deficiency, per the Mayo Clinic. Besides a skin rash, other symptoms of a lack of biotin may include:

  • Loss of hair
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart problems

You Have a Vitamin B Allergy

While vitamin B allergies aren't common, it's still possible to have a reaction to the nutrient if your immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and attacks, which can lead to symptoms like rashes, swelling, itching or hives (raised, red welts), according to the Mayo Clinic.

Here are some types of B vitamins that may produce allergic responses:

1. Vitamin B12

If you notice a skin rash along with other symptoms after taking a vitamin B supplement, an allergy may be to blame. Although rare, a May 2018 report in Cureus found that someone had an allergic reaction to vitamin B12 injections, with symptoms like itchy skin and hives.

Indeed, vitamin B12 can cause a rash if you have an allergy. According to Cureus , the other B vitamin allergy symptoms this person experienced included:

  • Swelling of the tongue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Stomach pain
  • Bloating

However, it's important to note that this research only recorded an allergic response in one person. Additionally, the same person didn't experience any side effects after taking oral vitamin B12 instead of the shots, which may be because injectable vitamin B12 can contain impurities and preservatives with allergenic potential, per the Cureus research.

The takeaway? More research is needed to better understand vitamin B allergy rashes and B complex allergy symptoms in general.

2. Biotin

Biotin — aka vitamin B7 — may also produce an allergic response (like biotin hives) in rare cases. This nutrient is often added to hair growth supplements and topical solutions, and is marketed for its ability to strengthen your hair and nails, according to the University of Michigan Health.

But if you're allergic to it, biotin can cause side effects, per the University of Michigan Health. These may include:

  • Hives
  • Mild skin rash
  • Facial swelling
  • Gastrointestinal issues like upset stomach or diarrhea

Fix it: If you have an allergic reaction to any type of vitamin B supplement, stop using it and talk to your doctor about how to proceed.

Warning

It's possible to have an extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, where your throat closes up and makes it difficult to breathe, per the Mayo Clinic. Get medical care immediately if this happens to you.

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