Vitamin B Complex Side Effects

Vitamin B is a water soluble vitamin which is extremely important for the body to perform its proper functions and for healthy cell metabolism. Vitamin B is naturally present in food products like bananas, lentils, liver, liver oils, chili peppers, tuna fish, turkey, and brewer's yeast. Initially, vitamin B was considered to be a single vitamin. Later on, various research studies suggested that vitamin B is actually a group of 8 different vitamins that are chemically distinct from each other and have their own significance on the human body.

Vitamin B supports cell metabolism, maintains the skin tone, improves the nervous system function as well as the immune system function, and increases the amount of red blood cells by enhancing cell division and cell growth. Vitamin B deficiency can cause several problems, including beriberi, heart failure, amnesia, anemia, acne, depression, hypertension, and other medical conditions. While this is a healthy vitamin necessary for the body, and is prescribed by doctors for daily consumption, upon consuming it in excess, one may develop certain side effects. Though these may not be very common, they have occurred in some cases, and it is therefore essential to consult your doctor before you begin taking any vitamin supplements.

Vitamin B Complex

Consuming food having poor nutritional value, or several illnesses during pregnancy can cause vitamin deficiency. The Public Health Service has recommended at least 400 mcg of vitamin B9 (folic acid) to avoid vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. Vitamin B supplements are created to avoid all the problems that can be caused due to vitamin B deficiency. These supplements are called vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex is actually a mixture of all 8 vitamins from the vitamin B group.

These vitamins are: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7) and Folic Acid (B9) and Cyanocobalamin or vitamin B12.

Vitamin B complex is also called vitamin B compound and is available in tablets, liquid form and injectable form. Since all vitamins are different in their chemical formations, it is often observed that some of the matching vitamins are combined while preparing vitamin B complex. Most of the time, vitamin B1, B2 and B3 are combined together to provide several benefits like energy, strong muscles, improving antioxidant properties, maintaining a healthy nervous system, as well as maintaining good skin tone. Many combinations of vitamin B complex are available for overcoming vitamin B deficiencies.

Side Effects of Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B complex side effects are not too many and are rarely observed if the supplements are taken in the prescribed quantity. Excessive use of anything leads to side effects and an excess of vitamin B is no different. Common symptoms (if any) of an overdose of vitamin B complex include: black stools, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, change in color of urine, frequent urination, diarrhea, redness of skin, and itching. In very rare cases, one may experience very severe side effects which include allergic reactions, itching and rashes, and the development of kidney stones. This is not an extensive list and there may be unreported side effects too. In case you notice any side effects that persist, contact your physician immediately.

While the aforementioned side effects were those of vitamin B complex group, given below are the possible side effects of each component of vitamin B complex. The list below is not an all-inclusive list of side effects. There may be other unreported side effects that may occur. If any of the side effects are unusually severe or begin to make you feel very uncomfortable, contact your physician immediately.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

• Thiamine, in very rare cases, may result in an allergic reaction. This may result in the development of itching, rashes and hives.
• In a serious case, one may experience dizziness, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and discoloration of the skin.
• Fluid retention, nausea, restlessness, sweating, and weakness are also among the rare side effects of a thiamine overdose.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

• A common and harmless side effect of consuming riboflavin is that it turns the urine into a yellow-orange color.
• In a higher dosage, riboflavin may increase frequency of urination and diarrhea, and may cause other side effects.
• In very serious cases, one may develop an allergic reaction which may result in hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Niacin causes a common side effect, i.e. flushing, which lasts for a few hours. Along with flushing of the skin, one may also experience redness, tingling, burning, sweating, or chills within 4 hours of taking medication.
• Other side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, and heartburn.
• In very serious cases, one may experience irregular heartbeat, persistent headache, joint pain, swelling of arms or legs, and blurred vision.
• Other serious but rare side effects include bloody or black stools, intense abdominal pain, incessant nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and yellowing of the eyes.
• In an allergic reaction, one may develop hives, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

• Pantothenic acid is safe when consumed in the prescribed amount.
• In case of an overdose, one may experience diarrhea.
• In rare cases one may develop an allergic reaction which may result in hives, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, and tightness in chest.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

• In most people, this vitamin will not cause any side effects. In others, it may cause stomach pain, tingling, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Continuous intake of this vitamin in large doses is known to increase the risk of developing brain and nerve problems.
• One may experience allergic reactions that include development of hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• In rare cases, one may feel disoriented resulting in poor coordination, and may experience numbness or reduced sensation in different body parts, particularly feet and hands which may add to the poor coordination. Extreme fatigue is also a serious side effect of an overdose of this vitamin.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

• In recommended doses, in most cases, folic acid does not cause any side effects.
• Research suggests that an overdose of this vitamin may increase the risk of heart attack in those who already have heart problems. In other research, it has been found that the risk of developing lung cancer or prostate cancer may also increase.
• In severe cases, one may develop an allergic reaction resulting in rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, dizziness, and tightness in the chest. If injected, one may experience pain or swelling in the area.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

• While it is safe for most people, in some cases this vitamin may cause side effects in the form of diarrhea, itching and blood clots.
• Severe allergic reactions may cause hives, difficulty breathing, cramping due to muscle weakness, fever and chills, swelling of the body, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, chest pain, and bleeding or bruising.

Tips Before Taking Vitamin B Complex

Before taking vitamin B complex, it is advisable to consult your health care provider and see what combination suits you and what combination of vitamin B is lacking in your body. You must definitely not consume vitamin B complex without consultation in the following conditions:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have a history of stomach ulcer, diabetes, liver problems or gout
• In case you are taking several other medicines - herbal or any kind of complementary medicines
• In case you have the history of developing allergic reactions to any medicines.

Try to follow a healthy diet with the right amount natural sources of vitamin B rather than taking vitamin supplements and experiencing the side effects of vitamin B complex. Take care!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.