Vitamin B Overdose

Vitamin B is a group of eight water-soluble vitamins called vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin). Out of these, the most commonly used individual vitamins comprise vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. The body's requirements for vitamin B can be easily met if one follows a healthy and balanced diet. However, people with poor dietary habits could suffer from a vitamin B deficiency. Under such circumstances, one could either have food items rich in vitamin B or take vitamin B supplements. However, vitamin supplements must be taken as per the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Though vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin and excess of vitamin B is flushed out through urine, vitamin B supplements must be taken as per the prescribed dosage. Whether you take individual vitamins from B-complex family or B-complex capsules, don't increase the dosage without consulting your doctor. Taking vitamin B doses that are higher than the recommended dietary allowance or tolerable upper intake level could cause health problems. In this article, we would be learning about the signs of vitamin B overdose.

Vitamin B Overdose Side Effects

Though vitamin B is essential for the healthy functioning of the body, certain side effects could arise if one takes this vitamin in large doses. Here are some of the common side effects that may arise due to an overdose of vitamin B.

Vitamin B1 Side Effects
This member of vitamin B-complex family is also known as thiamine. Vitamin B1 is also referred to as the morale vitamin because it impacts the nervous system in a positive manner. It also helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and keeps the mucus membranes in good condition. Though the benefits of vitamin B1 are numerous, that does not mean that you pop these pills whenever you want. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B1 for infants below the age of 6 months is 0.2 mg, while infants who fall in the age group of 6 to 12 months is 0.3 mg. For children in the age group of 1 to 3 years and 3 to 8 years, the RDA is 0.5 mg and 0.6 mg respectively. For boys and girls in the age group of 9 to 13 years, RDA is 0.9 mg. For males and females above the age of 14 years, RDA is 1.2 and 1 mg respectively. The RDA for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 1.4 mg. One must ensure that one takes vitamin B1 as per the aforementioned RDA. An overdose of vitamin B1 can cause skin rashes, hypersensitivity and high blood pressure. Its positive impact on the brain and heart will be reversed if you don't adhere to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. You might feel agitated and experience heart palpitations.

Vitamin B2 Side Effects
You might have heard that riboflavin or vitamin B2 is essential for keeping your eyes and skin in a good condition. Vitamin B2 also helps in maintaining a strong immune system and regulates the growth of red blood cells. If you are suffering from a vitamin B2 deficiency, make sure that you take it in prescribed dosage. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B2 for infants below the age of 6 months is 0.2 mg, while infants who fall in the age group of 6 to 12 months is 0.4 mg. For children in the age group of 1 to 3 years and 3 to 8 years, the RDA is 0.5 mg and 0.6 mg respectively. For boys and girls in the age group of 9 to 13 years, RDA is 0.9 mg. For males and females above the age of 18 years, RDA is 1.3 and 1.1 mg respectively. The RDA for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 1.4 mg and 1.6 mg respectively. One must ensure that one takes this vitamin as per the prescribed dosage. Taking it in large doses could give rise to side effects such as fatigue, vomiting, low blood pressure, nausea or anemia.

Vitamin B3 Side Effects
There are numerous benefits of vitamin B3. It helps in the synthesis of DNA. It also facilitates the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It promotes healthy skin and helps in keeping the nerves in a good condition. It is also required for proper secretion of bile and stomach fluids. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B3 for infants below the age of 6 months is 2 mg, while infants who fall in the age group of 6 to 12 months is 4 mg. For children in the age group of 1 to 3 years and 3 to 8 years, the RDA is 6 mg and 8 mg respectively. For boys and girls in the age group of 9 to 13 years, RDA is 12 mg. For males and females above the age of 18 years, RDA is 16 mg and 14 mg respectively. The RDA for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 18 mg and 17 mg respectively. Though the tolerable upper limit lies between 10 mg to 35 mg, the therapeutic range could be about 2,000 mg. An overdose of vitamin B3 could cause high blood sugar, elevated levels of stomach acid or uric acid. Other side effects could include flushing, skin rash, joint pain, insomnia, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

Vitamin B6 Side Effects
Vitamin B6 helps in the formation of antibodies and strengthens the immune system. It is also responsible for the formation of vitamin B3 in the body. It helps in the synthesis of certain proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters. It plays a vital role in the metabolism of fats and proteins. It is also required for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B3 for infants below the age of 6 months is 0.1 mg, while infants who fall in the age group of 6 to 12 months is 0.4 mg. For children in the age group of 1 to 3 years and 3 to 8 years, the RDA is 0.5 mg and 0.6 mg respectively. For children aged between 9 to 13 years, RDA is 1 mg. For males and females above the age of 18 years, RDA is 1.3 mg. The RDA for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 1.9 mg and 2 mg respectively. Though the tolerable upper limit lies between 30 mg to 100 mg, the therapeutic range could lie in the range of 100 mg to 2,000 mg. Taking it in large amounts could have an adverse impact on your nerves. You might experience a tingling sensation or numbness in your hands and feet. It could even lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure, low blood sugar, fatigue, mood swings, heart palpitations, cramps, insomnia or restlessness.

Vitamin B12 Side Effects
People who complain about feeling tired all the time are usually asked to take vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 certainly helps those suffering from chronic fatigue. It can boost one's energy levels. It helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system and aids in speeding up metabolism. It also regulates the growth of red blood cells. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B12 for infants below the age of 6 months is 0.4 mcg, while infants who fall in the age group of 6 to 12 months is 0.5 mcg. For children in the age group of 1 to 10 years, the RDA ranges between 0.7 mcg to 2 mcg. For children aged 11 and above and adults, the RDA is 2.4 mcg. The RDA for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 2.6 mcg and 2.8 mcg respectively. The absorption of vitamin B12 decreases with age which is why aged people might need to take this in form of supplements. But excess of anything is bad and this holds true for an overdose of vitamin B12. If you have been experiencing a tingling sensation on the right side of your body, that might be one of the warning signs of an overdose. Other side effects include insomnia, panic attacks, heart palpitations or hyperthyroidism.

Other Side Effects

Vitamin B-complex family also includes other vitamins. Vitamin B3 and B4 (niacin) overdose could result in insomnia, heartburn, high blood sugar or vomiting. An overdose of vitamin B5 could lead to depression or dehydration. If you have been overdosing on vitamin B7 (biotin), you might get skin rashes or experience a rise in your blood sugar level. Taking an overdose of vitamin B8 might cause liver/ kidney problems, vomiting or high blood pressure. Vitamin B9 overdose could cause bloating, anemia or decreased appetite. Excess of vitamin B10 could cause a dip in the estrogen levels. It could also lead to liver problems or hypothyroidism. An overdose of vitamin B11 might lead to symptoms such as vomiting, skin rashes, high blood pressure or kidney/liver problems. After going through these aforementioned vitamin B complex side effects, you would have understood how important it is to take these vitamins in the prescribed dosage.

Now that you are aware of the side effects of vitamin B overdose, make sure that you avoid health risks by taking these supplements as per the prescribed dosage. A person who has been taking vitamin B supplements must seek medical help on experiencing any of the aforementioned side effects.