Vitamin B actually refers to a group of vitamins - eight of them, in fact, all water soluble. These include thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, and folic acid. Each one of these vitamins is essential for good health.
A supplement that contains all of these vitamins is known as a B Complex. Though these are believed to have a very low chance of becoming toxic in the body, too much of them can lead to side effects that can be unpleasant.
Vitamin B Complex Supplements Side Effects
As with any supplement, medication or vitamin, there can be side effects. Even though B complex vitamins are generally good for you, you might experience some of these conditions as a result of different parts of the Complex vitamin or overdose of vitamin b complex. Check the side effects as follows:
- Black stools
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Changes in urine color
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Redness of skin
In rare cases, allergic reactions could also happen, including itchiness and rashes, as well as kidney stones. If you experience persisting side effects, call your doctor immediately.
Individual B Vitamins Side Effects
We have broken the side effects down into each part of the Complex vitamin, and included the recommended daily allowance for men, women and children.
1. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Side Effects
Symptoms: Thiamine side effects are very rare. When they do occur, it's usually an allergic reaction that can be spotted by itchiness, rashes or hives. Overdoses can cause sweating, weakness, nausea, restlessness and fluid retention.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B1 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 years 1-3 years 4-6 years |
0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19 years and above Pregnant or lactating |
0.9 1 1.2 1.4 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14 and above |
0.9 1.2 |
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Side Effects
Symptoms: Riboflavin often turns the urine into a yellowish-orange color, but this is not cause for concern. An overdose can lead to frequent urination and diarrhea.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B2 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14 and above |
0.9 1.3 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19 and above Pregnant or lactating |
0.9 1 1.1 1.4/1.6 |
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Side Effects
Symptoms: Niacin can cause flushing of the skin - it can make you look as though you have sunburn. You might also experience a tingling or burning sensation, sweating or chills. Other side effects include dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn or diarrhea. More serious problems can include blurred vision, abdominal pain, joint pains, swelling, yellowing of the eyes and black stools. If you suffer the more severe side effects, alert your doctor.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B3 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
2 4 6 8 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14 years and above Pregnant or lactating |
12 14 18/17 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14 years and above |
12 16 |
4. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Side Effects
Symptoms: Allergic side effects with this vitamin are rare. When they do occur, it is often due to overdose, and the most common problem is diarrhea.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B5 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
1.7 1.8 2 3 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14 years and above |
4 5 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14 years and above Pregnant or lactating |
4 5 6/7 |
5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Side Effects
Symptoms: Side effects are rare, but when they do occur, they can include tingling, drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and headache. Very high doses can cause nerve problems and neurological impairment. Rare side effects include disorientation, numbness and extreme fatigue.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B6 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
0.1 0.4 0.5 0.6 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19-50 years 51 years and above |
1 1.3 1.3 1.7 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19-50 years 51 years and above Pregnant or lactating |
1 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.9/2 |
6. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Side Effects
Symptoms: There is no indication that biotin is toxic, even when took much is taken. However, in pregnant women it has been shown to shrink the placenta, which could lead to problems for the fetus, or even miscarriage.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B7 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
5 6 8 12 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19-50 years 51 years and older Pregnant or lactating |
20 25 30 30 30/35 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14-18 years 19-50 years 51 years or older |
20 25 30 30 |
7. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Side Effects
Symptoms: Folic acid doesn't cause any side effects. Overdose might lead to an increased risk of heart attack, liver cancer or prostate cancer.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B9 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years |
65 80 150 200 |
|
Males |
9-13 years 14 years and above |
300 400 |
|
Females |
9-13 years 14 years and above Pregnant or lactating |
300 400 600/500 |
8. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Side Effects
Symptoms: Sometimes this vitamin can cause itching, diarrhea and blood clots, though these are usually very rare. The amount taken to indicate overdose has not been established.
|
Daily RDA for Vitamin B12 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Group |
Age |
RAD(mg/day) |
|
Infants
Children |
0-6 months 6-12 months 1-10 years |
0.4 0.5 0.7-2 |
|
Males |
11 years and up |
2.4 |
|
Females |
11 years and up Pregnant or lactating |
2.4 2.6/2.8 |
Precautions for Taking Vitamin B Complex
Before you decide to take a Vitamin B Complex, talk to your doctor to determine whether it is right for you. Always let your doctor know if you are taking other medications, including those over the counter, or other vitamins. Make it clear if you suffer from gout, diabetes, liver problems, stomach ulcers or drug allergies. Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult a doctor to determine whether Vitamin B complex is safe for you and your baby.