Serious Vitamin B complex side effects are uncommon and most people safely take the supplements for years. However, as with many good things, negative reactions have been observed in some individuals. While these side effects are uncommon, they need to be considered side by side with the Vitamin B complex benefits. At the proper levels, there are not any wide spread vitamin b complex side effects other than the fact that some people experience gastrointestinal distress. However, in some individuals mega doses can cause issues.
Vitamin B complex members are involved in various important functions in the body. The individual functions have been analyzed and isolated over the years; however, for our purposes, we can generalize and say consider them to be useful in the general well being of the human body through their involvement in metabolism of energy, synthesis of various enzymes, control of hormones, aiding in the absorption of other vitamins and maintaining the nervous and immune systems in a good working state.
B vitamins being water soluble are liable to be drained off the body through urine. This may mean that dietary intake may become diluted. Some individuals may also suffer from problems of malabsorption. Because vitamin deficiencies lead to various symptoms and negative conditions, it becomes necessary to take supplements. However this may result with adverse challenges or side effects. These occur due to the individual’s bodily make up. Understanding these side effects depends on looking at the individual vitamins.
Vitamin B Complex Side Effects of Low Levels
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine is useful in normal growth, carbohydrate metabolism and the proper functioning of muscles, heat and the nervous systems. Possible side effects include elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, irritability and skin sensitivity. Disturbed sleep may also be observed.
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin helps in protein and energy metabolism, normal growth and general wellness. Possible side effects include general fatigue, lowered blood pressure, nausea, and anemia.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin is involved in various functions including normal growth, energy metabolism, digestive and nervous system as well as skin maintenance. Possible side effects include flushing, itchy skin, nausea, and throbbing headaches.
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid is involved in co enzyme production, synthesis of fats and amino acids. Its possible side effects as are: depression, fatigue, joint pains, dehydration and edema.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine is involved in co enzyme production for amino acid metabolism, synthesis of proteins, absorption of amino acids and brain activities. Its possible side effects include: numbness and tingling in the fingers and skin, poor coordination, depression and mood swings.
Vitamin B9 also known as folic is an important component of the DNA and also plays an important part in production of red blood cells as well as normal growth. Its possible side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, bloating and kidney malfunction.
Vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalimin is one of the most important vitamins. The best known function of vitamin B12 is its central role in the production of red blood cells. Deficiency of the vitamin in this respect led to its discovery as being the cause of pernicious anemia. The vitamin is also important in the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems, production of sperms, elimination of toxins in the body and protection against allergies. It is also involved in the production of hormones as well as in protecting the body against some cancers. It works together with other vitamins and some minerals. It is therefore important that its supplementation is additional to consumption or supplementation with other B vitamins, minerals as well as vitamins A, C and E
Supplements can be taken as either tablets or vitamin B12 injections. The vitamin, which occurs naturally as cobalimin is present in supplements as cobalimin or cyanocobalamin. Another form of vitamin B12 which has recently raised interest in its ability to help in the treatment of various non vitamin deficiency conditions is methylcobalamin, which is not toxic and superior to cyanocobalimin. Some studies have indicated that it is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke, peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. It is also helpful in regulating and treating sleep disorders.
Side effects associated with vitamin B12 can either include: stomach upsets, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and joint pains. Soreness at injection sites may also occur. Other possible side effects include heart palpitations, muscle pain, weakness and cramps, wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing, skin rash, itching and hives, numbness and fatigue.
If you suffer from any serious health condition or are under medication, it is advisable to consult a physician before embarking on taking vitamin supplements. This will rule out any possible problems that may occur from the interaction. If any vitamin B complex side effects are suspected when taking supplements, consult a physician and declare the supplements you are on.
