The deficiency of these vitamins can result in more than ten different kinds of ailments, including beriberi, laryngitis, anemia, acne, pellagra, and even birth defects. Though there are no known side effects of high Vitamin B levels, in very rare cases an excess consumption may lead to anaphylactic shock or flushing. You can easily purchase Vitamin B complex supplements online or over the counter.

Many doctors recommend that patients purchase Vitamin B complex supplements because irregular food habits and food choices of the working population are not enough to meet the body’s requirement for this essential group of vitamins. Since the B vitamins take care of a lot of important body functions, maintaining their levels to the optimum is necessary. Also, with the increase in the number of cancer patients, it is better to invest a small amount of money and purchase Vitamin B complex supplements. Obstetricians also suggest pregnant women to take Vitamin B supplements since it aids in embryo development and proper growth of the baby.

Remember that only in very rare cases does Vitamin B complex result in side effects. Being water soluble, excess Vitamin B complex is excreted by the body.

Go Health New Zealand is a great online resource you can use to purchase Vitamin B complex supplements. You can also purchase multi vitamin supplements which have all the necessary vitamins and minerals required for proper functioning of the body.

Description:

Vitamin B-Complex is a group of widely differing substances namely: Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Pyridoxine (B₆), and Nicotinamide.

Indications:

Vitamin B-Complex (Thiamine) is used orally for deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake. Severe deficiency may result in ‘beri-beri’. Chronic dry ‘beri-beri’ is characterized by peripheral neuropathy, muscle wasting and weakness, and paralysis; wet ‘beri-beri’ is characterized by cardiac failure and edema. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (demyelination of the CNS) may develop in severe deficiency.

Vitamin B-Complex (Riboflavin) deficiency may result from reduced dietary intake or reduced absorption due to liver disease, alcoholism, chronic infection or probenecid therapy. It may also occur in association with other deficiency states such as pellagra.

Vitamin B-Complex (Pyridoxine) deficiency is rare as the vitamin is widely distributed in foods, but deficiency may occur during isoniazid therapy and is characterized by peripheral neuritis. High doses are given in some metabolic disorders, such as hyperoxaluria and it is also used in sideroblastic anemia. Pyridoxine and thiamine also have a role in status epilepticus.

Nicotinamide inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol and triglyceride and is used in some hyperlipidemias. Nicotinamide is used to prevent and treat nicotinic acid deficiency (pellagra).

Contra-indications:

Presentation/ Availability:

Vitamin B-Complex tablets and syrup are available as over-the-counter (OTC) preparations.

Dosage/ Administration:

Vitamin B-Complex is administered orally in tablet and syrup form. A single Vitamin B-Complex formulation usually contains: Vitamin B₁ 5mg, Vitamin B₂ 2mg, Vitamin B₆ 2mg, and Nicotinamide 20mg per tablet or 5ml syrup. The dosage for Vitamin B-Complex is 1-2 tablets daily or 5-10ml daily in adults; 2-5ml daily in infants and young children; 2.5-5ml daily in older children (school age).

Side effects:

Severe allergic reactions may occur during parenteral administration.

Precautions:

Potentially severe allergic reactions may occur during, or shortly after parenteral administration, therefore intravenous injections should be administered slowly (over 10 minutes) and should be used only if parenteral treatment is essential. Facilities for resuscitation should be immediately

Interactions:

Vitamin B-Complex is available in several generic brands.

As we all know, vitamins are essential. Vitamin B is essential for the body’s growth and development; enhancement of immune and nervous system; maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone; mental and emotional well-being; and necessary bodily functions.

Vitamin B complex is made up of a group of water-soluble B vitamins.  They are:  thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) , niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6),  biotin (B7), inositol (B8), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12).

Health Information

Each of the vitamin B components that make up vitamin B complex has is found to occur naturally in foods.  Each component of vitamin B complex has its own function within the body, its own effects from vitamin deficiency, and its own side effects.  They are as follows:

• Thiamine (B1) is found in brewer’s yeast, peas, beans, wheat germ, potatoes, pork, and seafood.  B1 deficiency can cause anxiety, fatigue, loss of memory, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal disorders. Side effects associated with B1 include: insomnia, hypersensitivity of skin, agitation and irritation, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

• Riboflavin (B2) is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, dairy products, and yeast.  B2 deficiency may cause inflammation of the lips and tongue as well as mouth sores.  Side effects associated with B2 include: fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and anemia.

• Niacin (B3) is found in liver, lean red meat, chicken, fish, nuts, whole grains and dried beans.  B3 is essential for normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. B3 deficiency can cause agitation, anxiety, and mental/physical slowness. Side effects associated with B3 include: headaches, itching or flushing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting.

• Pantothenic acid (B5) is found in yeast, liver, kidney, eggs, whole grains, and legumes. B5 is required for hormone formation.  B5 deficiency of this vitamin may contribute to depression and weakness. Side effects associated with B5 include: joint pain, depression, fatigue, edema, and dehydration.

• Pyridoxine (B6) found in fish, liver, pork, chicken, potatoes, wheat germ, dried beans, and bananas.  B6 deficiency is rare but when it occurs may cause mental confusion, impaired immunity, and skin lesions.  Side effects associated with B6 include: numbness of fingers, tingling of feet, loss of muscle coordination, mood swings, and depression.

• Biotin (B7) is found in liver, egg yolk, peanuts, bananas, mushrooms, watermelon, and grapefruit.  B7 deficiency can cause nausea, anemia, muscle pain, depression, and dermatitis. There are rare instances of side effects from B7.

• Inositol (B8) found in nuts, beans, wheat, cantaloupe, and oranges.  B8 deficiency can cause muscular weakness, skin diseases, confusion, depression, and drowsiness.  Side effects associated with B8 include: vomiting, skin rash, high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems.

• Folic Acid (B9) is found in liver, dried beans, nuts, peas, mushroom, citrus fruits, and green leavy vegetables.  B9 deficiency in pregnant women can lead to birth defects.   Side effects associated with B9 include: loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and kidney failure.

• Cyanocobalamin (B12) is found in eggs, poultry, meat, shellfish, and milk products.   B12 deficiency can cause a health problem known as pernicious anemia (an oxygen-transport problem) which causes mood swings, dementia, mania, hallucinations, weakness, shortage of breath, and heart palpitations. Side effects associated with B12 include: anxiety and numbness and tingling in face and fingers.

It is not recommended you take a vitamin B complex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; have a history of stomach ulcers, liver problems, gout, or diabetes.

Suggested Dose

Vitamin B complex supplements are available in capsule form, tablet form, and liquid form.

The recommended dosage of vitamin B complex is 2.4 micrograms for male 14 years of age and up.  The recommended dosage of vitamin B complex is 2.8 micrograms for females from 14 years of age and up.

You can buy vitamin B complex online, at your local health food store, or at your local pharmacy. However, many online stores can offer lower prices because they have a lower overhead than a physical store and can pass that saving onto their customers.

Safety Information

As when taking any medication or supplement, always read the label and take only as directed. Talk with your medical professional before taking a vitamin B complex if you are taking prescription medication in order to reduce the risk of drug interaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual side effects.