Side Effects of Too Many B Vitamins

Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamins every year. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that some vitamin supplements can cause certain health risks if taken at higher dosages than recommended. Americans who take vitamins most often choose a multivitamin formula containing numerous vitamins and minerals in one pill. However, many people also choose to formulate their own vitamin regimen by mixing different singular vitamins and mineral supplements. Many of the B vitamins are often used by people for supplementation.

Considerations

Eight different vitamins make up the B-vitamin group. These vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver. They also help break down fats and proteins and help make carbohydrates into glucose. B vitamins are water soluble, which means they are not stored in the fat cells within the body, but are excreted in the urine. Because of this, many people do not worry about taking too much vitamin B complex; however these vitamins are stored in the liver, and certain ones are associated with toxicity. Some of the B vitamins have no known toxicity level but since these vitamins are interdependent, they may cause an adverse effect on levels of other vitamins within the body. For this reason, it is important to take a B-complex vitamin when supplementing with a singular B vitamin. This may help keep the levels in balance. In general, B vitamins have a very small risk for toxicity and may be taken at higher dosages. There are a some that should be taken with care.

Vitamin B3

Niacin is another name for vitamin B3. Side effects can occur when doses higher than 50 mg of niacin are taken; the most common one is a burning or tingling sensation in the face and chest. Very high levels may cause liver damage and stomach ulcers. Physicians sometimes prescribe pharmacological doses to treat certain illnesses. These medicinal doses are much higher than normal. It is important to check the liver function when very high doses of niacin are consumed.

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine is another name for vitamin B6. High doses can damage the nerves in the arms and legs. This condition is reversible and usually disappears once the dosage is cut back. More than 100 mg per day is considered excessive.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin. Little risk of toxicity exists from taking this vitamin in doses in amounts exceeding the recommended dosage. However, it can have adverse effects when taken with certain medications. This vitamin interferes with the absorption of some kinds of antibiotics when taken at the same time.

Conclusion

Most health professionals agree that people should stay within the recommended dosage levels for all vitamins, including the B vitamins. Individuals who wish to take higher levels of any supplement should first consult with their health care practitioner. Inform your doctor of all vitamin and mineral supplements that you are taking.