Supplements of vitamin B complex help improve energy metabolism and cognitive function. However, an overdose of the supplement can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. The following HealthHearty article provides valuable information on vitamin B complex dosage and overdose.
Correct nutritional intake plays a key role in maintaining overall health of a person. Human body requires around 13 vitamins, along with fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, in order to perform the daily activities. Out of these 13 vitamins, 8 vitamins belong to the group of vitamin B. This group of 8 water-soluble vitamins contain Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folic Acid (B9), and Cyanocobalamin (B12). Deficiency or imbalance in the levels of any of these vitamins can cause serious health complications. People, who find it hard to maintain the recommended intake of these vitamins through their daily diet, are prescribed vitamin B complex. Vitamin B supplements may contain a single or multiple vitamins belonging to the group of vitamins called ‘B complex.’ A person should always be aware of the correct vitamin B complex dosage, in order to get desired benefits of these vitamins.
Benefits of vitamin B complex are pretty diverse. It improves our overall health. B vitamins promote various essential metabolic processes like glucose-energy conversion, DNA and RNA synthesis, release of hormones from adrenal glands, balanced secretion of other hormones, breakdown of fat and protein, etc. They help maintain the health of hair, nails, eyes, and skin. They are essential for proper functioning of the central nervous system. They help avoid several mental conditions like depression, fatigue, lethargy, lack of concentration, irritability, stress, and anxiety. As B vitamins improve the nerve function, they act as tranquilizers or anti-stress vitamins.
Vitamin supplements are available in various forms, like injections and capsules. A person, diagnosed with vitamin B complex deficiency, should strictly follow the instructions of the doctor about the daily dosage. The dosage may vary from person to person. Getting more than the tolerable upper intake level of certain B vitamins like folate, niacin, and B6 (unless instructed by your doctor) can lead to undesirable side effects.
Usually, a dose of 100 mg, once to three times a day with meals, is recommended per patient tolerance. The injection can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. In case of oral medication, one vitamin B complex tablet is to be taken every day. The dose may vary from person to person. If the tablet is chewable, you should chew it before swallowing. Liquid forms may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about correct B complex dosage, and about using the supplement safely. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplements.
Vitamin B complex overdose is a factor that you should always watch out for, and the best way to do that is to consume it only in the recommended form and dosage. The side effects vary as per overdose of each of these 8 vitamins. Some of the common vitamin B overdose side effects include, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and other problems related to digestive health, insomnia, eye problems, bitter taste in mouth, calcium deficiency, hyperactivity, increased severity of certain mental conditions like depression and irritability, reduced rate of metabolism and nutrition absorption. Some other side effects include anemia, low blood pressure, headache, temporary nerve damage, gout, liver problems, heart palpitation, edema, joint pain, itchy skin, flushing of skin, mood swings, loss of appetite, etc. Moreover, the supplement may interact with other medicines, food, other herbs and supplements, and may lead to health complications.
The best thing to do, in order to stay away from all these side effects is to let the health care provider decide the correct dosage of the supplement for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
