Vitamin B complex: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Vitamin B complex is a group of eight B vitamins. They help the body release energy from food and keep nerves, skin and blood cells healthy. Most people get enough from a varied diet. Supplements are used where the diet falls short or a doctor advises them.
Also known as: B vitamins, B-complex, Vitamin B group, Thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, Vitamin B complex capsule
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Vitamin B complex work?
B vitamins act as helpers in the body's chemical reactions, including turning food into energy and making blood cells and nerve tissue. Several of them are not stored, so they are needed regularly from food.
How to take Vitamin B complex
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The amounts of each B vitamin differ between products, so do not combine several B-vitamin products without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of Vitamin B complex
B vitamins at label amounts are usually well tolerated. Problems mostly come from long-term high doses of particular vitamins.
Uncommon or mild
- Bright yellow urine (harmless, from riboflavin)
- Mild nausea or stomach upset
- Skin flushing with niacin in higher amounts
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which can follow long-term high doses of vitamin B6
Who should be careful
Most people can take B vitamins at label amounts, but a few things need care.
- Vitamin B6 at 200 mg or more a day can damage nerves; the NHS says supplements should not exceed 10 mg a day unless a doctor advises
- High doses of niacin can cause flushing and, taken for a long time, liver damage
- Folic acid above 1 mg a day can hide vitamin B12 deficiency
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement
If someone takes too much
A single extra capsule is unlikely to cause serious problems, but regularly taking much more than the label says is not advised. If someone has taken a large amount, ask a doctor or pharmacist, or call 112 or go to the nearest hospital if they are unwell.
Regulatory status in India
Single B vitamins are not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose vitamin combinations differ by product, so the combination in a particular brand must be checked against the CDSCO banned list and the pack.
Type of medicine
Vitamin B complex belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Vitamin B complex
These medicines sold in India contain Vitamin B complex. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
What is Vitamin B complex used for?
Combination medicines that contain Vitamin B complex are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Vitamin B complex.
Common questions
What do B vitamins do?
They help the body release energy from food and keep the nervous system, skin and blood cells healthy. Most people get enough from a varied diet. Who may need extra, such as vegans for B12, is a question for a doctor or pharmacist.
Can B vitamins be harmful in high doses?
Yes, for some. Vitamin B6 at 200 mg or more a day can damage nerves, and high-dose niacin can cause flushing and liver problems. Stick to the label and check other supplements for the same vitamins.
Sources
- B vitamins and folic acid. NHS (UK)