The B-group of Vitamins: Side Effects You Should Know About

The B-group of vitamins are involved in a wide range of bodily functions, and many people use these supplements to boost energy levels, and to reduce stress levels. However, very few people are aware of the side effects of excessive amounts of B-vitamins can have.

Depending on the composition of your B-complex vitamins, side effects may vary between a variety of symptoms and conditions, and while most are not serious, some of these will require medical attention, and should be duly noted.

Excessive amounts of vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, can cause symptoms including a feeling of pounding in the head, faintness, skin lesions, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, interference with liver functions, and low levels of glucose tolerance. Should you suspect an overdose of these vitamins, side effects can normally be eliminated by withdrawing the supplement.

Taking too much vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, can cause difficulty in walking, numbness of the hands and mouth, and can even cause neurological complications.

Overdose symptoms of vitamin B9, or folic acid, include a swelling of the lips, face, and even the tongue. You could also develop a closing of the throat (due to excessive swelling), and experience breathing difficulties. Other side effects that have been noted include a general weakness and discomfort, fever, skin rash, and a shortness of breath. If any of these occur, stop taking folic acid immediately, and consult with your physician.

Vitamin B12, or Cobalamine, is not commonly prone to side effects, even in rather large dosages. Although some people have experienced adverse reactions, this is highly uncommon. When taken orally, there is usually no side effects, but when injected. has been known to cause complications on some occasions. Many physicians believe that this is due to the preservative used in the injected formula, which will explain the lack of such reactions with oral ingestions.

Vitamin B12 side effects include mild diarrhea, palpitations, chest pains, panic attacks, insomnia, and breathing problems.

It is, fortunately, under normal conditions, unlikely to overdose yourself with B-group vitamins. Side effects only occur when ingesting dosages that escalate to several times the recommended daily allowance. The average supplements on the shelf are quite safe, as long as you keep to the recommended dosages. Unless you are consuming huge dosages of these vitamins, side effects will be rare.