What are the common side effects of B Complex 100. How can severe reactions be identified. What long-term effects should users be aware of. Is B Complex 100 safe for everyone to use.

Understanding B Complex 100: Composition and Uses

B Complex 100 is a multivitamin supplement containing high doses of B vitamins. These typically include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12). Some formulations may also include vitamin C, vitamin E, or minerals like zinc.

What is the primary purpose of B Complex 100? This supplement is primarily used to prevent or treat vitamin B deficiencies. These deficiencies can arise from poor diet, certain medical conditions, alcoholism, or pregnancy. B vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, supporting energy metabolism, and promoting proper nervous system function.

Common Side Effects of B Complex 100

While B Complex 100 is generally considered safe for most people, some individuals may experience side effects. These are typically mild and may include:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort

Are these side effects a cause for concern? In most cases, these symptoms are temporary and subside as your body adjusts to the supplement. However, if they persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

Iron-Related Side Effects

Some B Complex 100 formulations may contain iron. Iron-specific side effects can include:

• Green-colored stools
• Stomach cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea

Why does iron cause these effects? Iron can be irritating to the digestive system, leading to these symptoms. Taking the supplement with food can often help mitigate these issues.

Severe Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

While rare, some individuals may experience severe side effects or allergic reactions to B Complex 100. These require immediate medical attention and can include:

• Rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest tightness
• Unusual hoarseness

How quickly can allergic reactions occur? Allergic reactions can develop rapidly, sometimes within minutes of taking the supplement. It’s crucial to seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.

Iron Toxicity Concerns

For B Complex 100 products containing iron, there are additional severe side effects to be aware of:

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
• Fever

Why are these symptoms concerning? These could indicate iron toxicity or gastrointestinal bleeding, both of which are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.

Long-Term Effects and Considerations

While B Complex 100 is generally safe for long-term use, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Niacin (B3) in high doses can cause skin flushing and potentially liver damage over time.
2. Excessive B6 intake over extended periods may lead to nerve damage (neuropathy).
3. High doses of folic acid might mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
4. Long-term use of high-dose B vitamins may interact with certain medications.

How can these long-term effects be mitigated? Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and periodic blood tests can help monitor for any potential issues arising from long-term B Complex 100 use.

Special Precautions and Contraindications

Certain groups should exercise caution or avoid B Complex 100 without medical supervision:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions
• People taking certain medications (e.g., Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease)
• Those with a history of allergies to B vitamins or other supplement ingredients

Why is medical supervision important for these groups? These individuals may be at higher risk for adverse effects or may require adjusted dosages to safely benefit from B Complex 100 supplementation.

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines

To minimize side effects and maximize benefits, proper usage of B Complex 100 is essential:

• Follow the recommended dosage on the product label or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Take the supplement with food to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
• If using extended-release capsules, swallow them whole without crushing or chewing.
• For liquid formulations, use a proper measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
• Store the supplement as directed, typically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can exceeding the recommended dosage increase effectiveness? No, taking more than the recommended amount doesn’t necessarily provide additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects.

Interactions with Medications and Other Supplements

B Complex 100 can interact with various medications and other supplements, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Some notable interactions include:

• Antibiotics: B vitamins may reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics.
• Antiepileptic drugs: Some B vitamins may decrease the effectiveness of these medications.
• Blood thinners: High doses of vitamin E (if present in the formula) may increase bleeding risk.
• Diuretics: These may increase the excretion of B vitamins, potentially leading to deficiencies.

How can one manage potential drug interactions? Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

Supplement-Supplement Interactions

B Complex 100 may also interact with other dietary supplements:

• Iron supplements: May cause increased gastrointestinal side effects if taken together.
• Calcium supplements: Can interfere with the absorption of certain B vitamins.
• Magnesium supplements: May affect the absorption and effectiveness of some B vitamins.

Is it safe to combine B Complex 100 with other multivitamins? Combining multiple vitamin supplements can lead to excessive intake of certain nutrients, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before combining supplements.

Recognizing and Managing Vitamin B Toxicity

While vitamin B toxicity is rare due to their water-soluble nature, it can occur with prolonged high-dose supplementation. Symptoms of vitamin B toxicity may include:

• Skin lesions
• Sensitivity to light
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Liver dysfunction
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination

How is vitamin B toxicity diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check vitamin B levels. Treatment usually consists of discontinuing the supplement and managing symptoms. In severe cases, additional medical interventions may be necessary.

Preventing Vitamin B Toxicity

To prevent vitamin B toxicity, consider the following precautions:

1. Adhere to recommended dosages
2. Avoid taking multiple B vitamin-containing supplements concurrently
3. Be cautious with fortified foods, which can contribute to excessive intake
4. Regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor vitamin B levels

Can a balanced diet provide sufficient B vitamins? For most people, a well-balanced diet can provide adequate amounts of B vitamins without the need for high-dose supplementation.

Alternative Options for B Vitamin Supplementation

For those experiencing side effects from B Complex 100 or seeking alternatives, there are several options to consider:

• Lower-dose B complex supplements
• Individual B vitamin supplements tailored to specific deficiencies
• Food sources rich in B vitamins (e.g., leafy greens, legumes, nuts, whole grains)
• Fortified foods and beverages

Which option is best for individual needs? The most appropriate choice depends on factors such as specific nutritional needs, dietary habits, and any underlying health conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help determine the best approach.

Natural Sources of B Vitamins

Incorporating B vitamin-rich foods into your diet can be an effective way to meet your nutritional needs:

• Thiamine (B1): Whole grains, legumes, nuts
• Riboflavin (B2): Dairy products, eggs, lean meats
• Niacin (B3): Poultry, fish, avocados
• Pantothenic acid (B5): Mushrooms, sunflower seeds, chicken
• Pyridoxine (B6): Bananas, potatoes, spinach
• Biotin (B7): Egg yolks, nuts, sweet potatoes
• Folate (B9): Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans
• Cobalamin (B12): Animal products, fortified plant-based foods

Can a plant-based diet provide adequate B vitamins? While most B vitamins are available in plant-based sources, vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. Vegans and vegetarians may need to consider fortified foods or supplements to ensure adequate B12 intake.

B 100 Complex Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term

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Generic name: multivitamin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about multivitamin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name B 100 Complex.

Applies to multivitamin: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating. Other dosage forms:

• injection injectable, injection solution, oral capsule, oral elixir, oral liquid, oral tablet, sublingual liquid
• oral elixir, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
• oral capsule, oral tablet
• oral tablet
• oral liquid, oral solution, oral tablet chewable
• oral capsule

Warning

If your product has iron in it:

• Accidental overdose of drugs that have iron in them is a leading cause of deadly poisoning in children younger than 6 years of age. Keep
  away from children. If this drug is taken by accident, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Serious side effects of B 100 Complex

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your
doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing;
  tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue,
  or throat.

If your product has iron in it:

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Fever.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Stomach cramps.

Other side effects of B 100 Complex

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical
help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All products:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.

If your product has iron in it:

• Constipation.
• Change in color of stool to green.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Foltanx prescribed for?

More about B 100 Complex (multivitamin)

• Check interactions
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• Drug class: vitamin and mineral combinations

Patient resources

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Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Dietary Supplementation

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer

B-100 Complex Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This product is a combination of B vitamins used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, alcoholism, or during pregnancy. Vitamins are important building blocks of the body and help keep you in good health. B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin/niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.Some brands of B vitamins also contain ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, or zinc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the ingredients in your brand.

How to use B-100 Complex Tablet, Extended Release

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking a brand that contains vitamin C, take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are taking a liquid product, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon. Some liquid products need to be shaken before each dose. Some products that contain vitamin B12 need to be placed under the tongue and held there before swallowing. Follow label directions carefully to get the most benefit.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Side Effects

Mild upset stomach or flushing may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this product. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US –

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, liver problems, vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).

Chewable tablets or liquid products may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This product is safe to take during pregnancy when used as directed. Certain spinal cord birth defects may be prevented by maintaining adequate amounts of folic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This product passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: altretamine, cisplatin, certain antibiotics (such as chloramphenicol), certain anti-seizure drugs (such as phenytoin), levodopa, other vitamin/nutritional supplements.

This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urobilinogen, intrinsic factor antibodies), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.

Does B-100 Complex Tablet, Extended Release interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. B vitamins are naturally found in leafy greens and other vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and enriched breads/cereals.

If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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Vitamin B Complex | What do you need to know?

The B group or complex of vitamins plays an important role in maintaining health and physical activity. You may have heard that B-vitamin supplements improve energy levels. This is because many of the functions of vitamin B are related to food metabolism.

Optimal levels of B vitamins can help the body better absorb and use the nutrients from the food you eat. This article will let you know about the benefits of vitamin B complex, as well as food sources and potential signs of deficiency.

From this article you will learn:

• what is vitamin b complex
• vitamin B complex deficiency symptoms
• who should take the complex
• Benefits of B Complex Vitamins
• dosage of B complex

What is a vitamin B complex?

Vitamin B complex is a term used to refer to a group of B vitamins that our body needs to maintain optimal health. Because they are water-soluble and not fat-soluble, they do not accumulate in the body and must be obtained daily from the diet or supplements. B vitamins have a positive effect on appetite, vision, skin, nervous system, and red blood cell formation.

Vitamin B complex includes:

B1 (thiamine) – essential for cell growth, development and function.

B2 (riboflavin) – plays a key role in the use of food for energy.

B3 (niacin) – Plays a role in converting food into energy and aids digestion, skin and nerve function.

B5 (pantothenic acid) – helps convert food into energy; is critical for the production and breakdown of fats.

B6 (pyridoxine) – used for many metabolic functions, immunity and plays a role in brain development.

B7 (biotin) – plays an important role in the metabolism of all three macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats).

B9 (folate) – is critical for cell division and DNA formation, making it especially important in the diet of pregnant women.

B12 (cobalamin) – similar in function to other B vitamins (red blood cell development, neurological function, DNA formation), but only found naturally in animal sources.

It is worth noting that some B complex vitamin supplements also contain vitamin C, since it is also water soluble.

Food sources of vitamin B complex

B vitamins are present in many animal protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and pork. Plant-based sources of B vitamins include leafy greens, beans, whole grains, and nuts.

Because B vitamins are so important to health, they are added to many foods. Foods such as breakfast cereal and bread (because they are so widely consumed) are usually fortified with B vitamins.

Vitamin B deficiency symptoms

When you don’t get enough B vitamins from your diet, a deficiency can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The most common is anemia, when you have low levels of B12 and/or B6 and your blood cannot carry enough oxygen around your body. Anemia can occur in those on a vegan diet, as animal products are a rich source of B vitamins.

Symptoms of anemia include headaches, fatigue, weakness, colds, or dizziness. While there are many causes of anemia, low levels of B6 and B12 can contribute to chronic anemia.

Other common symptoms of vitamin B deficiency appear on the skin, nails and hair, such as rashes or cracked skin. Prolonged thiamine deficiency causes beriberi (tingling/numbness, loss of muscle mass). Chronically low levels of vitamin B3 or niacin lead to a condition known as pellagra, which causes digestive and cognitive problems. Folate affects the production of cells and protein, so its deficiency can affect the growth of adults and children.

Who Should Take Vitamin B Complex?

Although B vitamins are commonly found in food, there are several groups of people who benefit from vitamin B complex supplementation in particular.

• For those on a low calorie diet.
• Vegans (usually low in B12).
• Aging and other conditions affecting food intake.
• People with digestive disorders who may have malabsorption of food.

Your health care provider may order a simple blood test to diagnose a deficiency. As you can see, anyone who does not eat a balanced, high-calorie diet can benefit from a B-complex supplement.

Vitamin B complex properties

The benefits of taking a vitamin B complex are due to its many functions for the normal functioning of the body. In addition to preventing diseases associated with a deficiency of this group of vitamins, such complexes can help increase energy levels and increase the effectiveness of training.

Proper levels of B vitamins improve digestion and nutrient absorption, and keep hair, skin and nails healthy. Ensuring adequate levels of B vitamins can improve mood and cognitive function.

Vitamin B complex dosage and side effects

Since the B vitamins are water soluble, they do not accumulate in the body, and overdose is usually not a concern. However, you may experience side effects from very large doses of any vitamin or supplement.

For example, starting niacin (B3) can cause skin redness, and pantothenic acid (B5) can cause stomach upset.

The following list shows the amount of each B vitamin that adults need daily. Keep in mind that we get most of this amount from food, so the supplement should not contain more than these amounts:

B1 – Thiamin: 1.1-1.2 mg per day 3 mg daily (dairy free, vegans and vegetarians may need more)
B3 – Niacin: 14-16 mg per day
B5 – Pantothenic acid: 5 mg per day
B6 – Pyridoxine: 1.2-1.3 mg per day 7 mg)
B7 – Biotin: 30 mcg of biotin per day
B9 – Folic acid: adults 400 mg per day and pregnant women 600 mg, but not more than 1000 mg
B12 – Cobalamin: 2.4 mg per day

There are two points Things to watch out for: There is a set upper limit for folic acid (B9), meaning that exceeding this amount can be harmful to health. B12 is a vitamin that is usually taken alone because it is not always well absorbed from food sources.

For this reason, it is available in several different oral supplement forms as well as injections.

Conclusions
Many of the B-complex vitamins are found in daily diets, but deficiency can occur due to malnutrition or absorption problems. For this reason, a B complex (on its own or as part of a multivitamin) can help meet your daily needs. Because the B-complex vitamins are water soluble, they do not accumulate in our bodies and must be taken daily.

B vitamins ー Benefits and instructions for taking

Vitamins ー is a group of organic compounds essential for normal physiological functioning. However, these compounds are not produced by the body itself (2), but must be supplied through the diet. For life, a person needs 13 vitamins in sufficient quantities. B group vitamins include:

• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• niacin;
• pantothenic acid;
• pyridoxine;
• folic acid;
• cobalamin.

This grouping was not based on any chemical structural similarity, but rather on their water solubility and the interrelated cellular coenzyme functions they perform (1).

Their synthesis occurs due to plants, the process itself takes place in such plant cell organelles as: chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytosol. Synthesis is carried out depending on what the plant needs for this substance. Vitamin B12, unlike other representatives of this group, is synthesized by bacteria and is usually isolated from animal products. Although most of the compounds are derived from plants, their consumption often occurs at a higher level in the food chain ー in animal products (dairy products, meat, eggs).

B vitamins: importance for the nervous system

The effective functioning of the central nervous system depends to some extent on an adequate and constant supply of essential substances. A number of scientific sources have described and confirmed the impact of a deficiency of B vitamins on neurological and psychological functions. Folic acid, cobalamin, and pyridoxine are water-soluble B vitamins that are involved in a variety of critical metabolic processes in the brain.

The relationship between thiamine deficiency and the development of various deficient conditions has long been studied (3). It is used for a number of physiological processes, in addition to being involved in glucose metabolism, as well as in the synthesis of myelin and several types of neurotransmitters (4). Its main function is that it acts as an important cofactor in the conversion of carbohydrates, which makes it possible to provide energy to the cells of the nervous system. The process of energy metabolism must be constant due to the high costs of brain cells to maintain their functions (5). Participating in maintaining the work of myelin sheaths, it also affects the speed of nerve conduction. In addition, it has an antioxidant, protective effect on the cells of the nervous system. This property of thiamine allows it to prevent cell damage resulting from hyperglycemia.

Pyridoxine is well known for its involvement in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. It acts on the adrenergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic systems. Due to the implementation of the regulation of the functioning of the glutamatergic system, it has a neuroprotective property (6). May be used in the treatment of pyridoxine-dependent seizures, a pathology in young children in which seizures are not relieved by conventional anticonvulsants (7). It is also involved in the process of myelin synthesis. Pyridoxine deficiency is manifested by impaired cognitive functions, the appearance of seizures, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome. Deficiency of thiamine and pyridoxine is rare in healthy individuals in developed countries, but can be detected in patients who are on hemodialysis (8). During pregnancy, more pyridoxine is required to ensure the normal development of the fetal brain. Pyridoxine supplementation reduces nausea in early pregnancy (9).

Cobalamin is known for its integral participation in the processes of hematopoiesis, is a coenzyme in many biochemical processes that contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Plays a significant role in myelin synthesis, promotes nerve regeneration after injury (10). The level of cobalamin affects the amount of reduced glutathione with antioxidant functions in erythrocytes and in the liver. With low availability of reduced glutathione in cobalamin deficiency, cells can be subjected to increased oxidative stress. Cobalamin deficiency causes neurological spectrum disorders. Individuals with its deficiency may experience symptoms such as symmetrical dysesthesia, spastic paraparesis or tetraparesis, paresthesias, numbness of the extremities, difficulty writing or buttoning clothes (11). Deficiency is common in the elderly, vegetarians, and vegans.

Some studies suggest that vitamins B1, B6 and B12 may play a synergistic biochemical role in the nervous system and cannot be used interchangeably.

Vitamin B: where it is found

B vitamins play an important role in growth, development and other bodily functions. Food sources of vitamin B, both plant and animal. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to various diseases. With optimal proper nutrition, the required amount of nutrients will be provided with the diet.

Pyridoxine is found in foods such as fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, potatoes and bananas. In clinical studies, it was found that the level of pyridoxine in the blood serum was low in all age groups. This is because some plant foods contain a form of vitamin B6 that has half the bioavailability of vitamin B6 obtained from another source or supplement ( 13Trusted Source ). Thus, it is better to stick to a mixed diet, which has a bioavailability of 75%. Vegetarians and vegans may need to increase their vitamin B6 intake by incorporating foods high in pyridoxine into their diets or taking supplements to make up for the deficiency. To date, neurotoxicity and colorectal cancer associated with the use of pyridoxine at doses above 200 mg remain controversial (14).

Green leafy vegetables are especially rich in folic acid. In addition to them, foods high in folic acid are citrus fruits, legumes, and cereals. Folic acid for use is available both as a single ingredient and in the form of combined products, vitamin B complexes, and multivitamins. Enrichment of flour products with folic acid contributed to a significant reduction in the incidence of congenital defects of the central nervous system, malformations of the skull, and heart defects (15). Women planning pregnancy are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to prevent birth defects in the fetus. More than 0.4 mg of folic acid per day has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer, according to some studies (16). By itself, folic acid is not highly toxic, it is a water-soluble vitamin and is regularly excreted from the body in the urine.

Cobalamin can only be obtained from animal products. Rich foods include liver, beef, lamb, chicken, eggs and dairy products. To date, it is not possible to obtain a bioactive form of cobalamin from plant products. In the course of observations, it was found that some foods contaminated or fermented with bacteria (tempeh, Thai fish sauce) contain vitamin B12, but they can be poorly absorbed. Most people have no difficulty getting the recommended daily allowance for cobalamin. But, people who follow diets that exclude cheese, milk, dairy products and eggs can become deficient at any age ( 17Trusted Source ). It can also be caused by malabsorption, improper or inadequate nutrition, long-term vegetarian or vegan diets. Pregnant and lactating women who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are especially at high risk due to their increased metabolic requirement for vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests as megaloblastic anemia. If detected late and not properly treated, cobalamin deficiency can lead to neurological disorders, which, unfortunately, can no longer be corrected (18). Neurological symptoms manifest as numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, memory impairment, disorientation, and mood changes.

B vitamins for children

Most often, children get the amount of vitamins they need from food. In cases where the child has dietary restrictions or allergic reactions, he may develop a vitamin deficiency that cannot be corrected without nutritional supplements. It is necessary to determine whether the child is getting enough vitamin B by contacting a pediatrician. With a deficiency of B vitamins, symptoms such as:

• irritability;
• lethargy;
• anxiety;
• growth and development retardation;
• the appearance of skin rashes.

Side Effects of B Vitamins

Due to the water-soluble nature of these vitamins, over-consumption of these compounds is unlikely, even with a B-complex supplement. Supplementation with an excessively high content of B vitamins may cause undesirable effects. High doses of niacin have been associated with vomiting, elevated blood sugar levels, flushing of the skin, and liver damage (19). High doses of pyridoxine can cause nerve damage, photophobia, and skin lesions (20). The use of a vitamin B complex can cause the urine to turn bright yellow, but this is not a dangerous condition and indicates the excretion of substances in excess by the body.

How to take vitamins of group B

The best option would be to receive them with a daily diet. However, in the presence of a deficiency, vitamin complexes should be used at a dose prescribed by a doctor. The drugs are taken in a course, continuous use is impractical, since the substances will accumulate in the body, and then their excess will be excreted in the urine. Compounds of this group are widely represented in the form of a multivitamin complex in various dosage forms. Children need to buy children’s drugs and use them in the dosage that was prescribed by the pediatrician. Vitamins are usually taken with food once a day.

Conclusion

A total of 8 types of vitamin B are known, each of them performs a specific function in the human body, so they are important and not interchangeable. When they are deficient, various symptoms appear 12. Most people in developed countries can get the necessary nutrients through the food they eat. However, if vitamin deficiency is still present, supplementation should be considered.

Literature

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