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Who should not take B-complex?

Understanding B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are a group of eight essential nutrients that play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including energy production, brain health, and red blood cell synthesis. These vitamins include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin).
While B-complex vitamins are generally safe and beneficial for most people, there are specific groups who should exercise caution or avoid taking these supplements altogether.
Who Should Avoid B-Complex Supplements?
1. Individuals with Allergies or Sensitivities: People who have known allergies to any of the components in B-complex vitamins should avoid these supplements. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and it’s essential to read labels carefully to avoid adverse effects.
2. Those with Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with specific health conditions, such as kidney disease, should consult their healthcare provider before taking B-complex vitamins. Excessive intake of certain B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, can exacerbate kidney issues.
3. Pregnant and Nursing Women: While some B vitamins are crucial during pregnancy, excessive amounts can lead to complications. For instance, high doses of B6 can cause nerve damage, and too much B12 may mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Pregnant and nursing women should seek guidance from a healthcare professional regarding their vitamin intake.
4. People on Certain Medications: B-complex vitamins can interact with various medications, including those for epilepsy, chemotherapy, and certain antibiotics. For example, B6 can reduce the effectiveness of some anti-seizure medications. Therefore, individuals on these medications should consult their doctor before starting any B-complex supplements.
5. Those with a Balanced Diet: Many people obtain sufficient B vitamins through a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, meats, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and leafy greens. For these individuals, taking additional B-complex supplements may not only be unnecessary but could also lead to excessive intake, which can cause side effects.
6. Individuals with Specific Genetic Conditions: Certain genetic disorders, such as methylmalonic acidemia, can affect how the body processes B12. Individuals with such conditions should avoid B-complex supplements unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
While B-complex vitamins are vital for health, they are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with allergies, specific medical conditions, those on certain medications, and those who maintain a balanced diet should approach B-complex supplementation with caution. Consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended to ensure safety and appropriateness based on individual health needs.

What medications does B-complex interfere with?

Vitamin B complex should not be taken with the following drugs:

  • Anisindione.
  • Bortezomib.
  • Capecitabine.
  • Ceftibuten.
  • Cephalexin.
  • Cephradine.
  • Cholestyramine.
  • Colesevelam.

Why should I not take B-complex?

Vitamin B complex appears to be safe for most people to take every day as the body does not store any excess. That said, it’s important to follow the instructions on the supplement labels. Taking too much of some B vitamins may have adverse effects, like diarrhea, rashes, and headaches.

What not to mix with vitamin B?

Possible interactions include:

  • Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba).
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others).
  • Proton pump inhibitors.
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements.

Who should avoid B vitamins?

People with certain health conditions including HIV, alcohol use disorder, and Crohn’s disease may not absorb vitamin B effectively. Older individuals and people with a vegetarian or vegan diet may also be at higher risk.

What happens to your body when you take vitamin B complex everyday?

Most likely, you will eliminate excess B vitamins through your urine. However, excessive intake of B vitamins can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, numbness and tingling. Nerve or liver damage could also occur.

What happens if you take vitamin B complex every day?

It’s probably not necessary to take B complex every day if you eat a healthy diet and have no medical conditions that make it difficult to absorb the vitamins from your food. That said, unless your doctor says otherwise, there is usually no harm in taking a daily supplement.

What are the bad side effects of B-complex?

But high dosage intake of Vitamin B complex could lead to some side effects, like:

  • Vomiting and nausea.
  • Skin conditions like flushing or lesions.
  • High blood sugar level.
  • Nerve damage and blurry vision due to light sensitivity.
  • Excessive thirst due to increased urination.
  • Diarrhea and instances of abdominal pain.

What can you not mix with vitamin B?

Possible interactions include:

  • Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba).
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others).
  • Proton pump inhibitors.
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements.

Is B-complex bad for your heart?

Some studies show that certain people could improve their heart health if they take B vitamins, but it’s not recommended for everyone. If you would like to take vitamin B for your heart health, speak to your doctor first, to make sure there aren’t any reasons not to take it.

Does B-complex affect blood pressure?

3. B vitamins. Several B vitamins may help reduce blood pressure levels. For example, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supplements have been shown to help reduce blood pressure in adults with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations, which make high blood pressure more likely ( 11 , 12 , 13 ).

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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