Why Vitamin B Complex Supplements Have To Be Taken In Moderation

Vitamin B complex supplements, like all other types of nutritional supplements, need to be taken in moderation. Before we can venture to look at the specific reason(s) as to why vitamin B complex supplements have to be taken in moderation, it may well be in order for us to briefly acquaint ourselves with the roles served by vitamin B complex in the body. And that is where it turns out, contrary to what many people believe, that vitamin B complex is in actual fact not one (single/distinct) substance. Rather it is a group of vitamins, which on account of the fact that they are obtainable from the same sources, and they are all essential in cell metabolism, are referred to as being members of a vitamin complex: the vitamin B complex. Therefore people who are keen on optimizing their cell metabolism (and with it their total wellbeing) endeavor to have an adequate supply of vitamin B complex. That often sees them having to take the vitamin B complex supplements, which are the subject of this discussion.

Now the reason as to why vitamin B complex supplements have to be taken in moderation is simply that, taking too much of them can lead to vitamin B toxicity. Although the body has a mechanism for expelling any excessive substances in the vitamin B complex through the kidneys (ultimately in the form of urine), too much of any of the vitamin B complex substances may prove ‘impossible’ for the body to deal with – leading to the said toxicity.

Too much of vitamin B3(niacin) for instance, has been known to cause nausea and the usual accompanying vomiting. Niacin is usually taken into the body in the form of either nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. And if you take more than 1500 milligrams per day of the latter, or more than 3000 milligrams of the former, you are likely to experience toxicity. The nausea and vomiting may seem petty, but you have to keep it in mind that too much niacin can also cause liver toxicity, which should be a much scarier problem.

Too much of vitamin B12 (colobamin) has been known to cause a rash (which appears like that which is characteristic of bad acne cases). What is yet to be established is the level of vitamin B12 which would be considered toxic.
Another member of vitamin B complex which seems to have well defined signs of toxicity is pyridoxine (which in this context is also referred to as vitamin B6). The toxicity threshold is quite low, in this case. For if you take more than 100 milligrams of this vitamin per day, you could end up seeing lesions on your skin, and possibly end up messing your with your sensory nerves.

It is for reasons like those that you should take vitamin B complex supplements in moderation. Whilst having a vitamin B complex deficiency is likely to cause you problems, taking too much of the vitamin isn’t likely to do you any good either. You are better off taking the vitamin B complex supplements (strictly) according to the instructions.

By: Vivian Jones

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There is no substitute for both vitamin b complex and vitamin b12 , says the author and suggests that the daily requirement should not be compromised.