Vitamin B complex

Introduction

Vitamin B complex is a group of 8 B vitamins that work together to support brain and nerve health, proper digestion, balanced moods, healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and maintain normal levels of homocysteine. These essential vitamins also help convert food into energy and play a major role in the body's metabolic process.

UsesFor

Vitamin B complex supplementation is recommended for those with cognitive impairments, depression, poor digestion, muscle cramps, fatigue, and nerve damage. It can also help prevent migraines and reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

Mechanism Of Action

Vitamin B complex helps the body convert food into energy, maintain healthy skin, hair, eyes, and nerve cells, and produce hormones. It plays a role in gluconeogenesis, which is the process of forming glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It helps to create, break down, and use fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to maintain healthy functioning of the nervous system, digestive tract, and heart.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

This depends on the purpose of supplementation. Most people report feelings of energy within a week of beginning vitamin B complex supplementation. Mental clarity, improved moods, and digestion often take a bit longer, up to two months depending on severity.

Absorption

Different B vitamins are absorbed in different ways. B12 is absorbed in the lower intestine (ileum) through a specific protein called intrinsic factor. Other B vitamins are absorbed in the upper intestine (jejunum). B6 and folate are absorbed in the jejunum with a binding agent called gamma-glutamyltransferase.

Route of Elimination

Most B vitamins are excreted in the urine. Vitamin B12 is primarily stored in the liver and secreted into the bile.

Dosage

Tablet/ capsule: usual recommended dose is 1-2 tablet/capsule 3 times daily or as directed by the physician.

Syrup: 2-3 teaspoonful daily or as directed by the physician.

Injection: It is for intramuscular and intravenous administration. Usual recommended dose is 2 ml daily or as directed by the physician. In addition with Thiamine, Riboflavin, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine; injectable dosage from contains D-Panthenol 5 mg. B1 (Thiamine) - 50-200mg/day B2 (Riboflavin) - 25-100mg/day B3 (Niacin) - 15-50mg/day B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - 10-100mg/day B6 (Pyridoxine) - 10-100mg/day B7 (Biotin) - 1-2mg/day B9 (Folate) - 400-1000mcg/day B12 (Cobalamin) - 0.5-1mg/day

Administration

Vitamin B complex tablets are the most common form of supplementation, taken orally with water or food. Some B vitamins are available as topical, injections, or nasal sprays. Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that must be taken as an injection for absorption.

Side Effect

When taken in recommended doses, B vitamins have relatively few side effects. Commonly reported side effects include Flushing (of face and extremities), heartburn, headaches, diarrhea, nervousness, and dizziness.

Toxicity

Vitamin B complex taken in doses higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) can be toxic. Overdoses of B vitamins, especially B6, may lead to nerve damage. High doses of B12 can cause fatigue and dizziness.

Precaution

People taking medications such as Metformin, Levodopa, Coumadin, or any other medication should consult their doctor before taking any type of vitamin B supplement. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and people with liver or kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking a Vitamin B complex .

Interaction

Vitamin B complex may interact with certain medications, including methotrexate, carbamazepine, and phenytoin. Certain medications should only be taken with food as Vitamin B complex can be absorbed with food and reduce the effectiveness.

Disease Interaction

Vitamin B complex supplementation may interact with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and liver and renal disorders. People with any of these conditions should talk to their doctor before taking any type of Vitamin B supplement.

Drug Interaction

Vitamin B complex may interact with certain medications, such as folic acid antagonists, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, HIV medications, and anticonvulsants. Each vitamin can interact differently with medications, so it is important to consult with a doctor before taking any Vitamin B complex supplement.

Food Interactions

Vitamin B complex supplements may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, coffee, and alcohol. The absorption of some vitamins can be impaired by these foods, so it is best to take the supplement with a meal.

Pregnancy Use

Vitamin B complex is important during pregnancy, as it supports healthy fetal growth and development. It is generally safe for pregnant women to take a Vitamin B complex supplement, but it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

Vitamin B complex is important for nursing mothers. It helps with milk production and provides essential nutrients for the baby. It is generally safe for nursing mothers to take a Vitamin B complex supplement, but it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins during lactation.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute Vitamin B complex overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, lethargy, and jaundice. In cases of overdose, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindication

Vitamin B complex is contraindicated in people with allergies to any of the B vitamins. It is also contraindicated in people who have trouble absorbing the B complex vitamins in their guts, such as people with malabsorption syndrome.

Use Direction

Vitamin B complex should be taken as directed by your health care provider. It is best to take it with food as it can be better absorbed. If you are taking other medications, it is important to take the Vitamin B complex at least two hours before or after taking the other medication.

Storage Condition

Vitamin B complex should be stored at room temperature, in a cool, dark place. It should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Volume Of Distribution

Vitamin B complex is readily absorbed from the small intestine. It is distributed throughout the body within 48 hours of absorption.

Half Life

The half-life of Vitamin B complex is dependent on the individual B vitamins. Generally, B vitamins have a half-life of 8-24 hours, but some, like B12, have a longer half-life.