If you develop low or deficient levels of one or more B vitamins , you may experience certain symptoms and health issues.

If a B vitamin deficiency becomes severe, it can significantly harm health and may even be fatal. Because of this, B vitamin supplements are safe and are not associated with many adverse health effects, even when consumed in very large doses. However, because B12 has such a low level of toxicity, high-dose B12 supplements are generally safe for consumption.

However, consuming excessive quantities of certain B vitamins when it's not necessary could harm health. Very high doses of supplemental B3 niacin may lead to skin flushing, vomiting, high blood sugar levels, low blood pressure , and potentially liver damage.

They can help you determine whether a B vitamin supplement may be beneficial for your health and can recommend appropriate dosing.

B vitamins refer to eight nutrients that play important roles in health, such as supporting cellular function, metabolism, energy production, red blood cell development, and neurotransmitter production. B vitamins are found in a number of foods, including both plant and animal foods.

Most people following well-rounded diets are able to meet their needs through food alone. However, B vitamin supplements may be necessary for certain populations, such as people with medical conditions that interfere with B vitamin absorption, pregnant and breastfeeding women , and people following restrictive diets.

Hanna M, Jaqua E, Nguyen V, Clay J. B vitamins: functions and uses in medicine. Perm J. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Folic acid. Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. Cheng D, Kong H, Pang W, et al. B vitamin supplementation improves cognitive function in the middle aged and elderly with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Nutr Neurosci. Maruyama K, S. Eshak E, Kinuta M, et al. J Clin Biochem Nutr. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B Vitamin B6. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content.

List of Partners vendors. Wellness Nutrition. By Jillian Kubala, RD. Jillian Kubala, RD. Jillian Kubala, MS, is a registered dietitian based in Westhampton, NY. Jillian uses a unique and personalized approach to help her clients achieve optimal wellness through nutrition and lifestyle changes. In addition to her private practice, Jillian works as a freelance writer and editor and has written hundreds of articles on nutrition and wellness for top digital health publishers.

health's editorial guidelines. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD. Suzanne Fisher, RD, is the founding owner of Fisher Nutrition Systems. learn more. In This Article View All. In This Article. Recommended Amounts.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

Click here for an email preview. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Request Appointment. Vitamin B Products and services. Vitamin B By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Vitamin B Fact sheet for professionals.

Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed Jan. Fairfield KM. Vitamin supplementation in disease prevention. Means RT Jr, et al. Causes and pathophysiology of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. IBM Micromedex. Natural Medicines. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

ART Home Vitamin B Show the heart some love! Give Today. Help us advance cardiovascular medicine. Find a doctor. Explore careers. Sign up for free e-newsletters.

Lots of foods contain B vitamins, making it easy to get enough from your diet. Most people get enough B vitamins by eating a balanced diet. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and advise you on next steps.

Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, may increase your risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Researchers are also investigating its role in hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis. Babies born to individuals who were deficient in folic acid during pregnancy may be more likely to have certain birth defects.

Most people get enough B vitamins through their diet. Whole foods are also the best way for your body to absorb these vitamins. If your doctor has noted a deficiency, they may be able to recommend a specific brand of supplements.

You should always read all labels carefully and follow any directions given by the manufacturer. If you have questions about the dosage, talk with your doctor. When consumed in excess, a few different B vitamins can have specific side effects.

For instance :. You can discuss your desired health goal and why you think supplementation is necessary. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the best treatment option and advise you on any next steps.

You should also see your doctor if you think you may be deficient in B vitamins. B vitamins have a wide range of functions , including enabling the release of energy through metabolism and supporting the nervous system.

Vitamin B complex is also useful for sleep disturbances, irritability, fatigue, anemia, mental health symptoms, and dermatitis, among others. Low levels of B vitamins can lead to neurological and physical problems.

No, they are not the same. Vitamin B12 is one of many vitamins known as B complex. Other vitamins include niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid, which have a range of functions. The body needs vitamin B12 to develop and maintain the central nervous system, to produce healthy red blood cells, and to create DNA.

All the B vitamins are essential for health. Not everyone needs to take all the vitamins in the vitamin B complex. Depending on your health needs and symptoms, B12 or B complex may be better suited for you.

Your doctor can advise you on whether you need vitamin B12 only or as part of the vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex appears to be safe for most people to take every day as the body does not store any excess. These vitamins are eliminated in the urine. When taking vitamin B supplements, however, it is essential to follow the instructions.

Taking too much of some B vitamins may have adverse effects, like diarrhea, rashes, and headaches. B vitamins are essential for the proper working of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and many other functions. There are several B vitamins, collectively available in supplement form as vitamin B complex.

People who may need B vitamin supplements include older adults, people who are pregnant, and those who follow a strict plant-based diet. A doctor can advise on whether you need vitamin B complex or a specific B vitamin.

Those who need supplements can purchase them in health food stores. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe vitamin B. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Wondering what vitamins are most important during pregnancy? B complex, which contains the spectrum of B vitamins, will keep your body strong while…. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient you need for good health. It's one of eight B vitamins that help your body convert the food you eat into energy.

Learn more…. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a wide range of symptoms. Learn the importance of each B vitamin, their deficiency symptoms, and the best food…. Niacin vitamin B3 is a very important nutrient for your body.

It has many health benefits, along with several side effects if you take large doses…. There are eight B vitamins that all play vital roles in your body. Here are 15 healthy foods high in one or more B vitamins. Many people boast the benefits of vitamin B-3 for treating depression.

We'll explain what science says and how a niacin deficiency may be connected. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients.

Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen…. Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat.

Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why Is Vitamin B Complex Important and Where Do You Get It?

If a person has any of the conditions listed below, they may benefit from taking a supplement that contains B vitamins:.

Some research suggests that certain B vitamins could help prevent migraine with aura, specifically:. The researchers also suggest that vitamin B2 could help prevent migraine by influencing mitochondrial dysfunction, which occurs at the cellular level.

Authors of a review study from looked at the effects of vitamin B2 on migraine. They report that this vitamin is well-tolerated and effective at reducing migraine frequency in adults, though they recommend further research.

Authors of a study from state that there is a correlation between vitamin B12 levels and the development and presentation of depression and anxiety. They report that participants with depression or anxiety had lower levels of B12 than their control counterparts.

This could potentially suggest a relationship between the two. However, more research needs to be done. A meta-analysis found that B vitamins could help with depression in certain cases. The researchers said that taking some B vitamins regularly for several weeks to years could reduce the risk of depression relapse.

A small-scale study in India also suggested that B9 and B12 deficiencies could play a role in depression and anxiety, though the increased risk shown was not significant.

One study found that, when applied to the skin, these vitamins could help wounds heal more effectively. An animal study found that B12 improved wound healing in mice with diabetes , though more research on humans is needed to confirm these findings.

Vitamin B12 may be useful in helping to treat canker sores, also known as oral ulcers. A double-blind study found that a B12 ointment relieved pain better than a placebo when used as an adjunctive therapy alongside primary treatment. Some evidence suggests that taking a combined supplement of B6 and calcium improves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS.

A systematic review and meta-analysis also found vitamin B6 to be helpful in controlling physical and psychological PMS symptoms. B vitamins are particularly important during pregnancy when a person should take in least mcg of folic acid every day. Ideally, this would also occur in the months before getting pregnant.

Some people require the use of methylated folate due to a MTHFR gene variant that can prevent folic acid from breaking down.

In addition, pregnant people should be consuming folate — the natural form of folic acid — from food sources. Getting the recommended amounts of folic acid and folate reduces the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.

Pregnant people also need plenty of vitamin B Studies show that vitamin B12 deficiency has an association with early pregnancy loss, low birth weight, high blood pressure in the pregnant person, and fetal abnormalities.

People who follow a vegetarian diet do not eat meat, including beef, poultry, and fish. People following a vegan diet do not eat any animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy products.

The vitamin is present in many animal-based foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy. People who eat eggs and dairy products may be getting the B12 that they need from these foods. However, those who eat no animal products may need supplements. Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery , also known as bariatric surgery, often need vitamin supplements.

There is further evidence that many people need a multivitamin that includes B vitamins and other nutrients after this surgery, at least in the short term. Research shows that older adults are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Some evidence suggests that having higher levels of B12 may help slow the aging of the brain. However, confirming this finding requires further research. Low levels of B12 and folate — a dietary equivalent of folic acid, or vitamin B9 — may be associated with depression in older people, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In addition, a study involving older Latino adults found that higher B6 levels were linked to decreased depression symptoms. A person with any of the following health conditions may benefit from a vitamin B-complex supplement:.

B vitamins are water-soluble. This means that, most of the time, the body excretes extra B vitamins in the urine. While a standard dosage does not seem to cause harm, excessively high doses of certain B vitamins can be dangerous.

Speak with a clinician before taking very high doses of B-complex supplements. Taking a high-dose B-complex supplement can also turn the urine bright yellow.

This effect is temporary and harmless. Once the kidneys get rid of the extra vitamins, the color will return to normal. Some vitamin and supplement companies use independent quality testing of their products. Those that pass may have a seal of approval from an independent testing organization. However, it means that the product contains what is listed on the label without contaminants.

In most cases, vitamin B does not interact negatively with other medications. However, certain medications can make a vitamin B deficiency more likely. However, animal products are a major source of B vitamins. So, people following restricted diets should take steps to ensure that they are getting enough of each vitamin from different dietary sources.

Anyone who is at higher risk of having a vitamin B deficiency should talk with a medical professional. Older individuals and people with a vegetarian or vegan diet may also be at higher risk. A person with a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience:.

Whenever possible, a person should try to get sufficient B vitamins by eating a variety of healthful foods as a first-line approach. However, some people benefit from taking a B-complex supplement. People can find these supplements in health or drug stores, or they can choose between brands online.

A B-complex supplement is generally safe when a person takes it as directed. Read the article in Spanish. B vitamins are a group of eight related nutrients. This article takes a close look at all of the B vitamins, including their functions, sources, and….

Metabolism is the process the body uses to break down food and nutrients for energy, as well as to support different body functions.

Taking doses of folic acid higher than 1mg can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency , which can eventually damage the nervous system if it's not spotted and treated.

This is particularly a concern for older people because it becomes more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 as you get older. The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that folic acid supplements are taken by all women who are pregnant or could get pregnant.

Women who cannot get pregnant and men should be able to get all the folate they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you're taking folic acid supplements, it's important not to take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 1mg or less a day of folic acid supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. A lack of vitamin B12 could lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.

But as vitamin B12 is not found naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains, vegans may not get enough of it. Read about the vegan diet for nutrition information and advice. There's not enough evidence to show what the effects may be of taking high doses of vitamin B12 supplements each day.

You should be able to get all the vitamin B12 you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin B12 supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

Taking 2mg or less a day of vitamin B12 in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. Page last reviewed: 03 August Next review due: 03 August Home Health A to Z Vitamins and minerals Back to Vitamins and minerals.

B vitamins and folic acid - Vitamins and minerals Contents Overview Vitamin A B vitamins and folic acid Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Calcium Iodine Iron Others. There are many different types of vitamin B. This section has information on: thiamin vitamin B1 riboflavin vitamin B2 niacin vitamin B3 pantothenic acid vitamin B6 biotin vitamin B7 folate and folic acid vitamin B12 Thiamin vitamin B1 Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, helps: the body break down and release energy from food keep the nervous system healthy Good sources of thiamin Thiamin is found in many types of food.

Good sources include: peas some fresh fruits such as bananas and oranges nuts wholegrain breads some fortified breakfast cereals liver How much thiamin do I need? The amount of thiamin adults aged 19 to 64 need is: 1mg a day for men 0.

What happens if I take too much thiamin? What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise? If you take supplements, do not take too much as this might be harmful. Riboflavin vitamin B2 Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, helps: keep skin, eyes and the nervous system healthy the body release energy from food Good sources of riboflavin Good sources of riboflavin include: milk eggs fortified breakfast cereals mushrooms plain yoghurt UV light can destroy riboflavin, so ideally these foods should be kept out of direct sunlight.

How much riboflavin do I need? The amount of riboflavin adults aged 19 to 64 need is about: 1. What happens if I take too much riboflavin? Niacin vitamin B3 Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, helps: the body release energy from food keep the nervous system and skin healthy Good sources of niacin There are 2 forms of niacin: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.

Good sources of niacin include: meat fish wheat flour eggs How much niacin do I need? The amount of niacin you need is about: What happens if I take too much niacin?

Pantothenic acid Pantothenic acid has several functions, such as helping the body to release energy from food. Good sources of pantothenic acid Pantothenic acid is found in varying amounts in almost all vegetables, wholegrain foods and meats, but good sources include: chicken beef liver and kidneys eggs mushrooms avocado Breakfast cereals are also a good source if they have been fortified with pantothenic acid.

How much pantothenic acid do I need? No amount has been set in the UK for how much pantothenic acid you need. What happens if I take too much pantothenic acid? Nordic Naturals B-complex provides this exact amount of B This option is also Non-GMO verified.

Each Nordic Naturals supplement is third-party tested for purity. The company also offers the ability to look up a certificate of analysis for the products you purchase, and prioritizes minimal added ingredients beyond the vitamins.

Form: Capsule Type: Methylcobalamin, Methyltetrahydrofolate Dose: 1 capsule daily. For consumers who need to follow a gluten-free diet , it is important that supplements are also gluten-free.

This Fermented Vitamin B Complex supplement by New Chapter is certified gluten-free by NSF. The vitamins in this supplement are derived from fermented foods such as organic soy flour , which may support better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

While this product is not third-party tested by our most trusted organizations, they do in-house testing for heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and ingredient testing. It is important to note that this supplement contains an herbal blend of maca , schizandra, and cardamom, which may be problematic for people on certain medications or with certain health conditions.

Double-check with a healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. Form: Tablet Type: Cyanocobalamin, methylfolate Dose: 1 tablet daily. While the B vitamins can work in conjunction with each other, each one has its own unique structure and function in the body.

Since most people obtain adequate B vitamins in their diets, B vitamin deficiencies are rare in the United States. Deficiencies cause various symptoms including impaired cognition, skin rashes, anemia, and reduced immune function.

If you have a deficiency in any B vitamins, be sure to discuss recommended dosage with a healthcare provider to find a supplement that provides adequate amounts. Those who might benefit from B vitamin supplementation include:.

For most healthy individuals eating a well-balanced diet, B-complex supplements are not necessary. B vitamins are found in a wide variety of foods in different amounts, including leafy greens, salmon, legumes, eggs, milk, beef, and whole grains.

The FDA does not evaluate any supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market, including B-complex supplements. Some of the B vitamins may interfere with certain medications.

For example, folate may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate used to treat certain cancers and autoimmune diseases and some antiepileptic drugs.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation routine, especially if you are taking any medications. Supplement companies may claim that a B-complex supplement offers a host of other benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving athletic performance, and treating ADHD.

However, research in these other areas is limited with mixed results. We need more research to make conclusions about the effectiveness of B-complex supplementation in these other areas.

And, since B vitamins are found naturally in several foods in our diets, most people will get enough B vitamins from eating a well-balanced diet. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.

We also consulted with these nutrition experts for their valued opinions on what to consider when shopping for B-complex supplements:.

It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend. Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants.

Vitamins exist in different forms, and some forms are better absorbed by our bodies than others. For B-complex supplements, the forms of folate are particularly important to look for.

Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, is better absorbed by the body than folate, including food sources of folate. Another readily bioavailable form of supplemental folate is methylfolate. Vitamin B12 will likely be listed as cyanocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, or hydroxocobalamin.

Absorption rates of each type are similar. Para-aminobenzoic acid PABA is often referred to as vitamin B10 and may be in some B-complex supplements. PABA is also found in some sunscreens, as it has been shown to absorb UV rays. While PABA is called a B vitamin, it is not currently considered an essential nutrient we need to get in the diet.

While some B-complex supplements have PABA in low doses, the effect of taking PABA as a supplement is not well studied, especially in high doses. Therefore, we did not include in this roundup B-complex supplements that have PABA as an ingredient.

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient.

Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking. Some of the B vitamins may interact with certain medications, including antiepileptics, anticonvulsants, and methotrexate.

Speak to a healthcare provider about potential medication interactions before beginning any new supplements. There are two vitamin B3 compounds, called nicotinamide riboside NR and nicotinamide mononucleotide NMN , that are currently sold as individual supplements and as ingredients in B-complex vitamins.

While more research is needed, some studies show potential benefits of taking these supplements, including improved energy levels, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health, as well as delayed effects of aging. However, a recent study showed a correlation between nicotinamide riboside supplementation and increased risk for triple negative breast cancer TNBC and metastases to the brain.

It is important to note that this was a small, animal-based study, and more research is needed to confirm any association between nicotinamide riboside supplements and cancer risk.

Separately, as of November , the FDA prohibits nicotinamide mononucleotide NMN to be sold as a supplement while they investigate its potential usage as a drug.

Because this mandate is new, you will likely still see this ingredient on the market until the regulation is fully enforced. The B-complex vitamins we recommend in this article do not contain nicotinamide riboside NR or nicotinamide mononucleotide NMN.

Keep in mind there are various forms of B3 available in food, so adequate amounts can be achieved through diet alone. There are no regulations or standards that dictate what nutrients a B-complex supplement must contain and in what amounts. Therefore, different supplements will contain different amounts of each vitamin.

Similarly, there are no established Recommended Dietary Allowance RDA guidelines for B-complex supplements. However, there are RDAs and ULs established for the individual B vitamins themselves, which can be found in the Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets provided by the National Institutes of Health.

You may notice supplement ingredient labels list amounts higher than the RDA for B vitamins. Because your body may not actually use the entire amount added, supplement companies often add more than the RDA.

Be sure to carefully read the supplement facts panel to ensure the amount of each B vitamin included is appropriate for your needs. If you have a deficiency or are at risk of a deficiency, you may need particularly high doses of certain B vitamins—a healthcare provider can tell you the specific quantities to look for.

Here are a few specific dosage recommendations for vegans and pregnant people:. B-complex supplements generally include all eight B vitamins.

Folate toxicity can cause kidney damage or mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. This level was determined because mg of niacin in the form of nicotinic acid may cause flushing.

The UL for vitamin B6 is mg per day. Toxicity can present as nerve damage or skin lesions. Biotin, thiamin, riboflavin, B12, and pantothenic acid do not have listed UL levels because there has been no evidence of toxicity at high doses.

However, biotin supplements can lead to falsely high or low lab values. In general, cases of toxicity with B vitamins are rare and occur from excess supplementation in addition to adequate dietary intake of B vitamins.

Try taking your B-complex supplement first thing in the morning with a glass of water on an empty stomach. If you experience any gastrointestinal distress taking a supplement on an empty stomach, have a small meal or snack with the supplement. Many, but not all, B-complex supplements contain all eight of the B vitamins: B1 thiamine , B2 riboflavin , B3 niacin , B5 pantothenic acid , B6 pyridoxine , B7 biotin , B9 folate , and B12 cobalamin.

Take a look at a supplement's facts panel to know exactly what is included in a particular product. Most B-complex supplements contain ingredients that make up the capsules, including silica and cellulose. You may find options on the market with additional vitamins, minerals, whole food ingredients like fruits and vegetables, or functional ingredients.

One of the major functions of B vitamins is to help produce energy for our bodies from the food we eat. Energy metabolism is a super complex process that involves several different nutrients, so consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients is essential for energy production.

That said, taking a B-complex supplement if you are not deficient in these vitamins will not provide your body with energy. Our main source of energy is glucose, which is derived from all foods with carbohydrates.

B vitamins play a vital role in the process of converting dietary carbohydrates into glucose to be used for energy. This is why it is important to get enough of these vitamins. However, supplementing beyond your needs will just cause your body to get rid of the excess B vitamins rather than using them for additional energy.

Most B-complex supplements contain B12 in their formulation. If your supplement contains adequate B12, there is no need to take an additional B12 supplement. If your B-complex does not have B12 in the ingredients or contains a lower amount than a healthcare provider recommends for your needs, you can take a separate B12 supplement.

Note that even though B vitamins are not stored long term in the body, taking doses larger than the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels can lead to toxicity. Prevent toxicity by taking only as much of a supplement as is recommended by a healthcare provider. As of now, there is little significant evidence for taking a B-complex supplement to ward off dementia or cognitive decline.

However, if your B12 levels are low, taking enough B12 to correct the deficiency may help slow age-related cognitive decline. The benefits of B12 supplementation may be enhanced by having adequate omega-3 fatty acid levels. In general, nutrients do not work in isolation to prevent diseases. Rather, it is an overall pattern of healthy lifestyle behaviors and adequate nutrition that provide the greatest reduction of disease risk.

A balanced diet that includes adequate intake of the B vitamins, along with regular exercise and well-managed blood pressure, all can help lower the risk of developing dementia. Pricing for vitamin B-complex can vary depending on amount of tablets or capsules per container and sources of ingredients.

Compared to pricing of other vitamin and mineral supplements, B-complex vitamin prices are on the lower end. Kaiser Permanente. Vitamin B-Complex. Dahele A, Ghosh S. Vitamin B12 deficiency in untreated celiac disease. Am J Gastroenterol.

Al Mansoori A, Shakoor H, Ali HI, et al. The effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin B status and mental health. Stover PJ. Vitamin B12 and older adults. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. Centers for Diseease Control and Prevention.

Folic acid. Blue-Green Algae. National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Institute of Medicine US Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes and its Panel on Folate, Other B Vitamins, and Choline.

Most people do not require a vitamin B complex injection if they're consuming sufficient levels of vitamin B from a varied diet. However, if you feel it might be beneficial in improving general health and energy levels, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if the injection is suitable for you.

National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated March 26, Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Folate Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Vitamin B Updated April 6, Pantothenic Acid.

Updated January 15, Kennedy DO. B vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Paraskevi P. The role of vitamin B12 in DNA modulation mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Vitamin b12 deficiency: Recognition and management.

Am Fam Physician. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Pavlov CS, Damulin IV, Shulpekova YO, Andreev EA. Neurological disorders in vitamin B12 deficiency. Ter Arkh. Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. Shaik MM, Gan SH. Vitamin supplementation as possible prophylactic treatment against migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. BioMed Research International. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Garcia Lopez M, Bønaa KH, Ebbing M, et al.

J Bone Miner Res. Brasky TM, White E, Chen C-L. Long-term, supplemental, one-carbon metabolism-related vitamin b use in relation to lung cancer risk in the vitamins and lifestyle Vital cohort.

J Clin Oncol. Meyer HE, Willett WC, Fung TT, Holvik K, Feskanich D. Association of high intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 from food and supplements with risk of hip fracture among postmenopausal women in the nurses' health study.

JAMA Netw Open. Spence JD, Yi Q, Hankey GJ. B vitamins in stroke prevention: time to reconsider. Lancet Neurol.

Oliai araghi S, Kiefte-de jong JC, Van dijk SC, et al. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 supplementation and the risk of cancer: Long-term follow-up of the B Vitamins for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures B-PROOF trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.

Brescoll J, Daveluy S. A review of vitamin B12 in dermatology. Am J Clin Dermato l. Afriyie-Gyawu E, Ifebi E, Ampofo-Yeboah A, Kyte B, Shrestha S, Zhang J. Serum folate levels and fatality among diabetic adults: A y follow-up study of a national cohort. Kim SJ, Zuchniak A, Sohn KJ, et al. Plasma folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B and breast cancer risk in BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutation carriers: a prospective study.

Am J Clin Nutr. Tio M, Andrici J, Cox MR, Eslick GD. Folate intake and the risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. Wang R, Zheng Y, Huang JY, Zhang AQ, Zhou YH, Wang JN. Folate intake, serum folate levels, and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

BMC Public Health. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content.