Are high doses of B Vitamins safe?

Question

I've had read that high doses of B Vitamins are safe for extended use. However, I have not really found any solid information to back this up. Also, are there certain vitamins that must be taken with the B Vitamins to assure they are absorbed properly?

Answer 1

It is difficult to overdose on B vitamins as your body eliminates the water soluble B vitamins that it doesn't need every day.  The exception is the water insoluble vitamin B12 which is stored in your body so you must be careful with vitamin B12.  Apparently your body can store up to 2 years of the daily requirement of vitamin B12.

A web search for "B vitamins" + overdose will give you further information.

Answer 2

B Vitamins (like C Vitamins) are water soluble, which means their not absorbed into your body's fat.  Excess Vitamin B should be excreted by your body and shouldn't build up.

Answer 3

Yes!  Surprisingly you can overdose on some B vitamins.  It is unlikely that you would if you take a multiple vitamin or a B vitamin supplement but it is hazardous to overdose on namely niacin, which can result in itching, gout, liver damage, and an increase in blood sugar, or B6, which can result in pain and numbness in the legs.  Of course, the adverse health effects would be present themselves as discomfort, so you'll know if you're overdoing it.

Answer 4

Yes it is totally safe. You should get an multi vitamin to take with them.

Answer 5

No. Completely wrong! High doses of B vitamins cause neurological (brain) damage.

http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/53/Vit...

Don't get me wrong, a deficency also causes brain damage!

"Mouth irritation and brain damage are also common consequences of B12 deficiency"

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/vitamin...

Recent research has shown that taking vitamins in pill form is damaging and can cause cancer in the long run. Better sticking to a good diet, fruit and veg and less Mars Bars!