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Vitamin B Complex

Generic
Used for Nutritional Deficiency
Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Vitamin B Complex is a multivitamin made up of different B vitamins and provides many benefits. This supplement is generally taken once a day, but this will vary depending on your dosage and the form that you're taking (e.g., tablet, liquid, gummies). Vitamin B Complex doesn't tend to cause many side effects other than flushing and sometimes stomach upset, unless you happen to take too much. It's typically taken by mouth, but there's also an injectable version available that's given by a healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 23, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Vitamin B Complex?

What is Vitamin B Complex used for?

  • Multivitamin supplement

How Vitamin B Complex works

Vitamin B Complex is a dietary supplement. It contains B vitamins, which have many roles in your body and on your overall health including:

  • Making energy by breaking down the food you eat

  • Helping to make new hormones

  • Helping to create genetic material (e.g., DNA, RNA)

  • Playing a role in making red blood cells

Are you looking for information on vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), or vitamin B9 (folic acid) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVarious brands
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$244.390
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What are the side effects of Vitamin B Complex?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Source: National Institutes of Health

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vitamin B Complex

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Pros

Oral form is available over the counter

Combines many B vitamins into one pill, depending on the product

Has relatively few side effects

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Cons

Injection form is only available with a prescription

Might smell unpleasant to some people

Many generic versions available

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vitamin B Complex

pharmacist

  • Many multivitamins already contain several B vitamins. Make sure you check how much you should be taking with your provider or pharmacist to avoid side effects from taking too much.

    • Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking, because Vitamin B Complex might interact with your certain medications.

      • Keep your Vitamin B Complex bottle in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Don't store it in your bathroom because the moisture in the air could affect how well the product works.

        • Don't use Vitamin B Complex after the expiration date on the package. It might not work as well for you if you use it beyond that date.

          • Keep Vitamin B Complex stored in its original container. Exposure to light can destroy the vitamin B2 component.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Vitamin B Complex

            How much Vitamin B Complex should I take daily?
            The recommended daily intake of B vitamins varies and depends on the specific B vitamin. People who are pregnant tend to require more than those who aren't, whereas children tend to require less B vitamins. Different brands of oral Vitamin B Complex have different combinations and dosages of B vitamins. Read the manufacturer label of your product for specific directions. Talk to your provider if you have questions about how much you should take.
            When can you take Vitamin B Complex?
            You can take Vitamin B Complex at any time of day, but it's important to be consistent and take it at the same time each day.
            Is Vitamin B Complex good for you?
            It can be. B vitamins are essential for your body to work properly and are involved in things like turning the food you eat into energy and making new cells. You can get B vitamins through the foods you eat. But, in some situations, you might need to take a Vitamin B Complex supplement. For instance, if your diet doesn't provide enough B vitamins (common in strict vegan diets), or if you have certain health conditions like alcohol use disorder or digestive issues that affect vitamin absorption. And if you're pregnant, B vitamins are important for both you and the health of your growing baby.
            Can you take too much Vitamin B Complex?
            While it's possible, it's unlikely to take too much B vitamins if you're following dosage instructions provided on the Vitamin B Complex package. B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. This means that your body doesn't store them, but gets rid of the extra B vitamins through your urine. But it's still possible for you to experience toxicity if you take very high doses of certain B vitamins over long periods of time. Always let your provider or pharmacist know about all the vitamins and supplements you're taking.
            Does Vitamin B Complex make you gain weight?
            Probably not. Weight gain isn't a commonly reported side effect of Vitamin B Complex. If you notice weight changes while you're taking this supplement, talk with your provider because it could be caused by something else.
            Is Vitamin B Complex the same as B12?
            Both Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) are dietary supplements that are available over the counter (OTC). Vitamin B12 is a single vitamin, but Vitamin B Complex usually includes several B vitamins, including Vitamin B12, and sometimes other supplements. Discuss supplement options with your provider or pharmacist, and ask which product best meets your needs.
            What other ingredients might be in my Vitamin B Complex?
            Some Vitamin B Complex products contain only B vitamins, while others combine B vitamins with other vitamins or minerals. For example, Virt-Caps and VP-Vite Rx are prescription-only B complex vitamins that also contain vitamin C. Many OTC Vitamin B Complex products contain not only B vitamins but also vitamin C and various other vitamins or minerals. If you're not sure what to take, ask your pharmacist for help in choosing the right product for you.
            What is Vitamin B Complex injection used for?
            The injection form is sometimes used in a hospital setting when people can't take Vitamin B Complex by mouth. It's typically given to people who have low levels of B vitamins or certain health issues that require more B vitamins. These issues can include severe burns, fever, gut problems that affect vitamin absorption, alcoholism, and even pregnancy. Your provider will help determine whether you need this injection, and administer it either through your veins (intravenous, IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular, IM).
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            What are the risks and warnings for Vitamin B Complex?

            Vitamin B Complex can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Risk of too much B vitamins

            • Risk factors: Taking more than the recommended dose

              It's unlikely to take too much B vitamins if you follow the instructions on your Vitamin B Complex package. B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning your body can get rid of extra amounts through the urine. But if you take very high doses over a long period of time, it's possible to take too much Vitamin B Complex, leading to severe side effects from specific vitamins, like vitamin B3 or vitamin B6. Since other OTC supplements contain B vitamins, always check with your provider or pharmacist to make sure you're not taking too much.

              dosage

              Vitamin B Complex dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Vitamin B Complex

              Different brands of oral Vitamin B Complex can have different combinations and dosages of B vitamins. Some brands might also contain other types of vitamins. To get specific instructions, read the product's manufacturer label.

              There's also an injectable form that's prescription-only and must be given by a healthcare provider.

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              References

              Best studies we found

              American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Roles of vitamin B in pregnancy.

              Habibe, M. N., et al. (2023). Niacin toxicity. StatPearls.

              Hanna, M., et al. (2022). B vitamins: Functions and uses in medicine. The Permanente Journal.

              View All References (9)

              Hemminger, A., et al. (2023). Vitamin B6 toxicity. StatPearls.

              Lykstad, J., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, water soluble vitamins. StatPearls.

              MedlinePlus. (2021). B vitamins.

              Mylan Institutional LLC. (2021). Vitamin B complex- thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin 5 phosphate sodium, dexpanthenol and niacinamide injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

              National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals.

              National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Niacin: Fact sheet for health professionals.

              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions for industry on Nutrition Facts Labeling requirements.

              Virtus Pharmaceuticals. (2015). Virt-Caps- ascorbic acid, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, biotin, and calcium pantothenate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Virtus Pharmaceuticals. (2015). VP-Vite RX- ascorbic acid, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, biotin, and calcium pantothenate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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