How much vitamin B should I take? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

How much vitamin B should I take?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • The most important kind of vitamin B, which is vitamin B-12, should be taken in 10-milligram doses every day.
  • If you were to take only one kind of vitamin B, most doctors agree that vitamin B-12 provides the most health benefits.
  • Pregnant women, children and the elderly should take vitamin B only when they are advised by their doctors.

Ingesting the daily recommended amount of vitamin B is beneficial for essential muscle and organ functioning.

It can also help you to physically handle the stress in your life.

In total, there are 8 different types of vitamin B.

The most important kind of vitamin B, which is vitamin B-12, should be taken in 10-milligram doses every day.

Most people take vitamin B complex vitamins in order to get the optimal blend of all vitamin B varieties.

Other types of vitamin B go by names such as riboflavin, vitamin B-6, biotin, and folic acid.

While you can take the 11 strains of vitamin B separately or in one complex supplement, you should be careful not to take too much.

Remember that supplements are only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is essential. Sign up for an Exercise.com PRO plan today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.

Which Variety of Vitamin B Provides the Most Benefits?

If you were to take only one kind of vitamin B, most doctors agree that vitamin B-12 provides the most health benefits.

However, being deficient in other forms of vitamin B would most certainly lead to muscle, organ, and bone issues.

Folic acid is a very important nutrient that is primarily taken by women of childbearing age.

Pregnant women take a high dose of folic acid in order to ensure that their babies develop normally.

If at all possible, you should take a vitamin B supplement that contains all 11 vitamin B groups

Can Vitamin B Be Used to Treat Depression?

Some people have been able to successfully treat depression by taking vitamin B supplements. Vitamin B helps to maintain your mental health.

If you are deficient in vitamin B you can begin to experience mood swings and feel depressed. Although vitamin B can be used to end bouts of depression, you should not attempt to self diagnose. Consult your physician to make sure taking a vitamin B complex supplement is a good idea.

The National Institutes of Health provides visitors with information on vitamin B, including dosage amounts and possible side effects. Some holistic medicine practitioners have prescribed vitamin B supplements in addition to other mood-boosting herbs to treat depression.

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Are Vitamin B Supplements Safe to Take?

Vitamin B supplements are sold without a prescription at a variety of retail stores. Although they are viewed as a very safe supplement, the possibility of overdose is very real.

Many people take vitamin B to aid in accomplishing their weight loss goals. As long as you have the seal of approval from your doctor, you can take vitamin B supplements.

You should also check the bottle containing your vitamin B supplements to ensure that they have not expired. Other than taking too many vitamin B supplements or taking vitamin B supplements that have expired, you don’t have anything to worry about.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Vitamin B Supplements?

Normally, people that take too many vitamin B supplements experience no side effects because excess vitamin B is excreted in urine. However, excess vitamin B can have negative side effects on the body.

When taken in too high an amount, vitamin B becomes toxic. Side effects of vitamin B toxicity may include damage to your liver, causing your limbs to become numb, or even jaundice.

When taken in the correct dosage, vitamin B is perfectly safe. Pregnant women, children and the elderly should take vitamin B only when they are advised by their doctors.

Do Vitamin B Supplements Interfere With Any Prescription Drugs?

The main reason that you should talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B supplements is that they can interfere with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications. Most vitamin B drug interactions are minor. However, some patients have experienced major side effects.

If you are taking vitamin B supplements and your doctor prescribes any new medications, be sure to mention it. This could help to prevent a potentially dangerous drug interaction.

Can I Stop Taking Vitamin B Supplements Safely?

Users who suddenly stop taking their vitamin B supplements don’t usually have a problem. You might experience mood changes for the first few weeks, however, it’s actually good to take a break from your supplements now and again. Vitamin B can also be obtained by eating the right foods.

If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not stop taking your vitamin B supplements unless you are directed by your doctor. Since vitamin B is also found in many multivitamins, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a separate supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– Do I have to take supplements?

Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.

– Are supplements safe?

Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.

– What supplements do I need to take?

No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.

Are you in need of an exercise routine to pair with your supplement regimen? If so, go PRO today for access to trainers, workouts, nutrition trackers, and more.

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