Excess vitamin B: symptoms, why it happens and treatment

Excess vitamin B occurs mainly when the supplement is used for a long period without advice from a doctor or nutritionist, resulting in high concentrations of circulating vitamin B that cannot be properly absorbed.

Thus, as a result of excess vitamin B complex in circulation, it is possible to notice the appearance of some symptoms, such as tingling in the feet and hands, itching and redness of the skin, increased blood pressure, excessive tiredness, dizziness and imbalance and difficulty in sleep, for example.

It is important that in the presence of signs and symptoms of excess vitamin B complex, the doctor is consulted so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated, which mainly involves suspending the use of the supplement, in addition to specific treatment being indicated. for the symptoms presented.

Symptoms of excess vitamin B

Symptoms of excess vitamin B appear when the concentration of this vitamin in the blood is greater than 3000 mg for more than 2 months, as at this concentration it is possible for nerve damage and an inflammatory response in the body. Thus, the main symptoms of excess vitamin B are:

• Tingling in hands and feet;
• Muscle cramps and spasms;
• Intense headache;
• Nausea and loss of appetite;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Itching and redness of the skin;
• Excessive tiredness;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Muscle and bone pain;
• Dizziness and imbalance;
• Sudden changes in mood;
• Anaphylactic reaction.

Furthermore, in some cases, constant high doses of vitamin B can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers, lead to an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood and increase the risk of changes in the liver.

Why does it happen

Excess vitamin B occurs mainly when the supplement of these vitamins is consumed in high quantities, for a long period and without medical advice, which can lead to an excessive increase in the concentration of this vitamin in the blood, so that it cannot be properly absorbed. in the body and can cause nerve damage and stimulate an inflammatory response.

It is very rare for excess vitamin B to occur only through the intake of foods rich in this vitamin, such as salmon, bananas, potatoes, nuts, legumes, meat and eggs, for example, since it is necessary to consume more than 500 to 3000 times the recommended daily dose to have an excess of the circulating vitamin, which is quite difficult with food alone. Discover foods rich in B vitamins.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for excess vitamin B should be advised by a doctor or nutritionist and consists of reducing or interrupting the intake of the vitamin, so that the symptoms disappear after a few weeks.

However, in some cases, the doctor may also recommend specific treatment according to the symptoms presented by the person. If there has been permanent damage to the nerves, for example, physiotherapy may be recommended to deal with the consequences and improve quality of life.