The various forms of vitamin B comprise critical components in your daily nutrition, helping with various body functions, such as converting the food you eat into energy. Because vitamin B complexes are water-soluble, they don't pose a toxic risk in the same manner as fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A. That doesn't mean they can't build up to toxic levels that may exhibit themselves in various fashions, depending on the specific type of vitamin B involved.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1 also goes by the name thiamin. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University says this vitamin has a very low risk factor and there's no maximum recommended level for thiamin ingestion. However, severe allergic reactions have been experienced if the vitamin is administered intravenously. Symptoms include a difficulty breathing, unconsciousness and swollen oral tissues.
Vitamin B-2
You may also know vitamin B-2 as riboflavin. If you take more than 10 mg in a single day, you may experience a greater sensitivity to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which may result in eye damage, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additional toxic symptoms may include changes in your urine's color to dark orange; a burning feeling on your skin's surface; and general itchiness.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 may also be known as niacin. High supplement dosages of 50 mg or more in a day may cause toxic side effects such as a red flush spreading on your chest and face along with a burning sensation on the skin's surface, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also cause liver damage, since the organ can't filter out all of the vitamin efficiently.
Vitamin B-5
You might know vitamin B-5 by its common name, pantothenic acid. Taking 1,200 mg per day or more may cause toxic symptoms in your digestive tract, including heartburn, diarrhea and nausea, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Vitamin B-6
A toxic buildup of vitamin B-6 may lead to painful symptoms afflicting your nervous system, warns the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Symptoms include either numbness or intense pain in your extremities, like your toes. You may also find it hard to walk. For safety purposes, the institute says to never take more than 100 mg in a day.
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