The term vitamin B-50 complex actually is a mix of different B vitamins. The mix contains either 50 mcg or 50 mg of B vitamins, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says. These vitamins are B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, and B-12. The roles that B vitamins play in the body are widespread and varied. This is illustrated when a person is vitamin deficient, resulting in serious impairment in a number of systems. High doses of B vitamins can also be harmful, causing problems in various types of tissues.
Vitamins B-1 and B-2
Vitamin B-1 (thiamine) and vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) help the body make energy. Each vitamin also helps with enzyme metabolism that affects nerves, muscles and the heart, according to the ACS. Accu-Cell Nutrition says vitamin B-1 side effects can include heart palpitations, agitation, hypertension, insomnia and skin eruptions. Vitamin B-2 side effects can include nausea, vomiting, anemia, fatigue and hypotension.
Vitamin B-3 and B-4
The primary functions of vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-4 (niacinamide) are in the cells' production of energy. These vitamins are important to maintain good health of the skin, nervous and digestive systems. Side effects from these vitamins can appear as nausea, vomiting, hyperglycemia, headaches, elevated uric acid, sweating, rashes and jaundice, Accu-Cell Nutrition reports.
Vitamin B-5 and B-6
Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) helps the body with growing and developing as well as fighting anemia. Side effects of vitamin B-5 may include edema, joint pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, calcification, increased triglycerides, depression and dehydration, according to Accu-Cell Nutrition.
Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, can help with protein metabolism, maintenance of red blood cells and has many roles in keeping the immune and nervous systems healthy. B-6 also helps to make the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Side effects of vitamin B-6 can include numbness in the feet and hands, depression, suicidal tendency, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, hypoglycemia, thyroid problems and nerve or spinal degeneration, Accu-Cell Nutrition says.
Vitamin B-7 and B-9
The ACS says vitamin B-7 (biotin) helps break down carbohydrates and proteins and aids in hormone synthesis. Side effects can include skin disorders, brittle nails, hair loss, depression, anemia and fatigue. Vitamin B-9 (folic acid) is important for synthesizing DNA and for forming red blood cells. Vitamin B-9 side effects may include kidney problems, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, nausea and increased cholesterol. It also can mask anemia caused by vitamin B-12 insufficiency, according to Accu-Cell Nutrition.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 (methylcobalamin) has been studied for its connection to dementia, Alzheimer's disease and general cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health. Insufficiency may be related to psychosis and memory problems. Side effects of vitamin B-12 can include neurological signs such as tingling or numbness on the right side of the face or right arm, heart palpitations and anxiety attacks. Other side effects can be anemia related to excessive folic acid, and optic nerve or thyroid problems.
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