B complex vitamins are a combination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining the health of tissues throughout the body. A person deficient in B vitamins can suffer serious impairment in any number of tissues. On the other hand, excessive levels can pose serious health risks, ranging from psychological to physical problems.
Vitamins B1 and B2
Vitamins B1, also known as thiamine, and B2, also known as riboflavin, help the body create energy. The American Cancer Society, or ACS, states that each vitamin also helps to metabolize enzymes affecting nerve, heart and muscle cells. Taking excessive amounts of vitamin B1 can cause heart palpitations, agitation, insomnia and hypertension, according to the website Accu-Cell Nutrition. Excessive vitamin B2 intake may cause anemia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and hypotension.
Vitamin B3 and B4
A main function of vitamins B3, also known as niacin, and B4, also known as niacinamide, is energy production within cells. These vitamins are necessary for the skin's health, and maintaining nervous and digestive system functions. Excessive amounts of these vitamins can cause headaches, hyperglycemia, nausea, vomiting, sweating and jaundice, says Accu-Cell Nutrition.
Vitamin B5 and B6
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, supports growth and development and also helps prevent anemia. Excessive amounts of vitamin B5 can cause fatigue, joint pain, edema, gastrointestinal problems, depression, increased triglycerides and dehydration, says Accu-Cell Nutrition. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, assists with protein metabolism and helps maintain red blood cells. It also helps maintain the immune and nervous systems. Vitamin B 6 also assists in making norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals the brain uses for communication. Excessive levels of vitamin B-6 can cause hand and feet numbness, depression, fatigue, headaches, suicidal tendencies, hypoglycemia, thyroid dysfunction and nerve problems.
Vitamin B7 and B9
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, helps to metabolize proteins and carbohydrates and also helps make hormones, according to ACS. Excessive amounts of this vitamin may cause brittle nails, skin disorders, depression, hair loss, anemia and fatigue. Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is needed by the body to make DNA and red blood cells. Excessive amounts of vitamin B9 can cause abdominal bloating, nausea, kidney problems, loss of appetite and high cholesterol. It can also make it difficult to diagnose anemia from vitamin B12 deficiency, says Accu-Cell Nutrition.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as methylcobalamin, may have an underlying function in the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and overall cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health. Insufficiency may be related to psychosis and memory loss. Excessive amounts of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems including tingling or numbness on the arm or face, heart palpitations and anxiety attacks. Other effects may include anemia linked with high folic acid levels, and problems with the thyroid or optic nerve.
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