How To Take A Vitamin B Complex Supplement

Vitamin B complex supplements contain multiple B vitamins, commonly including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folic acid. Vitamin B complex supplements are often referred to as "stress vitamins" because the body utilizes more vitamin B when under physical or emotional stress. B vitamins are water soluble, therefore, excess vitamin B is excreted by the body and overdose is unlikely. Once daily supplementation is adequate for most people, according to "Foundations of Nursing."

Consult your physician prior to incorporating vitamin B complex supplements, or any other supplements, into your regimen.

Step 1

Take one vitamin B complex tablet or capsule with a large glass of water on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes prior to eating breakfast. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," this will increase absorption of the B vitamins and allow them to increase the body's use of energy provided by your breakfast. However, if you experience nausea or stomach upset when taking vitamin B complex on an empty stomach, take your vitamin B complex vitamin with your breakfast to prevent these side effects.

Step 2

Take your vitamin B complex supplement at the same time everyday to keep an adequate and steady supply of the B complex vitamins in your body.

Step 3

Expect your urine to be bright yellow when taking vitamin B complex supplements. This is due to the excess riboflavin, known as vitamin B2, being excreted from your body.