Most complete multivitamins contain several vitamins from the B-complex family. These vitamins generally supply 100 percent of the recommended daily value of these B vitamins, which include niacin and folic acid. However, if you are taking a B-complex vitamin, do not take a multivitamin that contains B-complex vitamins as well. Although you have to take a great deal of B vitamins to overdose, some B-complex vitamin tablets contain other vitamins such as vitamin E, which can be dangerous if too much is taken.
Multivitamin
A multivitamin contains a mixture of both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. There are multivitamins formulated for daily use to supplement your nutrition or to accommodate for aging, menopause and pregnancy. You can also purchase multivitamins formulated to support nail, skin and hair growth. Multivitamins come in capsule, chewable, tablet, powder and liquid form. Daily-use multivitamins will almost always contain B-complex vitamins.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9 and B-12. These vitamins serve different purposes in the body, but most work to turn food into energy. All adults are recommended to consume B-vitamins on a daily basis as they are water soluble and are not stored or manufactured by the body. Pregnant women, in particular, must also take supplements to increase certain B-vitamins such as folic acid, which works to prevent spinal defects during pregnancy.
Considerations
If you are taking a multivitamin that contains B-complex vitamins, there's no need to take a separate B-complex supplement. Although B-complex supplements are water-soluble, long-term health effects of B-complex overdose may occur. If you are taking B-complex vitamins on their own, do not take more than the manufacturer recommends.
Safety
If you are deficient in a specific B vitamin, your physician may recommend you taking a separate supplement in addition to taking your multivitamins. Do not increase the dosage of your multivitamins in order to supplement for your deficiency; this can result in vitamin overdose, which in some cases can be fatal.
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