The B vitamins support many important functions. They help you metabolize fats and proteins, convert carbohydrates to sugar, strengthen your vision, hair and skin and help maintain proper function of your liver and nervous system. No scientific evidence exists, however, that taking B vitamins in complex formulas or stand-alone supplements will help prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito Bite Dangers
A mosquito bite, normally a minor irritant, can occasionally prove dangerous. Mosquitoes feed on birds, rodents and other animals as well as humans. If they feed on an infected animal or person, they can carry the infection to their next biting victim. Encephalitis and West Nile virus are two rare but serious infections that mosquitoes might carry and transmit. If you contract a mosquito-borne infection, you might experience mild symptoms such as slight fever or headache. But it is possible to die from a mosquito bite. It makes sense, then, to take all reasonable precautions against mosquito bites. Taking vitamin B is not among them.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
To prevent mosquito bites, keep your body covered as much as weather permits. This means wearing shirts with long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks. Spray exposed skin and thin clothing with insect repellant. For safety, choose mosquito repellants registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, including oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin and DEET. Some insect repellants that you can safely spray on clothing may prove harmful if sprayed directly on your skin. Carefully check for and abide by package directions. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day, but take extra precautions during their peak feeding hours -- dawn until dusk. Mosquitoes also lay eggs in standing water. Stay away from stagnant ponds and remove sources of standing water around your home.
Vitamin B Risks
Some popular mosquito-prevention strategies, while not proved effective, are not harmful to try. You could safely use cosmetic lotions or citrus-scented sprays, for example. But taking B vitamins in an attempt to prevent mosquito bites carries potentially harmful risks. Some of the B vitamins pose mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches. But others, if taken in excess, can cause serious health problems, including liver, nerve and brain damage, vision loss, irregular heartbeat, gastrointestinal ulcers and gout.
Mosquito Bite Treatment
Most mosquito bites prove harmless. Avoid scratching the bites. Some topical ointments may alleviate the itching. You don't need to rush to the doctor if you get a mosquito bite, even if you live in or visit an area with reported mosquito-related viruses. However, see a doctor immediately if you develop a sudden, severe headache or high fever following a mosquito bite. Additionally, if you're uncertain about the seriousness of your symptoms or simply have concerns, contact a health professional to get the answers you seek.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B-3 (Niacin); June 18, 2009
- Medline Plus: Thiamine (Vitamin B-1); May 9, 2011
- Medline Plus; Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2);Nov. 19, 2010
- Medline Plus:Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5); Nov. 19, 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: Vitamin B-6
- Medline Plus;Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6); Dec. 13, 2010
Member Comments