Products
The vitamin B complex is, among other things, in the form of tablets, capsules and effervescent tablets from various suppliers as medicines as well as dietary supplements on the market (eg, Becozym forte, Berocca, Burgerstein B-complex). Many multivitamin preparations also contain the B vitamins. Many B vitamins were discovered in the 1930s. At that time, Roche also rose to become the largest vitamin producer (Becozym was originally a Roche product). The complex of structurally and functionally distinct vitamins is so named because when the first representative of the B vitamins (thiamine) was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, it was not yet known that it was a group rather than a single vitamin.
Ingredients
The products contain the water-soluble vitamins of the B group:
- Thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Nicotinamide / nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin B3)
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Folic acid (vitamin B9)
- Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)
In addition, other vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and zinc may be added. However, these do not count as vitamins of the B group!
Effects
The vitamins contained are important for the nervous system, for blood formation, for the formation of red blood cells, for mental function and for the skin and mucous membrane, among other things. They also contribute to the reduction of fatigue. They play a role in carbohydrate, fat, nucleic acid and protein metabolism and energy production.
Indications for use
Indications for use include:
- For the prevention and treatment of a deficiency of vitamins of the B group, for example, in drug therapy and malnutrition.
- For liver disease, nerve pain and nervous disorders.
- In chronic alcohol abuse.
- High demands at work and everyday life and stress.
- Lack of energy and fatigue.
While at the beginning of vitamin research focused on the treatment of dangerous vitamin deficiency diseases, the B-complex is now marketed in the Western world mainly as a lifestyle drug for the treatment of overexertion and stress.
Dosage
According to the package insert. Dosage depends on the product and indication. The preparations are usually taken once daily for prevention or as a dietary supplement. More frequent use may also be required for therapeutic use.
Contraindications
Full precautions can be found in the drug label. They depend on the exact composition.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions have been described with levodopa, methotrexate, and chloramphenicol, among others.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include yellowing of the urine due to riboflavin, digestive disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions, and central disturbances such as headache and dizziness.
