HealthEsupplements Bodybuilding and Weight Loss Supplement Encyclopedia

A high-quality vitamin B complex supplement will provide, in one convenient pill, a full range of B vitamins, including biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and the six "numbered" B vitamins--vitamin B-1 (thiamin), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-12 (cobalamin). Combination products can simplify the process of taking individual B vitamins for a range of ailments including alcoholism, depression, diabetes, hair problems, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and stress.

Vitamin B complex products are generally available in two forms: B-50s and B-100s. In a B-50 complex, look for a minimum of the following: 400 mcg folic acid, 50 mcg B-12 and biotin, and at least 50 mg of all the other B vitamins. Generally twice this amount is found in B-100 complexes, except for the folic acid (400 mcg), which remains the same. A B-100 typically contains 100 mcg B-12 and biotin, and 100 mg of all the other B vitamins.

While convenient, combination B vitamin products can produce an unpleasantly strong vitaminlike odor and cause queasiness if taken on an empty stomach. To minimize these side effects and enhance absorption, take this vitamin pill with food. A bright yellow hue to the urine following a B-complex vitamin is a harmless side effect of the riboflavin (B-2).

Cautions

Ailments	Dosage
ADHD	Look for a B-100 complex with 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 100 mg all other B vitamins. This size will provide the extra B-3 and B-6 recommended.
Alcoholism	1 B-50 pill each morning and evening with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Alzheimer's Disease	1 B-100 pill a day
Anxiety and Panic	1 B-50 pill each morning with food. Should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Canker Sores	1 B-50 pill each morning
Chronic Pain	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins
Crohn's Disease	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Depression	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Diabetes	1 B-100 pill each morning with food. Each pill should supply 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 100 mg all other B vitamins.
Epilepsy	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Fatigue	1 B-50 pill each morning with food. Should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mcg all other B vitamins.
Hair Problems	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Heart Disease Prevention	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins; may be partially covered by your daily multivitamin.
Infertility, Female	1 B-50 pill each morning. These nutrients may already be covered by your daily multivitamin.
Multiple Sclerosis	1 B-100 pill twice a day for flare-ups; then reduce to 1 pill each morning as maintenance. Each pill should supply 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 100 mg all other B vitamins.
Nail Problems	1 B-50 pill each morning with food. Should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Psoriasis	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg of all other B vitamins
Rosacea	1 B-50 pill each morning with food. Should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.
Stress	1 B-100 once a day. Each pill should supply 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 100 mg all other B vitamins.
Tobacco Dependence	1 B-50 pill twice a day with food. Each pill should supply 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid, and 50 mg all other B vitamins.