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There is so much to learn about nutrients, the B vitamin family especially. If you are taking a B supplement or are concerned that you getting too much, then you should know all there is to know about this important vitamin and how it interacts with your body.

There are so many B vitamins that it can be confusing to keep track of them; there are over 20 when all is said and done. To make it more difficult to remember, the B vitamins also have alternate names! Here is a handy list of the most common to help you keep track;

• Vitamin B1, or thiamine
• Vitamin B2, or riboflavin
• Vitamin B3, or niacin
• Vitamin B4, or adenine
• Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid
• Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine
• Vitamin B7, or biotin
• Vitamin B9, or folic acid
• Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin

The entire family of vitamin B is very important for maintaining good health. What are the benefits of getting enough of these vitamins? B Vitamins can:

• Promote cell growth and division
• Prevent anemia
• Promote the immune system
• Help reduce the development of certain cancers
• Promote healthy nervous system function
• Maintain healthy skin
• Support a healthy metabolic rate

It's important to get enough B vitamins every day, since they perform so many crucial functions in your body. Is it possible to get too much, though?

It's difficult to overdose on vitamin B, since B vitamins are water soluble and therefore, excess B is excreted through your urine. That said, you can still take too much and suffer symptoms of overdose. If you feel like you are experiencing an overdose of vitamin B, or any other compound, you should seek medical attention immediately. For the most part, though, people who get too much vitamin B just notice mild symptoms.

If you overdose on vitamin B, it can be just as bad as getting too little. How can you tell if you're getting too much? Here are some symptoms that are commonly associated with overly high doses:

• Anaphylaxis
• Redness of the skin
• Itching or burning sensations
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Liver toxicity
• Skin lesions

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor or other health care provider. They can run a blood test that can tell you exactly how much vitamin B you're getting, and if your levels are too high.

Monitor your vitamin intake for good health!

It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to a vitamin B supplement, and it's important to know the symptoms of such a reaction. Here are the symptoms of a minor allergy:

• Rash or itching of the skin
• Hives
• Nasal congestion
• Abdominal cramping
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Swelling of the lymph nodes

If you experience any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

• Anaphylactic shock
• Problems breathing
• Faintness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the throat, face, or tongue

If you're interested in learning more about B vitamins, the Internet is a great place to search for more information. Here are a few great links that will help you in your research:

• Dr. Andrew Weil wrote a great article about the possibility of getting too much vitamin B. He discusses his recommended dosages and suggests regular liver tests for high, therapeutic doses of certain members of the B family.
• The National Institutes of Health have many fact sheets on vitamins and minerals that come in handy when you want to know more about a nutrient.
• The Mayo Clinic talks about niacin overdose, which can be particularly dangerous.