Meta Information
ID:b-complex
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/biomarker/immunoassay-tests
Target name:
Immunoassay Lab Tests (e.g., Thyroid, Troponin, Hormones)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
72
Hours after target:
null
Description:
High doses of Biotin (Vitamin B7) can interfere with common lab tests using biotin-streptavidin technology, causing clinically significant falsely high or low results.
Actionable advice:
Stop taking any supplement containing biotin at least 3 days before having blood work done.
Target id:
/intervention/metformin_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Metformin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Long-term metformin use significantly impairs the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the gut, leading to a high risk of deficiency and potential neurological symptoms.
Actionable advice:
If taking metformin long-term, regular B12 level monitoring and supplementation are strongly recommended.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Adequate folate (Vitamin B9) intake before and during early pregnancy is essential for proper neural tube development in the fetus, preventing major birth defects.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate folate intake through a prenatal vitamin or B-complex as recommended by your doctor.
Target id:
/intervention/vegan-diet
Target name:
Vegan Diet
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin B12 is not naturally present in plant-based foods, making supplementation essential to prevent deficiency and associated neurological damage in long-term vegans.
Actionable advice:
If following a vegan diet, daily supplementation with Vitamin B12 is necessary.
Target id:
/intervention/methotrexate-cancer
Target name:
Methotrexate (for Cancer)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Methotrexate works by blocking the action of folate (Vitamin B9); taking folate supplements can directly counteract its anti-cancer effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid all folate-containing supplements during methotrexate cancer therapy unless specifically directed by your oncologist.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Fluoropyrimidine Chemotherapy (5-FU, Capecitabine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Folate (Vitamin B9) can bind to an enzyme involved in the metabolism of these drugs, significantly increasing both their therapeutic effect and their life-threatening toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Do not take folate supplements while on 5-FU or capecitabine unless part of a prescribed regimen.
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa (without Carbidopa)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) accelerates the conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the periphery, preventing it from reaching the brain and reducing its therapeutic effect for Parkinson's disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid B-complex and B6 supplements if taking a levodopa-only formulation.
Target id:
/class/proton-pump-inhibitors
Target name:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Long-term use of acid-suppressing PPIs impairs the release of Vitamin B12 from food proteins in the stomach, increasing the risk of deficiency over time.
Actionable advice:
If using PPIs long-term, consider regular monitoring of B12 levels and potential supplementation.
Target id:
/class/anticonvulsants
Target name:
Enzyme-Inducing Anticonvulsant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Certain anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine) can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of folate (B9), B6, and B12.
Actionable advice:
Discuss B-vitamin status and potential need for supplementation with your doctor if taking these medications.
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Impaired kidney function can lead to the accumulation of B vitamin metabolites, increasing the risk of toxicity, particularly nerve damage (neuropathy) from high-dose vitamin B6.
Actionable advice:
Consult a physician before taking B-complex supplements; lower, monitored doses may be required.
Target id:
/intervention/methotrexate-autoimmune
Target name:
Methotrexate (for Autoimmune Disease)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
24
Hours after target:
24
Description:
Folate is often prescribed with methotrexate for autoimmune conditions to reduce side effects, but it must be timed correctly to avoid interfering with the drug's weekly efficacy.
Actionable advice:
Take your prescribed folate supplement on a different day than your weekly methotrexate dose, typically 24 hours after.
Target id:
/class/diuretics
Target name:
Diuretics (especially Loop Diuretics)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Long-term use of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) increases the urinary excretion of thiamine (Vitamin B1) and other water-soluble vitamins, potentially leading to deficiency.
Actionable advice:
If on long-term diuretic therapy, discuss the need for B-complex supplementation with your doctor.
Target id:
/condition/mthfr-polymorphism
Target name:
MTHFR Gene Polymorphism
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
MTHFR gene variants impair the conversion of synthetic folic acid to its active form; using pre-methylated forms like L-methylfolate (B9) and methylcobalamin (B12) bypasses this metabolic step.
Actionable advice:
Choose a B-complex containing L-methylfolate and methylcobalamin instead of folic acid and cyanocobalamin.
Target id:
/intervention/vegetarian-diet
Target name:
Vegetarian Diet
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While some dairy and eggs contain Vitamin B12, intake is often insufficient in vegetarian diets to maintain optimal levels, increasing the risk of deficiency.
Actionable advice:
If following a vegetarian diet, regular B12 supplementation is often necessary.
Target id:
/class/chelating-antibiotics
Target name:
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Some B vitamins may interfere with the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics in the gut, potentially reducing the medication's effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Take B-complex vitamins at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after a dose of tetracycline.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking B-complex vitamins with food can enhance the absorption of some components and may reduce the potential for mild nausea, particularly with higher doses.
Actionable advice:
Take your B-complex supplement with a meal.
Target id:
/circadian/wake
Target name:
Waking Up / Morning
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
2
Description:
B vitamins play a key role in cellular energy production; taking them in the morning aligns with the body's natural metabolic rhythm and may support daytime energy levels.
Actionable advice:
Take B-complex vitamins in the morning, ideally with your first meal.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to their role in energy metabolism, taking B-complex vitamins late in the evening may be stimulating for some individuals and could potentially interfere with sleep.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking B-complex vitamins within 4 hours of your intended bedtime.
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa-carbidopa
Target name:
Levodopa/Carbidopa Combination
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The carbidopa component largely prevents Vitamin B6 from breaking down levodopa peripherally, but very high B6 doses (>25-50mg) could potentially overwhelm this block.
Actionable advice:
Standard B-complex doses are generally safe, but avoid separate high-dose B6 supplements.
Target id:
/class/estrogens
Target name:
Estrogens (Oral Contraceptives & HRT)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Use of estrogen-containing medications may lower blood levels of several B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, though clinical deficiency is uncommon.
Actionable advice:
Ensure a diet rich in B vitamins or consider a low-dose B-complex if taking estrogens long-term.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin_c_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin C
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Vitamin C can help protect folate (B9) from oxidation and may enhance its absorption and utilization within the body.
Actionable advice:
Taking Vitamin C at the same time as your B-complex may offer a slight synergistic benefit.
Target id:
/procedure/urinalysis
Target name:
Urinalysis
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
24
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) imparts a bright, fluorescent yellow color to urine, which is harmless but can interfere with the visual or automated reading of urine test strips.
Actionable advice:
Consider pausing your B-complex supplement for 24 hours before a scheduled urinalysis.
Target id:
/biomarker/homocysteine
Target name:
Homocysteine Levels
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and B12 are critical cofactors for enzymes that break down homocysteine, an amino acid linked to cardiovascular risk when elevated.
Actionable advice:
Use B-complex vitamins as a primary strategy to lower elevated homocysteine levels.