Avoid b complexes, they have high % of B12 and biotin, which can cause acne if taken in high amounts.

For me, the best B vitamin is B-8 inositol, which ironically is usually omitted from b-complexes.

B6 can help too, and niacin (B3?)

Avoid b complexes, they have high % of B12 and biotin, which can cause acne if taken in high amounts.

I couldn't remember which B vitamin(s) tend to cause problems, so thank thank you for clearing that up--pun definitely intended. My particular supplement is Super B-50 by Nature's Plus; yes, it has B-12 (50 mcg) and Biotin/B-7 (50 mcg). Ugh.

For me, the best B vitamin is B-8 inositol, which ironically is usually omitted from b-complexes.

B6 can help too, and niacin (B3?)

Interestingly, Super B-50 does contain B-8 (50 mg), and, of course, Niacin (as Niacinamide/B-3, 50 mg). But with the B-12 and Biotin, it's a wash. *sigh*

If you don't mind me asking, what specific B supplement/brand do you use--or have you used--that contains B-8 and Niacinamide?

Thanks so much for the current info.!

the most balanced b-complex I found so far is solgar's b-complex stress formula with vitamin C. But even that gave me tiny pimples so now I just supplement with inositol (for hormonal balance) and I drink vitamin water zero for other vitamins (including niacin) and minerals. I also take occasionally herpanacine, which is a mini-multivitamin. The rest I try to get from food.

the most balanced b-complex I found so far is solgar's b-complex stress formula with vitamin C. But even that gave me tiny pimples so...

Since Solgar's B-Complex Stress Formula with Vitamin C contains B-12 (Cobalamin), I don't dare touch it. Granted, it has 25 mcg, vs. the 50 mcg of B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) in Nature's Plus Super B-50.

The main reason why I bought Nature's Made complex is that it doesn't contain any stearates, which I've read prevent the full absorption of vitamins; so you're not getting what you pay for if a supplement contains one or more of them. Still, a whole lotta good it does me to go stearate-free if the vitamins, themselves, cause me to break out. Heh.

...Now I just supplement with inositol (for hormonal balance) and I drink vitamin water zero for other vitamins (including niacin) and minerals. I also take occasionally herpanacine, which is a mini-multivitamin. The rest I try to get from food.

Clearly, I need to research Vit. B-8, as I could stand to help balance my hormones. (I want to stop taking birth control pills one of these days; I must have a plan in place and implemented for balancing my hormones before making that leap.)

And I've not even heard of Herpanacine, so, clearly, I've more research to do.

If you want to balance your hormones to ease the transition off birth control there is a natural supplement called Estrosmart by Lorna Vanderhaeghe that is great. (not sure where you live but it is available in Canada)

Lorna also has a website and has written several books about women and hormones.

Might be worth taking a look at.

http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/11/18/the-vitamin-that-can-give-you-acne/

http://www.weighttraining.com/faq/can-vitamin-b-cause-acne

The above links claim that even B-6 could cause breakouts.

I personally believe it doesn't matter how much of these vitamins you take, as long as the ratio is correct. A lot of these B vitamins work in a synergy. As an example, too much B-5 can and will compete with biotin for absorption, throwing the balance off. I eat 300mcg biotin and 100mcg B-12 as part of a B-complex and I don't experience any breakouts from it. When I was eating biotin alone I experienced one of the worst breakouts I ever had.

I personally believe it doesn't matter how much of these vitamins you take, as long as the ratio is correct. A lot of these B vitamins work in a synergy. As an example, too much B-5 can and will compete with biotin for absorption, throwing the balance off. I eat 300mcg biotin and 100mcg B-12 as part of a B-complex and I don't experience any breakouts from it. When I was eating biotin alone I experienced one of the worst breakouts I ever had.

Let me guess: the correct ratio of these vitamins is dependent on the individual? Or is there a general consensus on a ratio that works for most adults (especially adult women)?

I don't know which B vitamin(s) in the B-50 Complex I tried is/are to blame for my previous breakouts. All I know is that every time I've tried taking it--at least 3 different times--I always developed a nodule or cyst on the third day, at which time I stopped taking it. (My particular complex contains only 50 mcg of B-12, so I suspect that even that dose affects me negatively. Bah.)

On 4/14/2014 at 8:36 PM, PrettyInside said:

On 4/14/2014 at 5:53 PM, jari litmanen said:

I personally believe it doesn't matter how much of these vitamins you take, as long as the ratio is correct. A lot of these B vitamins work in a synergy. As an example, too much B-5 can and will compete with biotin for absorption, throwing the balance off. I eat 300mcg biotin and 100mcg B-12 as part of a B-complex and I don't experience any breakouts from it. When I was eating biotin alone I experienced one of the worst breakouts I ever had.

Let me guess: the correct ratio of these vitamins is dependent on the individual? Or is there a general consensus on a ratio that works for most adults (especially adult women)?

I don't know which B vitamin(s) in the B-50 Complex I tried is/are to blame for my previous breakouts. All I know is that every time I've tried taking it--at least 3 different times--I always developed a nodule or cyst on the third day, at which time I stopped taking it. (My particular complex contains only 50 mcg of B-12, so I suspect that even that dose affects me negatively. Bah.)

I wish I knew. I don't even know if there is any ratio like that, but the way B vitamins interact with each other makes me believe so. There are supposedly optimal formulas for stress and fatigue ([Removed]) so maybe there's one for acne as well?

On 4/14/2014 at 9:51 PM, jari litmanen said:

There are supposedly optimal formulas for stress and fatigue ([Removed]) so maybe there's one for acne as well?

That is the million-dollar question.

For months I have been suffering from insomnia, and after some research found that in some people, if taken at bedtime can cause insomnia. Changed when I take it - and yup, it was causing it. So definately try taking it in the morning.

For months I have been suffering from insomnia, and after some research found that in some people, if taken at bedtime can cause insomnia. Changed when I take it - and yup, it was causing it. So definately try taking it in the morning.

Are you speaking about Vit. B-12?

Sorry, I should have mentioned, B Complex.

Sorry, I should have mentioned, B Complex.

So it gives you insomnia if taken too late in the day, but it didn't make you breakout? Well, at least there's that one bright spot for ya'.