Should I Take Vitamin B if Dehydrated?

Dehydration is the excess loss of water and salts from the body. Dehydration can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and excessive urination. Your body needs water and fluids to maintain enough blood, electrolytes and bodily functions. If you are dehydrated, consult your doctor before taking the eight B vitamins.

B-complex vitamins include B-1,B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9 and B-12. These vitamins work together to help your body break down carbohydrates, fats and protein into glucose, which is the main source of energy for the body, according to MedlinePlus. B-complex vitamins can help reduce excess fatigue caused by dehydration. Consult your doctor before you using over-the-counter B-complex vitamin supplements. The doctor may advise you to first seek medical treatment for dehydration before you take vitamin B supplements. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means excess amounts of the vitamins are not stored in your body. The vitamins are usually excreted from your body in urine. When you are dehydrated, your body produces less urine, which may lead to accumulation of B vitamins in your blood.

Eating foods rich in B-complex vitamins can also help reduce fatigue caused by dehydration. Many of the foods also contain water, which can help treat mild dehydration. You can obtain B vitamins from foods such as whole grain cereals, enriched breads, breakfast cereals, milk, red meat, egg yolks, fish, chicken, liver, brown rice, beans, legumes, peas, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, wheat germ and brewer's yeast, according to MedlinePlus.

Seek early treatment for dehydration if you notice symptoms of dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, low urine output, dark yellow urine, dry sticky mouth, thick saliva, sunken eyes, dizziness, headaches, irritability, flushed skin, rapid weak pulse, hypotension, loose skin that looks wrinkled, cramping in the arms and legs, convulsions and fainting, according to Rehydrate.org. Untreated dehydration can cause delirium, unconsciousness and death.

Drink water and fluids containing electrolytes to correct mild dehydration. Moderate or severe dehydration are medical emergencies and may require treatment at a hospital. Do not wait until your dehydration becomes severe. Replace fluids as soon as vomiting and diarrhea starts. Avoid taking sugary drinks to treat dehydration because they can cause diarrhea.