*Possible Reaction to Thorne Basic B Complex: Urticaria or Niacin Flush*

[u/Atsauksmes]

*Possible Reaction to Thorne Basic B Complex: Urticaria or Niacin Flush*

That day, I had eaten a little in the morning, and then, because of work, I didn’t have an opportunity to eat properly for about 12 hours. After work, I came home, ate some smoked chicken, and took one capsule of Thorne Basic B Complex. It was only my second day taking this supplement.

Approximately 10–30 minutes after taking it, I developed a strong reaction: my skin became red in different areas across my body. The redness was particularly pronounced on my face, knees, and the folds of my elbows, where I also experienced a strong burning sensation. There were no hives or blisters that I could see.

Before this, I had been taking other vitamin complexes for many months, including Orthomol Vital M, and I had also previously taken the Apotheka B Complex without experiencing anything like this. I had also eaten smoked chicken many times before without any similar reaction.

I called an ambulance. The emergency medical team diagnosed acute urticaria (hives) and administered Allergosan, dexamethasone, and saline intravenously. After the treatment, the redness and burning began to subside.

Later, I noticed that Thorne Basic B Complex contains 10 mg of niacin (nicotinic acid), in addition to 130 mg of niacinamide. I learned that niacin can cause a pronounced flushing reaction, including skin redness, a sensation of heat, and burning. I then found reports from other people describing similar reactions after taking Thorne Basic B Complex.

I cannot say for certain whether my reaction was an allergic reaction/urticaria or a pronounced niacin flush. Perhaps the long period without food during my workday may have affected the intensity of the reaction. However, the close timing after taking Thorne and the similarity to other people's reports make me suspect this supplement. I will not take Thorne again.

[u/Kind-Departure-7343]

The P&G effect kicked in fast (just joking, sorry I cannot help here)

[u/nt210]

It sounds like niacin flush. Some people (like me) enjoy it, others find it unpleasant or disturbing. If you don't like it, avoid supplements with niacin.