Does Vitamin B12 Help to Prevent Mosquito Bites?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ingested vitamin B is not effective at preventing mosquito bites. The myth that taking vitamin B12 or other B vitamins can make you less attractive to mosquitoes has persisted for decades, but scientific studies have found no evidence to support these claims.

Quick Summary

Despite popular anecdotes, scientific studies show no evidence that taking vitamin B12 prevents mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are attracted to factors like carbon dioxide and body odor, which aren't altered by vitamin supplements. Focus on proven methods instead.

Key Points

• No Scientific Evidence: There is no credible scientific research to support the claim that taking vitamin B12 or any other B vitamin prevents mosquito bites.

• Mosquitoes Attractants: Mosquitoes are primarily attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and specific skin odors, none of which are significantly altered by vitamin B12 supplementation.

• CDC and EPA Recommendations: Health authorities like the CDC and EPA explicitly state that vitamin B supplements are ineffective as mosquito repellents and recommend registered repellents instead.

• Effective Protection Methods: Proven methods include using EPA-registered repellents (DEET, Picaridin, OLE), wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water.

• Myth Origin: The myth originated from flawed reports in the 1940s involving vitamin B1 and has since spread through anecdotes, despite modern studies refuting it.

The Scientific Reality Behind the Vitamin B12 Myth

For many years, the idea that consuming vitamin B, particularly B12, could help ward off mosquitoes has circulated widely as a folk remedy. The theory suggests that B vitamins, when excreted through the skin via sweat, produce an odor that mosquitoes find repellent. This notion, however, is not supported by rigorous scientific research. Studies have repeatedly debunked this claim, confirming that mosquitoes are not deterred by vitamin B12 supplementation.

Where Did This Myth Originate?

The folk remedy's origin traces back to the 1940s, when early, and later discredited, reports suggested that thiamine (vitamin B1) might prevent mosquito bites. The idea took hold and evolved over time to include other B vitamins, including B12. The allure of a simple pill providing protection against irritating and potentially dangerous insect bites allowed the belief to persist, despite a lack of credible evidence. The scientific community, including medical entomologists, points out that if this were an effective method, pharmaceutical companies would market "mosquito repellent pills," which do not exist due to a lack of efficacy.

Why Vitamin B12 Doesn't Work

Mosquitoes do not detect their human targets based on vitamin levels in the bloodstream. Instead, they rely on several key factors to locate a host:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): As humans exhale, we release CO2, which mosquitoes can detect from a significant distance.
• Body Heat: The warmth of a body is another beacon for hungry mosquitoes.
• Body Odor: A complex mix of chemical compounds released from human skin and bacteria on the skin's surface creates a unique odor profile that attracts mosquitoes.

Supplementing with vitamin B12 or any other B vitamin does not meaningfully alter these primary attractants. A 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association gave volunteers vitamin B supplements and found no evidence of reduced mosquito attraction. The study concluded that even with consistent individual variations in attractiveness, vitamin B supplementation had no effect on the mosquitoes.

Proven vs. Unproven Mosquito Bite Prevention

To effectively prevent mosquito bites, it is essential to rely on methods with established scientific backing. Here is a comparison of ineffective and proven strategies.

Strategy	Mechanism	Scientific Backing	Efficacy	Notes
Vitamin B12 Supplements	Allegedly alters body odor via sweat.	None.	Ineffective	A pervasive folk remedy lacking evidence.
Eating Garlic	Consuming garlic supposedly deters mosquitoes.	None.	Ineffective	Studies show no reduced attraction; breath may smell, but mosquitoes are not repelled.
DEET Repellents	Works by confusing mosquitoes' sense of smell, making them unable to locate a target.	Strong.	Highly Effective	Recommended by the CDC and EPA for safe and reliable protection.
Picaridin	A synthetic compound that disrupts a mosquito's ability to sense a host.	Strong.	Highly Effective	Effective, odorless, and a popular alternative to DEET.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)	Plant-derived repellent that blocks mosquitoes' ability to smell carbon dioxide.	Strong.	Effective	EPA-registered and CDC-recommended; not for children under 3.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing	An insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes on contact with fabric.	Strong.	Highly Effective	Can be applied to clothing and gear, not for skin application.
Ultrasonic Devices	Emits high-frequency sounds to deter mosquitoes.	None.	Ineffective	Studies show these devices fail to repel mosquitoes and may even attract them.

The Real Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Protecting yourself from mosquito bites requires a multi-pronged approach that targets their behaviors and breeding grounds.

Personal Protection

• Use EPA-Registered Repellents: Apply products containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) to exposed skin, following all label instructions.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants. For added protection, treat clothing with permethrin.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure at Peak Times: Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, so take extra precautions or stay indoors during these hours.

Around Your Home

• Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly empty or remove containers that can hold water, such as buckets, flowerpots, and old tires, as these are common breeding sites.
• Maintain Your Property: Keep gutters clear, repair leaky taps, and trim tall grass and bushes where mosquitoes rest.
• Use Screens and Nets: Ensure windows and doors have intact screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Use mosquito netting over beds or cribs when sleeping in unscreened areas.

Natural and Alternative Methods

While not as robust as chemical repellents, some natural options can offer some level of protection, though efficacy varies and is generally less potent than EPA-approved products.

• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, like citronella, peppermint, and lavender, can have repellent properties when used in sprays or diffusers. However, their effect is often short-lived.
• Repellent Plants: Growing plants such as citronella grass, marigolds, and rosemary in your garden can create a localized deterrent effect.

Conclusion: Don't Rely on Supplements

The claim that vitamin B12 helps prevent mosquito bites is a persistent myth with no scientific basis. Relying on this unproven remedy can leave you vulnerable to bites and the potential diseases they carry. Effective prevention hinges on using EPA-approved insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. By following these evidence-based strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of mosquito bites and enjoy your time outdoors with greater peace of mind. For authoritative, science-backed guidance, always refer to health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for health-related concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is taking vitamin B12 an effective way to repel mosquitoes?

No, scientific evidence shows that taking vitamin B12 supplements is not an effective way to repel mosquitoes. Numerous studies have found no difference in mosquito attraction between individuals who take B vitamins and those who do not.

What is the best way to prevent mosquito bites, according to experts?

Experts like the CDC recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and removing standing water are also crucial.

Do dietary changes, like eating bananas or garlic, help prevent bites?

No, there is no reliable scientific evidence that eating specific foods, such as garlic or bananas, affects your attractiveness to mosquitoes. These are common folk remedies that have not been proven to work.

How do mosquitoes find their targets if not by vitamin levels?

Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to detect carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. They also detect body heat and specific chemical compounds produced by our skin's bacteria.

Can I use natural plant oils to repel mosquitoes instead?

Some plant oils, like citronella, peppermint, and lemon eucalyptus, have repellent properties, but they are generally not as effective or long-lasting as EPA-approved products. The EPA does recommend products with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), but others vary in efficacy.

Is there any harm in taking vitamin B12 to try and repel mosquitoes?

While B12 supplements are generally safe, relying on them for mosquito protection is risky because it provides a false sense of security. It leaves you vulnerable to bites and the potential for disease transmission.

What are some practical non-chemical methods for mosquito control?

Practical methods include removing standing water around your home, ensuring windows and doors have tight-fitting screens, and using permethrin-treated clothing or gear for outdoor activities.