Tag: Vitamin odor

Did you know that B-complex vitamins, particularly thiamine, contain potent sulfur compounds that have a naturally pungent aroma? If you're asking, "why do my vitamins smell so strong?", the answer is often tied to these powerful, active ingredients, a sign of quality, or storage conditions that degrade the product.

According to NOW Foods, it's normal for B vitamins to have an unpleasant aroma. While the collective B complex formula often has a strong scent, not all B complex vitamins smell, and the odor isn't necessarily a problem. The smell is typically caused by specific, volatile B vitamins and can be influenced by dosage, freshness, and formulation.

According to research, many high-quality supplements and multivitamins have a strong, natural smell from their active ingredients, rather than from fillers. This phenomenon can lead to the question, "Why am I smelling vitamins?"—a common concern that can affect your body odor, breath, and urine.

Over 28% of adults in the U.S. use multivitamins, yet many are bothered by the strong odor associated with B-complex supplements. The sulfur-containing compound in thiamine (B1) is the primary culprit behind the distinctive, unpleasant smell, and this guide will help you identify which B-complex vitamin doesn't smell bad or has the least offensive odor.