Vitamin B1 or B12 For Remedy Against Mosquitoes

The phrase “buzz off” is used to describe a lot of annoyances today. From everything to that persistent telemarketer or your noisy neighbor, “buzz off” pretty much says it all. However, it doesn’t apply to anything quite as well (or as iconically) as humanity’s nemesis: the mosquito. 

Seeing as pretty much everyone on the planet can’t stand the little bloodsuckers, it makes perfect sense that there is a sea of options when it comes to repelling them. And while we can certainly get behind a few of them, truth be told — most leave us raising an eyebrow. 

Take garlic, for example. Apparently, if you rub fresh garlic cloves all over your body, not only will you smell like delicious bread (and possibly scare off a few vampires), but you can also avoid getting bitten by a swarm of ravenous mosquitoes — for 20 minutes, according to a few recent studies. 

Straight From the Experts

Here at The Natural Patch Co., we’re pretty big fans of chemical-free solutions. However, for a measly 20 minutes of skeeter protection and several hours of smelling like garlic, this is one hack that we’re going to have to skip. 

Another trend to prevent mozzie bites that a few special individuals swear by is simply drinking copious amounts of lemon juice. Now, there really hasn’t been too much research to back this interesting claim, but seeing as just the thought of a sour lemon is enough to make our lips pucker, we’ll gladly skip this one, too. 

From vodka and witch hazel to mouthwash and cooking spices, the internet seems to never run out of sharing trendy tips and tricks to combat the pesky insects. So, what’s the latest and greatest mosquito-repelling craze taking the world by storm these days? 

B vitamins — specifically B1 and B12. 

Initially, the thought of using B vitamins to repel blood-thirsty mosquitoes sounded pretty silly to us. After all, they’re just vitamins. But then, after doing a little bit of research, we found that this trending remedy dates back to many decades ago. So, if it’s still around to this day, does that mean it actually works — can B1 or B12 be used to prevent mosquito bites?

Let’s find out!

First Things First. What Exactly Are B Vitamins Anyway?

Believe it or not, the B vitamin family is made up of not just one or two vitamins, but nine. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the family members that make up this essential group:

• B1: thiamin
• B2: riboflavin
• B3: niacin
• B5: pantothenic acid
• B6: pyridoxine
• B7: biotin
• B9: folic acid
• B12: cobalamin

While each vitamin plays an important role in achieving good health, today, we are focusing on B1 (thiamin) and B12 (cobalamin). 

What Is Vitamin B1?

Also known as thiamin, vitamin B1 enables the body to use carbs as energy. It’s essential for glucose metabolism and plays a major role in heart, muscle, and nerve function.

While you can take vitamin B1 as a supplement, the nutrient can also be found in food, such as:

• Cauliflower
• Oranges
• Eggs
• Potatoes
• Asparagus
• Kale

What Is Vitamin B12? 

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA. Needless to say, this vitamin is pretty essential! Similar to B1, vitamin B12 can be taken as a supplement.

However, it is also found in many different food sources, such as:

• Beef
• Tuna
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salmon
• Yogurt

Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 vs. Mosquitoes: The Ultimate Showdown

Mosquitoes suck — pun intended. These bugs carry and transmit life-threatening diseases contributing to over one million deaths each year. Not to mention the buzzy fliers uninvitedly drink our blood, leaving behind nothing more than a red itchy welt.

It isn’t exactly a surprise that these dainty insects are considered the deadliest animal in the world. Awful allergic reactions, relentlessly itchy bites, and dangerous illnesses galore, mosquitoes are a true pest. So keeping them from us and our kids is of the utmost importance.    

That being said, while there are many different methods to prevent itchy bug bites, have you ever considered using vitamins? Studies dating back to the 1960s suggest taking small doses of B vitamins three times a day during skeeter season just might be what you need to avoid getting bitten by a flock of peckish mozzies. Sounds pretty great, right?

Well, unfortunately, this old myth has finally been debunked. 

According to a few recent studies, vitamin B supplements have proved to have no effect on mosquito attraction. In other words, both vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 do squat diddly to repel the icky buggers. 

So, does this mean mosquito repellent patches and bracelets infused with B vitamins don’t work? We hate to break it to you, but yes. B vitamins have been researched thoroughly over the years, and the truth of the matter is that they just don’t work against the biting bugs.

OK — What Does Work? 

To avoid itchy bug bites, skip the B vitamins and check out BuzzPatch — use nature to keep mosquitoes far away.

Created for your young humans, our mosquito repellent patches are made using non-woven fabric patches powered by an effective combination of essential oils that are perfectly safe for kids. And unlike smelly topical bug sprays, which contain harmful chemicals like Picaridin or DEET, BuzzPatch can be applied with ease. No dangerous chemicals: for your kids or the environment.

And the best part? BuzzPatch has been tested time and again, proving to be an effective way to keep the little vampires away. 

When you arm your kiddos with BuzzPatch, the combination of kid-friendly essential oils goes to work instantly to confuse mosquitoes, making your kids virtually undetectable to them. And when the hungry critters can’t find your tiny tot, they’ll simply just fly away. 

Vitamin B Is No Plan A

So, do B vitamins help to prevent mosquito bites?

Unfortunately, vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 are no match for hungry skeeters. But we are: BuzzPatch is here to the rescue!

Our innovative mosquito repellent patches are easy to use, fun, and convenient. No more smelly bug spray made with harsh chemicals and skin irritants; BuzzPatch is the mess-free way to keep biting bugs at bay— naturally. 

Your kids will love our plant-based patches. These are safe to wear on clothing, offer a hip dash of style and can help to prevent itchy bug bites instantly.

How? It’s elementary. Because mosquitoes find us by sensing the carbon dioxide that we breathe, BuzzPatch emits a particular scent designed to confuse the hungry suckers, ultimately camouflaging your kids from their senses. It smells atrocious to mosquitoes, but to us, it smells like a combo of lavender, citronella, and more: scrumptious. 

Non-toxic and DEET-free, simply place one of our high-quality patches on your skin or clothes and enjoy your day — itch-free. We are a chemical-free alternative bug repellent that actually works. 

Sources:

A double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of garlic as a mosquito repellant: a preliminary study | PubMed

Fighting the World's Deadliest Animal | CDC

Testing vitamin B as a home remedy against mosquitoes | PubMed

B Vitamins | Medline Plus