Does Vitamin B Work As a Mosquito Repellent?
WouterSeveral scientific studies have shown that vitamin B1 is not a mosquito repellent. This is true even though many internet advertisements claim to repel insects.
In a small study, researchers at New Mexico State University studied whether a patch containing vitamin B1 is effective in attracting and repelling mosquitoes. The patch contained 300 milligrams of vitamin B-1. The researchers tested the effects of the patch on mosquitoes and found no effect.
Some researchers have been trying to figure out why B1 is not a good mosquito repellent. One theory is that the vitamin is able to produce an odor that mosquitoes find repulsive. This odor is also found in natural repellants.
However, if the odor is created by a chemical, it could have unwanted side effects. In addition, using a chemical repellent can add toxins to the body. It can also increase the body’s temperature, which can increase the risk of being bitten.
Another study showed that female mosquitoes were more attracted to people with darker skin. This could be caused by their ability to heat up faster. It is also believed that some people have natural repellants that can repel mosquitoes.
The same study found that the scent of Victoria Secret’s Bombshell perfume repelled mosquitoes more than the patch did. These results seem to be in line with other studies.
A study in Australia found that 27% of pharmacists thought that thiamine repelled mosquitoes. Although the research is ongoing, this study suggests that vitamin B does not act as a mosquito repellent.
