Vitamin B-1 Repels Insects, Doctor Says

ROCHESTER, N.Y. —  Though not a serious threat to one’s health, bites from fleas, mosquitoes and chiggers are definitely a nuisance.

One way to minimize such bites is to take Vitamin B-1, says Dr. John Green of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

“Vitamin B-1 is excreted from the body’s sweat glands and causes an odor that is imperceptible to humans but disagreeable and offensive to insects,” he said.

“If taken regularly during the spring and summer months, it can be quite helpful in preventing insect bites.”