BACK to vitamins                 B-Complex-Vitamin 

B-Complex is designed to relieve anxiety, improve mood and sleep patterns, and to counteract the dangerous side effects of the body’s response to stress, which can include the suppression of the immune system, the breakdown of important proteins, and mental fatigue.

B vitamins are essential components of metabolism and cognitive function with the ability to increase the body’s ability to use energy efficiently and absorb important nutrients.

As co-enzymes, THE B VITAMINS are essential components in most major metabolic reactions. They play an important role in energy production, including the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. B vitamins are also important for blood cells, hormones, and nervous system function. As water-soluble substances, B vitamins are not generally stored in the body in any appreciable amounts (with the exception of vitamin B-12). Therefore, the body needs an adequate supply of B vitamins on a daily basis.

Vitamin B1, also called THIAMIN, may be used to improve cognitive function.  In one study, young women reported an increase in composure, clearness, and energy.  The body is unable to produce B1 on its own, so dietary and supplemental intake is necessary.  B1 is called a cofactor, an essential nutrient required for a wide range of functions throughout the body.  Thiamin can help maintain optimal mental health in conditions of stress.

RIBOFLAVIN, Vitamin B2, is required for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates to make energy.  Deficiency in riboflavin is easy to acquire because it is constantly secreted in the urine.  Symptoms include dry mouth and lips, inflammation of the tongue, sore throat, cracked skin, and bloodshot, itchy eyes.  Combined with other supplements, riboflavin may be used to treat migraine headaches.  Riboflavin also destroys many viruses and bacteria by attaching itself to DNA and RNA and, when exposed to light, breaking the acids apart.  Riboflavin contributes to stress reduction by increasing the body’s ability to use energy efficiently and by assisting in the metabolism of the body’s main sources of energy.

Vitamin B3, NIACIN, can be formed in the brain by the amino acid tryptophan.  However, this reduces tryptophan levels, and tryptophan is also used to make 5-HTP which affects serotonin levels.  When tryptophan is broken down to make niacin, 5-HTP and serotonin levels will be lowered as a consequence.  Supplementing with vitamin B3 can prevent this process by freeing up more tryptophan for 5-HTP production and serotonin regulation.

VITAMIN B6, or pyridoxine, helps reduce homocysteine levels.  Homocysteine is an amino acid that becomes toxic at high levels.  Homocysteine allows blood platelets to clot more easily, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke due to artery clogging.  Some studies suggest that lower homocysteine levels may reduce anxiety and depression.  In addition, vitamin B6 may have positive effects on the neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA

Folic Acid has a new study that finds women who take folic acid supplements early in their pregnancy can substantially reduce their baby’s chances of being born with a facial cleft.

Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health, found that 0.4 milligrams (mg) a day of folic acid reduced by one-third the baby’s risk of isolated cleft lip (with or without cleft palate). Folic acid is a B vitamin found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains. It can also be taken as a vitamin supplement, and it is added to flour and other fortified foods. The recommended daily dietary allowance for folate for adults is 400 micrograms or 0.4 mg.

VITAMIN B-12 may be used to increase energy and prevent fatigue.  B-12 works by increasing the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.  Hemoglobin is the substance, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and other organs in the body.  By increasing the body’s ability to transport oxygen, 75-mcg vitamins B-12 helps the body use energy more efficiently.

BIOTIN is a vitamin involved in fat metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of several amino acids.  It may also play a role in DNA replication.  Deficiency is not common, but even partial deficiency can be dangerous, 300 mcg is recommended.  Furthermore, it was recently discovered that many pregnant women become biotin-deficient.  Biotin also has some antioxidant activities.

PANTOTHENIC ACID, or vitamin B5, is essential to life; 75-mg recommended.  Other than being necessary for the synthesis of coenzyme A, pantothenic acid is needed to make the acyl-carrier protein, a protein required for the synthesis of fatty acids.  Some research suggests that a derivative of pantothenic acid called pantethine may have some cholesterol-lowering effects.

PABA, or para aminobenzoic acid, is a non-essential nutrient, which is vital to some intestinal bacteria.  Some reports find that PABA can return color to gray hair and stop hair loss, especially in older adults; 75-mg recommended.  It is also used as a sunscreen.  PABA has been researched for its ability to reverse the effects of some connective tissue disorders.

CHOLINE is important for regulating the buildup of fat and cholesterol.  It prevents fat from accumulating in the liver and allows fat to move freely through cells.  Additionally, choline is important as a neurotransmitter and may improve memory; 75-mg recommenced.  Choline is used to create two different compounds, both of which are essential to the body.

INOSITOL supplementation has shown effectiveness against depression and anxiety.  Although inositol is not an essential vitamin, because the body can produce it naturally, supplements have had some positive effects with those nutritionally challenged, including a reduction of panic attacks and some relief for obsessive-compulsive disorder; 75-mg recommended.