B-Complex

B vitamins are a group of vitamins that, together, are known as B-Complex. B-Complex is important for many conditions, benefits the nervous system and cellular metabolism, and helps with the production of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).

Each B vitamin plays an important role in the organism. B vitamins are critical for many chemical reactions and support the function of several systems in the organism. For example, cells use B vitamins to convert sugars, fatty acids, and other nutrients into energy.

B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water and are easily absorbed by the body. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they are not stored in significant amounts and are metabolized more quickly. Any excess of B vitamins is excreted through the process of urination.

Ingredients

This supplement contains the following B vitamins: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 or folic acid, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid. This product also contains choline, inositol, and PABA, commonly found in most B-Complex formulas.

Thiamine – needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on – adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nerve cells require vitamin B1 to function normally. Thiamine levels naturally decline with age, irrespective of medical condition. Deficiency is commonly seen in alcoholics, people with malabsorption conditions, and those eating a deficient diet. People with chronic fatigue syndrome may also be deficient in B1. Individuals undergoing regular kidney dialysis may develop severe vitamin B1 deficiency, which can result in potentially dangerous complications. Persons in dialysis should discuss the need for this vitamin with their physician.

Riboflavin – needed to process amino acids and fats, activate pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on – adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Vitamin B2 deficiency can occur in alcoholics, people with cataracts, and those with sickle cell anemia. In developing countries, vitamin B2 deficiency is a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. People with chronic fatigue syndrome may also be deficient in vitamin B2.

Niacin – used in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates and is needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. Niacin also regulates cholesterol. Vitamin B3 is available in several forms, including nicotinic acid, niacinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate.

Pyridoxine – considered the master vitamin for processing amino acids, the building blocks of all proteins, and some hormones. Vitamin B6 helps make and break down amino acids and is also needed to produce hormones, serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Pyridoxine aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly the state of mind. In combination with folic acid and cyanocobalamin, vitamin B6 promotes the decrease of homocysteine levels – an amino acid linked to heart disease and strokes, and possibly other diseases as well, such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Folic acid – needed for cell replication and growth. Folic acid helps form building blocks of DNA, the body’s genetic information, and building blocks of RNA (ribonucleic acid), needed for protein synthesis in all cells. Therefore, rapidly growing tissues, such as those of a fetus, and rapidly regenerating cells, like red blood cells and immune cells, have a high need for folic acid. Folic acid deficiency results in a form of anemia that responds quickly to folic acid intake. Requirements for folic acid increase considerably during pregnancy. Deficiencies of folic acid during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and increased incidence of neural tube defects in infants.

Cyanocobalamin – needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 acts with folic acid and vitamin B6 to control homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and other diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes fatigue.

Pantothenic acid – supports energy production through its role in the Krebs cycle and helps produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also essential in producing, transporting, and releasing energy from fats. Synthesis of cholesterol (needed to manufacture vitamin D and steroid hormones) depends on pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 also activates the adrenal glands. Pantethine, a byproduct of pantothenic acid, has been reported to lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Choline, inositol, and PABA are also part of the B vitamin group but are considered non-essential vitamins. The three of them also support important functions in the body and are incorporated into most B-Complex formulas.