B-Complex Vitamins support efficient metabolic function, working together to support overall bodily health. They help produce neurotransmitters in addition to:**
What are B-Complex Vitamins?
B-complex vitamins are eight essential, water-soluble vitamins that the human body needs every day: B-1 (Thiamin), B-2 (Riboflavin), B-3 (Niacin), B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-7 (Biotin), B-9 (Folic Acid), and B-12 (Cobalamin). The B-complex vitamins are needed to support efficient metabolic function, breaking down fats, proteins and carbohydrates into important building blocks for overall vitality.**
B-complex vitamins enable the effective regulation of the cardiovascular system by relaxing the inner lining of blood vessels and playing a role in the metabolism of homocysteine. They also assist in the production of hormones used for stabilizing blood sugar and provide benefits to DNA and cell synthesis.**
B-complex vitamins work together to support body’s nervous and immune systems and metabolic processes in ways that a single B vitamin cannot. The entire B-complex works to form red blood cells while metabolizing carbohydrates into glucose and fats and proteins into components for other cell production.**
Each vitamin in the B-complex has a distinct but related role. Vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-3 produce neurotransmitters, act as antioxidants, and influence cholesterol levels, while Vitamins B-5, B-6, and B-7 maintain healthy digestive function, help with PMS and carpal tunnel syndrome, and support healthy skin, hair, and nails. Vitamins B-9 and B-12 are particularly important since they can help to ensure there are no neural tube birth defects in a developing fetus and protect the nervous system by strengthening nerve sheaths.**
B-Complex Supplements
The B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, which means that they are rapidly metabolized and are not stored by the human body. As a result, a constant supply is needed in order to maintain health. Some B-complex vitamins are available in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, bananas, eggs, and chicken. Some B-complex vitamins, such as B-12, are only available in animal foods, making B-vitamin nutritional supplementation advisable for vegans and vegetarians. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can also cause B-complex vitamin deficiencies; supplementation can counteract these effects.**
B Vitamin Directions for Use
Never begin taking a B-complex vitamin supplement or begin a nutritional supplement regimen without first consulting a health care professional. The common therapeutic dose for a B-complex vitamin supplement usually contains 100 mg each of vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, and B-6, 100 mcg each of vitamins B-7 and B-12, and usually 400 mcg of vitamin B-9.**
