What are the Benefits of Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B-6, folate, B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline. Some of the benefits of vitamin B complex supplements include increased energy, improved or more stable moods, healthier skin, hair and eyes. The vitamins are important for proper nervous system and immune system function.



While many people think that vitamins are similar in structure and perform a similar function, the truth is that each vitamin B-complex vitamin has a unique chemical structure and serves a unique function within the body. While vitamins B1, B2, B3 and biotin serve to produce energy, vitamin B6 is essential for proper metabolism, and Vitamin B12 and folic acid play a lesser role in cell division. However, these vitamins also serve many other important functions.



B Vitamins Deficiency Diseases



A vitamin B deficiency can cause diseases like anemia, dermatitis, encephalitis, pellagra and beriberi. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 get a lot of attention because they support the nervous system, the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and the production of healthy blood cells.

Fat burners such as CLA, DHEA or the addition of coq10 into a vitamin B supplementation plan will maximize your body's ability to metabolize incoming food. So rather than store calories, you can enhance your body's natural "calorie burn rate".



Benefits of Vitamin B Comlpex



Energy Production

Vitamin B1 is needed to help convert the carbohydrates we eat into glucose. The following B Vitamins are needed at a cellular level to convert glucose into energy - Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Biotin. A Vitamin B deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to decreased energy production, lethargy and fatigue.



Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails



The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures - Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.



Mind and Mood



The body needs folic acid, B6 and B12 to manufacture neurotransmitters, chemicals that control alertness and mood by speeding nerve signals through the brain. Studies show some people who are seriously depressed or show signs of dementia have deficiencies of folic acid or B12. Correcting these deficiencies can ease the depression or improve concentration and memory. More important for the average person, even a mild lack of B vitamins may cloud the mind.



B3—also known as niacin, vitamin P, or vitamin PP—helps release energy from nutrients. It can reduce cholesterol and prevent and treat arteriosclerosis, among other benefits. Too little B3 can result in pellagra, a disease with symptoms that include sunburn, diarrhea, irritability, swollen tongue, and mental confusion. Too much B3 can result in liver damage. Food sources rich in niacin are chicken, salmon, tuna, liver, nuts, dried peas, enriched cereals, and dried beans. The RDA is 14-18 mg per day for adults.



If you want to lower your homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid normally found in blood, but elevated levels have been linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke. In fact, a study from Norway shows that a combination of vitamin B6 and folate reduces homocysteine 32% within five weeks in healthy individuals. This has the potential to significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.