Description
Contains nutrients vital for stress relief and nerve function.
Required for the formation of cellular energy, hormones and proteins. There is no one "Vitamin B". Instead, the term "vitamin B-complex" refers to all essential water-soluble vitamins, with the exception of vitamin C. The B-complex vitamins include vitamin B1 (known as thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B12 (the cobalamins), as well as biotin and folic acid. These nutrients are vital for stress relief and nerve function. They are required for the formation of cellular energy, as well as for hormones and proteins. Plus, they serve to transform fats into other necessary products.
The B-complex vitamins work independently of each other, although several do play roles in the same functions. However, no one health function requires the properties of every B vitamin. Such nutrients as inositol, choline and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) have been incorrectly referred to as part of the B-complex. However, as these nutrients are not essential for general health, they are not considered true B vitamins.
The B vitamins support nervous system health and maintenance, mental and emotional health, and stress defense. B vitamin deficiencies may contribute to stress-related symptoms, such as depression, irritability, and insomnia, and may even deplete certain chemicals vital to the body's natural stress response. Vitamin B1 helps nerve cells to function properly and provides energy, while metabolisms may be energized by vitamin B2. Vitamin B3 is important for maintaining energy, and helps create healthy brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B5 helps reduce stress and manage stress hormones. It is needed to maintain proper communication between the brain and nervous system. Plus, B5 is vital for the activation of the adrenal glands, which help to combat stress. Vitamin B6 helps to form various neurotransmitters, making it instrumental for proper mental, and possibly mood, function. As for vitamin B12, in its superior methylcobalamin form, B12 provides crucial neurological benefits. Other B vitamins also provide support for the immune system.
Various B-complex vitamins assist in cellular energy production, by forming adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cells' energy source. Vitamin B1 is essential for every cell, and processes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamin B2, which can serve as an antioxidant, is essential for activating folic acid and vitamin B6, and for processing fats and amino acids. Vitamin B3 assists in transforming carbohydrates into fats, and also processes alcohol. One specific form, niacin, is responsible for cholesterol regulation. Besides its role in energy production, vitamin B5 is required for forming lipids (fats), steroids and neurotransmitters. One B5 by-product, pantethine, may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels. Biotin is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism, supporting cell and nerve tissue growth and development.
Other B-complex vitamins supports crucial tasks in the body. Vitamin B6 processes both amino acids (the basic building blocks of all proteins), and such hormones as melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine. Vitamin B6, along with the B vitamins B12 and folic acid, helps to effectively lowers homocysteine levels, which may be linked to various degenerative diseases. Vitamin B12 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, and may contribute to cardiovascular health. It also helps to produce the nutrient S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), which holds joint and mood benefits. Folic acid is required for cell replication and growth, and the production of DNA, RNA, and red blood cells. It also assists in digesting and utilizing proteins, and forms new proteins. Plus, folic acid aids in tissue growth and cell function, and assists digestion. Also, folic acid is crucial for pregnant women's health, as it may hinder the formation of neural tube defects.
It is ineffective to take equal doses of each B-complex vitamin, as the daily requirements for each vary among individuals, however, the B-complex vitamins are a regular part of most multi-vitamins, and can provide the optimal amounts for general health.
