pad

Vitamin B Complex Benefits



Vitamin B Complex Benefits Product Information

The group of vitamins that compose the B Complex family consists of eight individual vitamins. Each of these vitamins works together to promote health. B vitamins are essential for many body functions and a deficiency of any can cause major health problems. The vitamins included in the B Complex family are:

B1 - Thiamine
Thiamine helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates into glucose and the proper function of the nervous system. There are no known side effects from taking too much Thiamine, as the body excretes the extra in urine. Signs of deficiency include: anemia, paralysis and memory loss. Alcoholics are particularly vulnerable to a B1 deficiency.

B2 - Riboflavin
Riboflavin is essential for maintaining the mucus membranes and skin. Like Thiamine, it helps breakdown carbohydrates along with proteins and fats. Deficiency of Riboflavin can cause eye, skin and mouth problems and result in anemia. Like B1, Riboflavin has no known side effects in large doses.

B3 - Niacin
Niacin is important for maintaining the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Some doctors recommend high doses of Niacin for the lowering of cholesterol. Side effects of high doses of B3 include headaches, cramps, itching and hot flushing of the skin. Deficiency of Niacin can lead to a disease called pellagra. Symptoms of pellagra include dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia and can result in death.

B6 - Pyridoxine
Like many of the other B vitamins, Pyridoxine is essential in the breakdown of carbohydrates in the body. B6 also elevates red blood cell production. A deficiency of Pyridoxine is rare, except in alcoholics, but symptoms can include insomnia, loss of motor control and confusion. Exceptionally high doses can cause nerve damage.

B9 - Folic Acid
Folic Acid, long known as essential for pregnant women and healthy babies, is now proving itself to be vital in the deterrence of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia and immune system disorders. Folic Acid relies on B-12 and vitamin C in the development of hemoglobin. Deficiencies of Folic Acid can lead to stunted growth and anemia. As with most B vitamin deficiencies, alcoholics and those who have food absorption problems are the most vulnerable.

B12 - Cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin is essential for the body to metabolize food and in the production of red blood cells and DNA. Deficiencies are rarely found in those who eat meat products, unless they have food absorption disorder. Deficiencies of B12 can lead to anemia and brain damage. There are no known side effects to high doses of Cyanocobalamin.

Pantothenic Acid and Biotin
Pantothenic acid and Biotin are produced by the intestines and function as coenzymes to breakdown lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates and other body functions. Deficiencies are rare and Biotin deficiency is found mostly in those who eat too many egg whites. Pantothenic acid has no known side effects in large doses, while Biotin can cause diarrhea.

Many nutritionists and doctors recommend taking a single balanced B Complex vitamin daily, instead of each B vitamin individually. An exception to this rule would be vegetarians and vegans, particularly child vegetarians, who may be vulnerable especially to a B-12 deficiency. B-12 or Cyanocobalamin, is found solely in animal proteins, such as meat, poultry, eggs and milk. For such diets, a B-12 supplement may be given alone.

The B Complex family is known to be essential in the way that the body handles the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. They are also beneficial to hair, skin, eyes and muscle tone. While not scientifically proven, the B Complex family of vitamins is said to help the mind and body handle stress and prevent some forms of depression.

There are many formulas of B Complex vitamins on the market today. Depending on your needs and your diet, by reading the label, the correct balanced formulation is easy to find.