The body uses B vitamins for several purposes. It is essential for the creation of new red blood cells and provides energy to perform many bodily functions. A normal B complex vitamin supplement contains 8 or more of the more common B vitamins.
Health Benefits of B Vitamins
B Vitamins Include:
- Vitamin B1/thiamine
- Vitamin B2/riboflavin
- Vitamin B3/niacin
- Vitamin B5/pantothenic acid
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B7/biotin
- Vitamin B9/folate
- Vitamin B12
Although B vitamins are found in a variety of foods, high levels of stress, anxiety and strenuous activity can deplete them rather quickly. When a deficiency of Vitamin B12 occurs, a person will become anemic. Anemia is the lack of red blood cells in the blood stream and can result in many health complications. An insufficient number of red blood cells reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can be carried to cells throughout the body, causing them to function poorly.
What Are the Main Benefits of B Vitamins
B vitamins offer many health benefits. B vitamins and amino acids work together by forming chains. When one or more of the vitamins or amino acids are missing, the chains are incomplete and the body does not utilize them properly. When the chains are fully formed, the body regains its balance and produces the hormones and other chemical components it needs to function properly. One of the main benefits of having the full spectrum of amino acids and B vitamins is the maintenance of a healthy weight. Many people have taken a B vitamin and amino acid supplement to kick start their metabolism and raise their energy levels.
B vitamins are also necessary for a healthy immune system. Each B vitamin serves a different purpose, but by working together they establish a constant production of hormones, protect muscle tissue, encourage proper growth in children, hasten the healing process and prevent a variety of illnesses and diseases. It is also believed that taking adequate amounts of B vitamins can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, as well as strengthen and support the cardiovascular and circulatory systems.
Where Can B Vitamins Be Found?
Shellfish, beef and dairy foods contain the highest concentrations of vitamin B12. In fact, B12 is only found in foods that contain sufficient levels of protein. Other B vitamins are found in chicken, green leafy vegetables, nuts, bananas and citrus fruits. Almost all foods contain B5 only in varying amounts. When people do not receive enough B vitamins in their foods, they may choose to take a B vitamin supplement to help them reach the recommended daily allowing established by the FDA.
Pregnant women are asked to take prenatal vitamin that is high in all of the B vitamins. This is necessary because they are needed for proper bone, tissue and muscle growth in the unborn fetus. Adults who experience high levels of stress on a regular basis are also prescribed a B vitamin complex to help maintain sufficient levels in the body.