B-50 COMPLEX VITAMINS OVERVIEW INFORMATION
B-vitamins are essential components of numerous key enzyme systems, without which the body cannot function. Each B-vitamin fills a different complementary need, which is why they should most often be taken together. B-vitamins act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to react chemically with other substances, and are involved in energy production.
The family of B vitamins can help maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function.
Vitamin B-50 Complex
There are eight water soluble vitamins that make up a B complex formula. They are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), biotin, paba. Choline and inositol are considered “silent” B vitamins and are generally included in a B complex formulation. The body cannot store these water soluble nutrients; therefore, a regular intake may be required.
Each B complex vitamin is capable of performing its own individual function within the body, but when they work together as a complex of vitamins, they help provide essential maintenance necessary for the body to remain healthy. The B complex vitamins are extremely beneficial for a number of conditions and may be needed in additional quantities at certain times in a person’s life. Many health care professionals are now discovering the benefits of taking a B complex vitamin to help overcome certain illnesses.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – required for cell growth and release of energy, formation of red blood cells, and synthesis of antibodies.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – stabilizes cell membranes, insures proper circulation, and maintains healthy skin. Aids in the function of the nervous system and helps to reduce cholesterol.
- Vitamin B5 (panthothenic acid) – a non toxic nutrient needed to breakdown fat to covert into energy. An anti-stress vitamin.
- Vitamin B6 - needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are required for normal nerve cell communication.
- Vitamin B12 - helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Works in close partnership with folic acid in synthesis of the building blocks for DNA and RNA. Essential for the integrity of the maintenance of the nervous system and for the production of energy producing molecules.
- Folic Acid (folate) – a non-toxic nutrient that protects our chromosomes from DNA damage. Also helps with depression and the prevention of neural tube defects in newborns.
- Biotin – is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, energy production, and cell growth. Some preliminary studies suggest that this nutrient may help improve glucose metabolism.
- Paba (para amino benzoic acid) – a member of the vitamin B-complex that has been used in conditions, such as infertility (female), Peyronie’s disease, scleroderma, graying hair, and vitiligo (white patches on skin). It is also used on the skin in sunscreens.
- Choline - used to treat high cholesterol, improve memory, protect the liver and gallbladder, and helps support nerve transmission.
- Inositol - a direct precursor of phospholipids which are a major component of cellular membranes. It also acts as a lipotropic which converts fats into other useful products. inositol helps establish healthy cell membranes, which facilitates nerve impulses and has been shown to be helpful for depression.
Other Potential Uses
Stress and Anxiety
Research has found that a B complex vitamin can be beneficial in helping alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress that many people suffer from. People who are chronically stressed often have low levels of B vitamins, which can lead to depression, irritability, and improper nerve function. The family of B vitamins is comprised of nutrients that help support the immune system, the nervous system, and healthy skin and hair that are generally affected by stressful conditions.
Fatigue and Illness
Fatigue can be a symptom of a multitude of illnesses as well as simply overdoing things. However, a B complex vitamin can help alleviate general tiredness and lethargy. Additionally, if a person has been unwell a B complex vitamin can be extremely valuable in aiding the recovery process.
Skin and Hair
Some skin conditions, such as dermatitis can also benefit when a B complex vitamin is included in one’s daily regimen. Additionally, the condition of a person’s hair will also be greatly improved with sufficient B complex vitamin intake.