All You Need to Know About the B Vitamins

If you’re thinking of investing in vitamins from brands like Integrative Therapeutics in Supplement First, then you’ve probably come across B vitamins. These are a group of nutrients playing vital roles in the body. You can find them in various foods and supplements, so most people would take in the recommended amount daily.

While people can get their share of B vitamins from diet alone, others may require more of this nutrient, thus requiring supplements from stores like supplementfirst.com. Such factors may include age, pregnancy, medical conditions, medications, diet, genetics, alcohol use, and the like. Supplements containing all eight B vitamins are called B complex vitamins or vitamin B complex.

Let’s take a look at what B complex vitamins are!

What are B Complex Vitamins?

B complex supplements are all eight B vitamins packed in one capsule. These are water-soluble so our body won’t store them, which is why your diet needs B vitamins daily.

Here is the list of B vitamins:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): This plays a crucial role in helping convert nutrients into energy.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Like thiamine, riboflavin helps convert food into energy and is an antioxidant.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): This vitamin plays an important role in metabolism, DNA production, and repair, as well as cellular signaling.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): This vitamin helps the body get energy from food. It’s also involved in cholesterol and hormone production.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): This is involved in amino acid metabolism, creating neurotransmitters, and red blood cell production.
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin): This is needed for carb and fat metabolism. It also regulated gene expression.
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): This is required for cell growth, forming blood cells, proper cell division, and amino acid metabolism.
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): This is the most popular among the B vitamins, which is important for DNA production, red blood cell development, and neurological function. 

Who Needs Vitamin B Complex?

Here are people who may require extra supplementation of vitamin B complex:

• Those who are pregnant and nursing: This group will require folate and vitamin B12.
• Older adults: When aging, the ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases. Since appetite would also decline, it may be difficult for seniors to get enough vitamin B12 from a pure diet.
• Those with medical conditions like cancer, celiac disease, anorexia, Crohn’s disease, hypothyroidism, and other conditions that have people suffer from vitamin deficiencies. The same goes for people who take certain medications like proton pump inhibitors or birth control pills.
• Vegans and vegetarians may not get enough vitamin B12, which is mainly found in animal products. 

Health Benefits of B Vitamins

Here are some of the health benefits B vitamins offer:

• Reduces stress and boosts mood
• Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms
• Helps with energy levels
• Improves brain function and cell metabolism
• Can prevent infections
• Helps support and promote cell health 

Wrapping It Up

Before you begin taking B vitamin supplements consult with your doctor to check if you need them and the dosage you must take.