Vitamin B Complex

    Water-soluble B-complex vitamins can be thought of as the “stress and energy” vitamins. They are key in converting nutrients such as carbohydrates into glucose. A fuel which produces energy. In doing so, they support cellular metabolism.

    B-complex vitamins also contain elements [Vitamins B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), B-6 (Pyridoxine), and B-12(Cobalamin)] which are specifically used by the brain to make neurotransmitters.

    Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) is important for nerve health, while Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) does its part to support the myelin sheath.

    Our red blood cells (RBCs) are benefitted by B-complex as B-6 (Pyridoxine) and B-12 (Cobalamin) aid the body in producing heme, which is the metal or “iron” constituent of hemoglobin. While Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) and Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) switch on enzymes found in the RBCs. Vitamin B-9 (Folate) is important in proper development and size of the RBC.

    Together, Vitamins B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-12 (Cobalamin) and Vitamin B-9 (Folate) lower homocysteine in the bloodstream. While, Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) benefits hormone regulation. In general, it is good to note that B-complex vitamins are crucial in preventing certain types of birth defects, cancer, and heart disease.

 May Require Supplementation

    Overconsumption of sugar and alcohol destroy B vitamins. Diabetics and alcoholics often need more B vitamins than most people. Birth control pills, antibiotics, seizure and acid suppressing medications, and steroid medications can lead to specific B-vitamin deficiencies. As does mental stress, febrile illnesses, and physical activity.

 B1 Thiamin

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Beriberi

• Digestive Issues w/Protein Metabolism: Loss of Appetite, Indigestion, Severe Constipation, Lack of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach, Crohn’s, Malabsorption

• Nervous System: Fatigue, Poor Memory, Peripheral Neuropathy (Loss of Sensation/Muscle Weakness), Muscle Pain, & Several Neurological Diseases

• Cardiovascular: Rapid Heartbeat & Sweating, Edema (due to the arteries & veins relaxing)

• Vision: Problems with Eye Movement

• Diabetes

• Emotional Instability, Depression, Irritability, Wenicke's Encephalopathy (where psychosis or brain damage occurs)

 

B2 Riboflavin

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Glossitis/Magenta Tongue, Cheliosis & Angular Stomatitis, Sore Throat, Redness & Swelling of the Lining of the Mouth & Throat

• Skin: Moist, Scaly Skin Inflammation (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

• Preeclampsia, Eclampsia

• Vision: Cataracts, Corneal Disorders, Formation of Blood Vessels in the clear covering of the eye (Vascularization of the Cornea)

• Hypertension (in the MTHFR 677TT genotype)

• Trimethalaminuria (when not metabolized properly gives off a strong “fishy” odor in sweat, urine, reproductive fluids, and breath)

• Migraines in Adults (not in children)

 

B3 Niacin

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Skin: Dermatitis, Pellagra (late-stage niacin deficiency)

• Digestive: Inflammation of the Mouth and Tongue (bright red tongue), Vomiting, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea (which contributes to ongoing malnutrition)

• Neurological: Headache, Apathy, Fatigue, Depression, Disorientation, Memory Loss, Delirium

• Certain Food Allergies with Associated Headaches, Indigestion & Skin problems

• Anorexia & Obesity

 

B4 Choline

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) that resolves with supplementation. Untreated, about 1/3 of cases progress to the more serious NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.)

• Increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer also occur with deficiency.

• Vision: Optic Neuropathies, Glaucoma

• Learning Disabilities, Memory Loss, Age-related Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer’s

• Mood Changes/Mood Disorders

• Low Energy Levels/Fatigue

• Muscle Aches

• Nerve Damage

 

B5 Pantothenic Acid

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Numbness and Painful Burning and Tingling in the Feet

• Fatigue/Constant Tiredness

• Insomnia

• Depression, Irritability

• Low Immunity

• Inability to Relax or Cope with Stress

• Hypertension/Irregular Blood Pressure

• Digestive issues, Stomach pains, Vomiting, Low Metabolism

• Upper Respiratory Infections

• Muscle Cramps

• Weight Gain

 

B6 Pyridoxine

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Anemia

• Affects the Peripheral Nerves in Adults

• In children, the Central Nervous System can be affected

• Muscle Weakness & Loss of Control

• Migraines

•Nervousness, Irritability, Depression, PMS, Senility, Short-term Memory Loss, Difficulty Concentrating

• Skin Disorders, Eczema

• Edema

• Kidney Stones

• Mucous Membranes: Sore Mouth & Lips, Halitosis

• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

B7 Biotin

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Fatigue

• Thinning Hair & Hair Loss, Dry Scaly Skin and/or Thin Brittle Nails

• Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle cap) in infants

• Muscle Weakness & Pain

• Poor/Loss of Appetite

• Glossitis (Swollen & Painful Tongue, Magenta in Color)

• Depression

• Nausea

• Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type I & Type II Diabetics

• Peripheral Neuropathy (resulting from Diabetes or Kidney dialysis)

• Cheilitis (Cracking in the Corners of the Mouth)

• Dry Eyes

• No Sense of Taste

 

B9 Folate

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Neurological Birth Defects

• Brain function: Depression & Poor Memory

• Osteoporosis due to Raised Homocysteine Levels

• Megaloblastic Anemia (RBCs are larger than normal): Fatigue, Weakness, Shortness of Breath (use folate with B-12)

• Gingivitis, Red Tongue

• Cardiovascular Disease

 

B12 Cobalamin

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

• Anemia & associated Fatigue

• Pernicious Anemia (more commonly found in the elderly, where vitamin B12 cannot be utilized in the body)

• One of the causes of Megaloblastic Anemia (in which the RBCs are larger than normal)

• Eating disorders: Bulimia, Anorexia Nervosa

• Skin: Dry & Cracked, especially at the corners of the mouth

• Numbness, Tingling, “pins and needles” Sensation

• Severe Joint Pain

• Ataxia (Shaky Movements & Unsteady Gait)

• Shortness of Breath

• Cognitive Decline: Memory Loss, Deep Depression (long-term deficiency), Paranoia & Delusions

• Incontinence

• Hypotension

• Loss of Taste & Smell