B Vitamins

The B vitamins are mostly found in whole grains and breads made from whole grains. B vitamins play an important role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and creating energy from these foods. The main reason that B vitamins are supplemented as a B Complex is that they require each other to be used properly by the body. A healthy colon can also make some B vitamins, but the balance are taken from the foods we eat.

B vitamins have been named the stress vitamin because of their ability to help nerve cells. B vitamins assist with metabolism and they build hemoglobin, which is the part of your blood that carries oxygen. They help fight oxidative stress along with vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium, etc.

B12 along with folate, has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels by converting it to methionine which is a factor in cardiovascular disease, and aids in the creation of SAMe which helps protect DNA and aids in cancer prevention. Folate requires B12 to be useful to our cells. Folate is very important for everyone, but especially pregnant women. Folate deficiencies cause severe birth defects.
B6 reduces homocysteine by converting it to cysteine and it can be depleted by alcohol consumption.
B5 Pantothenic Acid helps in the breaking down of cholesterol and hormones such as melatonin.
Vitamin B1 Thiamine is important for the metabolism of energy in all cells. Deficiencies in Thiamine are rare but can lead to an enlarged heart, weight loss, muscle weakness, poor short term memory, and cardiac problems. Beriberi can also be caused by a reduced level of B1, which is mostly caused by eating a diet high in unfortified refined grains such as white flour. Beriberi can cause damage to the nervous system, heart and muscles.
B2 Riboflavin plays an important role as an antioxidant assistant. It helps return glutathione to its protective state after its been oxidized by reducing free radicals.

There are many things that B vitamins do for our bodies, from antioxidant assistance, to protecting our bodies from stress and helping convert energy. We recommend a B complex along with Essential Fatty Acids to our patients who are working on managing their weight due to their ability to create energy, and protect our nerves and muscles. Vitamin C may also play an important role in managing your weight because of its antioxidant abilities and many other great qualities. Watch our blog for information on vitamin C soon!