Good health begins with good nutrition and prevention. Getting the recommended amounts of vitamins each day is an important part of the process and B vitamins are particularly valuable for preventive care. The eight B vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 - have an important role in keeping the body's essential systems running smoothly by boosting the metabolism. They are also reducing the risks of stroke, preventing memory loss and migraines, as well as promoting healthy skin, among other benefits. Keep reading and find out the greatest health benefits of each B vitamin. (Problems in any of the areas mentioned below might suggest you're suffering from vitamin B deficiency!)
- B1 (Thiamine) helps the body produce new cells and works as an anti-stress vitamin that protects the immune system. Additionally, it plays an important role in glucose metabolism.
- B2 (Riboflavin) is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, prevents early aging and reduces the risk of heart disease. B2 vitamin plays an important role in red blood cell production which is necessary for oxygen transportation through the body.
- B3 (Niacin) boosts HDL cholesterol and helps fight inflammation. It’s also responsible for producing stress and sex-related hormones in the adrenal gland.
- B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is involved in metabolism, helping to break down the fats and carbs for energy. It’s also responsible for producing stress and sex-related hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.
- B6 (Pyridoxine) helps in the production of serotonin, melatonin, and norepinephrine, which play a major role in mood and sleep patterns.
- B7 (Biotin), also known as ‘the beauty vitamin’, is associated with healthy hair, skin, and nails. It’s also involved in controlling high blood glucose levels.
- B9 (Folate), widely known as folic acid, is associated with helping fight depression and prevent memory loss. B9 also supports the growth of the baby during pregnancy and prevents neurological birth defects.
- B12 (Cobalamin) works with B9 to produce red blood cells and with iron to create hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein. B12 is also crucial for metabolism as it helps the body convert fats and proteins into energy.
Each of these B vitamins has great benefits on their own, but they function even better when combined together. A balanced diet should provide a good amount of nutrients that the body needs, and supplements can help ensure that you’re getting enough of specific vitamins.
But, many vitamin supplements don’t come straight from their natural sources; instead, they are made in a lab out of synthetic chemical isolates, which mimic the way natural vitamins act in our bodies, when in fact they lack the cofactors, necessary trace minerals, and transporters naturally found in the whole foods. On the other hand, natural vitamins come directly from raw plant material, containing the particular vitamin and pack additional health benefits like micronutrients, cofactors, and phytonutrients, which work together to provide additional health benefits.
The easiest way to ensure you’re getting enough B vitamins is to choose a natural B vitamin complex supplement that includes all essential vitamins. The Super B-Complex offers the perfect balance of the eight essential B vitamins, plus the three dietary substances important for optimum health - choline (originally known as a B4 vitamin), inositol (known as B8) and para-aminobenzoic acid - PABA (referred to as B10 vitamin). The Super B- Complex vitamins use a nature-inspired formula - they are made of healthy organic fruits and vegetables activated with probiotics and enzymes, which makes them safe and easy to digest.