Vitamin B Supplement- A Complete Solution
Vitamin B supplement is a complex formulation created by blending all the B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12. The B vitamins collectively enhance metabolism, augment the immune system and the nervous system, contribute to keeping the skin and muscles healthy, and provide other benefits to your body. All these vitamins often co-exist in the same food group.
Vitamin B1
This component of vitamin B supplement is also referred to as thiamin or thiamine. Vitamin B1 aids the process of enzyme production in the human body and also has a role to play in breaking down complex carbohydrates. As an important part of vitamin B supplement, it is also helpful in reducing stress and enhancing the immune system, strengthening the body for fighting infections. Vitamin B1 deficiency may lead to a condition known as Beri-beri, which leads to a tingling sensation in the feet, swelling of the extremities, nystagmus (flickering eye movements) and breathing difficulties due to the fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Reserves of Vitamin B1 can be built in the body by consuming foods such as whole cereals, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and organ meats.
Vitamin B2
Although a deficiency of Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is very scarce in developed countries, it should be an important dietary constituent. This vitamin has an anti-oxidant activity and scavenges free radicals which can damage cells. It also helps in breaking down complex carbohydrates. A deficiency of Vitamin B2 may manifest as skin lesions and light sensitivity.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, or Niacin, is found mostly in meats, including fish and poultry, as well as yeasts. Nuts are also a good source. Vitamin B3 deficiencies may result in a problems in the skin and digestive tract – a condition often referred to as pellegra.
Vitamin B5
A deficiency of Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid, is virtually unheard of. It is found in most foods; high quantities are found in whole grains and eggs.
Vitamin B6
Another important component of vitamin B supplement, Vitamin B6 has an essential role in the processing of proteins and maintaining the normal blood sugar level. It also plays a part in producing hemoglobin in the blood. A vitamin B6 deficiency often causes anemia and negatively affects the immune system. However, a deficiency is unlikely to occur in individuals below 55 living on a healthy diet.
Vitamin B9
This vitamin, also called Folic Acid, is found in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and dried beans and peas. A deficiency of this vitamin may occur in conditions such as pregnancy, dialysis, mal absorption, and alcohol abuse. Common symptoms of the deficiency are skin abnormalities, digestive problems, and behavioral problems, and decreased growth rate.
Vitamin B12
Cobalamin, or Vitamin B12, plays a varied role in the human body. It helps in the production of red blood cells, supplements the growing process in children, is an important part of the protein and carbohydrate metabolism pathway and is also vital in keeping the nervous system healthy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can have several serious consequences. It may lead to pernicious anemia, with symptoms of impaired nerve function, such as numbness and tingling. Older individuals with a low vitamin B12 level are more likely to develop depression symptoms.
As is evident, the vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in the normal growth and function of our body. Given the difficulty in absorption of this complex from the intestinal tract, complementing the diet with vitamin B supplements is important for health maintenance and all round development.