Why Do You Need B Vitamins?

The B Vitamin group is made up of 8 vitamins including Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), Cyanocobalamin (B12) and Biotin.

B Vitamins are important for energy!

B Vitamins are essential for many body functions including metabolism, energy and neurotransmitter production, red blood cell formation and tissue building. They are distributed by the body in the cell plasma and are not stored in significant amounts making their regular consumption necessary.

All the B vitamins have different functions and this list below may give you an indication if you are lacking in one particular area

B1  Thiamine

• vital coenzyme for the production of energy in cells
• important for the transmission of nerve impulses
• important in the synthesis of collagen

B2  Riboflavin

• part of the coenzymes involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
• along with glutathione B2 helps maintain your body’s antioxidant defence system

B3 Niacin/ Nicotinamide

• supports the health of the skin, mucous membranes, nervous and digestive systems
• vital for synthesis of protein to help the body repair
• involved in the body’s antioxidant system
• involved in blood sugar regulation, as well as fat and cholesterol metabolism

B5 Pantothenic Acid

• involved in metabolism, energy production, fatty acid synthesis, protein synthesis
• responsible for the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine

B6 Pyridoxine

• required for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids
• assists in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels
• needed for niacin formation, red blood cell function and neurotransmitter synthesis

B9 Folic Acid

• vital in normal foetal development (especially formation of nervous system)
• essential for formation of DNA and proteins
• assists conversion of homocysteine to  (this reduces inflammation and cardiovascular risk)

B12 Cyanocobalamin

• vital for the activation of folate to it’s active form
• required for optimal fat metabolism
• metabolism of nervous tissue
• assists in antioxidant status

Biotin

• part of enzymes involved in glucose synthesis, fat and amino acid metabolism
• important role in DNA synthesis