Vitamin B: Why Is It So Important?

Vitamin B plays an incredibly important role in the functioning of the human body. There are 8 water-soluble vitamins identified as B,s, which work synergistically, meaning they are much more useful when combined than alone. Vitamin B is rapidly depleted in our systems and needs to be constantly replaced; it also does not store well in the body. For that reason, a quality and complete B Complex supplement is beneficial for just about anyone.

Because our levels of vitamin B get used up quickly, lack of it often results in fatigue, stress, or lack of energy. B Complex boosts metabolism, strengthens the immune system, assists in maintaining a healthy nervous system, and encourages cell growth as well as healthy skin and muscles. Although they work together, they have different functions which work in tandem with each other.

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It can help improve mood, and is also good for heart health and the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Vitamin B2 goes by the name of riboflavin. It can protect against cancer, and can prevent migraines and cataracts.

Vitamin B3 is called niacin. Its role is to aid in the release of energy from nutrients. It plays a role in lowering cholesterol, easing depression, and relieving arthritis.

Vitamin B5, known as panthothenic acid, is found to some degree in almost every food. It can promote a healthy nervous system and aids in metabolism. People who can benefit from this vitamin are those suffering from alleries, chronic fatigue and migraines.

Vitamin B6 is referred to as pyridoxene. It aids in red blood cell production, and can alleviate symptoms of asthma and PMS.

Vitamin B7 is biotin. It assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also essential for hair and nail health.

Vitamin B9 is called folic acid. This is a very important vitamin for pregnant women, as it helps in the normal development of the fetus. Folic acid facilitates the formation of hemoglobin and is often used to treat anemia.

Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system and assists in red blood cell formation. It is only present in animal sources such as meat, fish, milk and eggs, and therefore supplementation is strongly recommended among vegetarians.

Choosing a supplement goes far beyond looking at the front of the label. The ingredient list can reveal harmful preservatives and fillers. Beware of toxic solvents that have the prefixes propyl-, ethyl-, or methyl-. Also avoid supplements that use aluminum as a base.

It's also crucial to examine the percentage of the RDA present in a supplement. Many poor-quality supplements will load up on the cheaper B vitamins, like thiamine & riboflavin . We do not need much of these vitamins, and besides, they are often present in the foods we eat already. A good quality B Complex will have a high content of the more expensive Bs like B3, B5 and B12.

Learning about the role your supplements will help you understand why you should be taking them, and will empower you to be proactive in your health. Optimal wellness should be a priority for each and every one of us, to live a long and prosperous life.

(article by Lisa Hummitsch)