[ Vitamin B ]
Back to Feature Herbs
We’ve
all stared at the cereal box label during breakfast and wondered what words
like riboflavin, folic acid and pyridoxine mean. And how many times have we
heard mom say, “eat your greens”? Turns out that what mom was talking about
is closely related to your morning reading material and they both involve
vitamin B.
The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins that include
Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid
(B9), Cyancobalamin (B12), Panthothenic Acid and Biotin. These vitamins are
essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides
energy for the body), the breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids in the
normal functioning of the nervous system), muscle tone in the stomach and
intestinal tract, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.
Doctors and nutritionists agree that taking the B-complex vitamins, as a
group is essential for overall health. The b-complex vitamins together are a
powerful tool in maintaining overall health. Individually, they each have
important roles and specific targets to your body.
•Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) enhances circulation and assists in blood formation,
carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid, which is
important for proper digestion. Thiamine also optimizes cognitive activity
and brain function and has a positive effect on energy, growth, appetite and
learning capacity. It is essential for maintaining muscle tone of the
intestines, stomach and heart.
•Vitamin
B2 (Riboflavin) is crucial in the production of energy for the body.
Riboflavin helps protect against free radical damage and aids in the
formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Vitamin B2 has antioxidant
qualities and is needed to maintain good vision, skin, nail and hair health.
•Vitamin B3 (Inositol Hexanicotinate, a form of Niacin) supports proper
circulation, healthy skin and aids in the functioning of the central nervous
system. Because of its role in supporting higher brain functions and
cognition, Vitamin B3 has been shown to play an important role in the
treatment of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Adequate levels of Vitamin
B3 are vital for the proper synthesis of insulin and the sex hormones.
•Vitamin
B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) promotes normal growth and development aids in
release of energy from foods and helps synthesis of numerous body materials.
Also been shown to stimulate wound healing, alleviate stress, aid allergies,
treat fatigue and retard aging.
•Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of
amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It has been found to aid in the
formation of antibodies, maintain the central nervous system, and help
diminish signs of PMS. Vitamin B6 also promotes healthy skin, reduces muscle
spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness and nausea.
•Vitamin
B9 (Folic Acid) is important to pregnant women for protection against neural
tube defects in their unborn children. Vitamin B9, in combination with B12
and Vitamin C is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation
of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and
carbon dioxide throughout the body. Women on birth control pills and all
women of childbearing age as well as people suffering from heart disease and
those taking daily antibiotics should be taking at least 400mg of folic acid
a day.
•Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is crucial in preventing anemia. It aids Folic
Acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells and helps in the body’s
utilization of iron stores. Vitamin B12 also acts to prevent nerve damage,
maintains fertility, promotes normal growth and development of the fatty
sheathes that cover and protect nerve endings. It has also been linked to
the production of neurotransmitters that assist memory and learning.
•d-Biotin is required, like all the B-complex vitamins, for fat and protein
metabolism and in maintaining the effectiveness of immunity and gene
function. Biotin deficiency is most common in the elderly and diabetics.
For added health benefits, we've added Insotol, PABA, and Choline Bitartrate.
Insotol has been shown to help prevent hardening of the arteries and
protects the heart. PABA is necessary for the metabolism of amino acids and
in the formulation of blood. Choline Bitartrate is necessary for normal
nerve and brain function.
|