B complex and the effect of the supplement on the body – who should use it?
B vitamins are responsible for many important biochemical processes in the body. A deficiency of one vitamin leads to many serious consequences, but most often a deficiency of several vitamins is observed at once, which further complicates the problem. Diet, stress and even an active lifestyle – there are many factors that can contribute to the development of avitaminosis, and they affect virtually everyone. When should B complex be used?
B complex – properties and effects on the body
B complex is a dietary supplement consisting of 8 vitamins belonging to the B group, which the human body practically does not synthesise. The compounds dissolve in water, which means that they are excreted on an ongoing basis and the excess is not stored (except for vitamin B12). To understand why B vitamins are so important, it is worth looking at each one individually:
- vitamin B1 (thiamine) - is a component of many enzymes, may be involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, has antioxidant properties, regulates calcium metabolism in the body and influences the proper functioning of the immune system
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - participates in the formation of blood erythrocytes, metabolic transformations of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, has a beneficial effect on the processes occurring in the mitochondria
- vitamin B3 (PP, niacin) - responsible for the proper functioning of the brain and peripheral nervous system, synthesis of sex hormones, cortisol, thyroxine and insulin, also has antioxidant properties
- vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - helps maintain proper cellular metabolism, participates in the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D and certain neurotransmitters, and may protect the heart from ischaemic disease
- vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - participates in many chemical reactions in the body, supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, helps maintain proper blood pressure, affects skin condition and proper heart function. vitamin B7 (biotin, H) - is an important component of enzymes, supports cell growth, gene expression, glucose and vitamin B6 metabolism. vitamin B7 (biotin, H) - is an important component of enzymes, supports cell growth, gene expression, glucose and DNA synthesis, nervous and immune system function, and affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
- vitamin B9 (folic acid) - supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems, supports red blood cell production, is particularly important for pregnant women - reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the foetus
- vitamin B12 (cobalamin) - is responsible for the formation of morphotic blood elements, nerve sheaths and many proteins, supports the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems
Although each vitamin has a similar name (the letter B followed by a number), they are chemically distinct compounds. So what do they have in common? Each is a cofactor (usually a coenzyme) or precursor of key metabolic processes, making them essential nutrients.
B complex – what is it used for?
Most B vitamins are involved in the process of converting food into energy, and some are also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the breakdown of proteins and fats. However, there are many more benefits - B complex supports human functioning in many ways. It helps maintain the body's homeostasis, well-being and radiant appearance.
B complex is an excellent support for people who are under severe stress, struggle with memory and concentration problems, or are on a weight-loss diet. B vitamins are commonly used in medicine to treat disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system and mental dysfunction. The supplement is also recommended during convalescence after illness, but also on an ad hoc basis for dermatological conditions.
Why is a complex the best solution?
Each vitamin is important and has many benefits, but their effects often complement each other. B complex is a convenient solution - one dose provides all the necessary B vitamins in the right amounts. What are the main advantages of using a complex?
- support for most aspects of brain function (vitamins involved - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
- nervous system health (vitamins involved - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
- improvement of the circulatory system (vitamins involved - B2, B5, B6, B9, B12)
- support in hormone production processes (vitamins involved - B3, B5, B6)
- alleviating the effects of prolonged stress (vitamins involved - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
B complex - deficiency symptoms
Symptoms of a single vitamin deficiency can cause many diagnostic problems, and in the case of several compounds, it is even more difficult. The manifestations of avitaminosis depend on the specific nature of the vitamin in question and include:
| vitamin B1 |
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| vitamin B2 |
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| vitamin B3 |
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| vitamin B5 |
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| vitamin B6 |
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| vitamin B7 |
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| vitamin B9 |
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| vitamin B12 |
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Low levels of B vitamins not only lead to a significant deterioration in quality of life, well-being and overall appearance. Prolonged deficiency disrupts the functioning of the entire body, increases the risk of pathological changes (especially neurological) and promotes the development of many serious diseases.
B vitamins are found in many foods, but they are very delicate. They are easily destroyed, especially during food processing.
B complex - when to use it?
B complex is a universal solution that will help provide the right amount of all B vitamins. Deficiency is often due to an unbalanced diet, chronic stress or age. Low levels of these compounds affect women during pregnancy and lactation. Physically active people also have an increased need for them. But the list does not end there.
Who else is at risk of deficiency?
Avitaminosis often affects people who have chronic health problems, such as:
- Crohn's disease
- hypothyroidism
- rheumatoid arthritis
- intestinal diseases
- coeliac disease
- kidney diseases
Disorders in the absorption of B vitamins can also be caused by certain medications:
- proton pump inhibitors (especially B12)
- diabetes medications (especially B9, B12)
- contraceptive pills (especially B2, B6, B9, B12)
B complex is a safe product – studies have not observed any harmful effects of B vitamins on the human body. Any excess is regularly excreted and does not pose a significant health risk. The benefits of using B complex are undeniable – although the product is an excellent dietary supplement, with today's pace of life it is also increasingly becoming a necessity.
Bibliography
‘B vitamins – natural sources, role in the body, effects of avitaminosis’ – A. Gryszczyńska, Department of Medicinal Plants, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants in Poznań.