Fwd: Vitamin B-Complex - www.Vitacost.com

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This is the excerpt from the Health Notes Vit. B-Complex page; note the ads of

B-Complex.

The vitamin B-complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble

vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin

(vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine

(vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12).

 

" Vitamin B " was once thought to be a single nutrient that existed in extracts of

rice, liver, or yeast. Researchers later discovered these extracts contained

several vitamins, which were given distinguishing numbers. Unfortunately, this

has led to an erroneous belief among non-scientists that these vitamins have a

special relationship to each other. Further adding to confusion has been the

" unofficial " designation of other substances as members of the B-complex, such

as choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), even though they are

not essential vitamins.

 

Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique

functions in the human body. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin participate in

different aspects of energy production, vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid

metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folic acid facilitate steps required for cell

division. Each of these vitamins has many additional functions. However,

contrary to popular belief, no functions require all B-complex vitamins

simultaneously.

 

Human requirements for members of the B-complex vary considerably—from 3 mcg per

day for vitamin B12 to 18 mg per day for vitamin B3 in adult males, for example.

Therefore, taking equal amounts of each one—as provided in many B-complex

supplements—makes little sense. Furthermore, there is little evidence supporting

the use of megadoses of B-complex vitamins to combat everyday stress, boost

energy, or control food cravings, unless a person has a deficiency of one or

more of them. Again, contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence indicating

people should take all B vitamins to avoid an imbalance when one or more

individual B vitamin is taken for a specific health condition.

 

Most multivitamin-mineral products contain the B-complex along with the rest of

the essential vitamins and minerals. Since they are more complete than B-complex

vitamins alone, multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended to improve

overall micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.

 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the

potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of

vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.