The Many Benefits of Vitamin B Complex
People are buzzing about the benefits of Vitamin B complex. Some people call B the Happy Vitamin, because it can improve our mood and outlook. Vitamin B complex also helps our bodies convert food to energy and form healthy red blood cells. B vitamins help stimulate our metabolism to help our bodies burn more fat, so some people take Vitamin B shots for weight loss. Others get Vitamin B-12 shots for energy, better concentration and an overall sense of well-being.
We get B vitamins in our diet from fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products, and from leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas. Many cereals and some breads have added B vitamins. Some people like to add B vitamin supplements.
What exactly is Vitamin B complex?
Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins with a number of components:
Thiamine (B1) – Thiamin helps turn carbohydrates into energy for the body. We need thiamin to use some of the amino acids that make up proteins.
Riboflavin (B2) – We need riboflavin to use the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the foods we eat. Riboflavin helps us use these nutrients for energy in our bodies and additionally functions as an antioxidant. Riboflavin also is needed to properly use the vitamins niacin, folate and B6.
Niacin (B3) – Niacin helps our bodies to use the energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. We also need it for DNA repair and to help our bodies use calcium.
Pyridoxine (B6) – B6 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to break down the protein we eat. This vitamin is used by our bodies to make important proteins and it helps our muscles use energy. It also helps make brain chemicals that tell the systems in our bodies what to do.
Pantothenic Acid- Pantothenic Acid helps our bodies heal after a wound. Some believe it can help to reduce cholesterol levels.
Folic Acid (B9) – B9 has been linked to reduced risk for heart disease, certain types of cancer and certain birth defects. It is a vital component of pre-natal vitamins.
Cyanocobalamin (B12) – Vitamin B12 can be found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It can also be made in a laboratory. Vitamin B12 is used for treating and preventing vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which Vitamin B12 levels in the blood are too low.
Biotin – Biotin helps treat hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes in infants, diabetes, and mild depression.
Choline – Our bodies use choline to promote optimal brain and memory function.
Inositol – Inositol is a vitamin-like substance that is used to treat a number of conditions, including nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol and mental health issues.
Vitamin B complex is delivered via injection, since several of the components are not available in oral form.
Would a Vitamin B complex shot help me?
Everybody needs B vitamins, and we can get some of these essential nutrients from eating healthy foods. If you’re not sure you’re getting enough, or you want to explore what a B complex vitamin could do for you, check with your family physician or consult Dr. Nirvana, a Naturopathic Doctor medical practitioner who helps people achieve optimal health in body, mind and spirit.