Vitamin B-Complex

Name: Vitamin B-Complex

Scientific Name:

Intro: B complex is a blend of key B vitamins combined with other nutritional factors for enhanced synergism. This formula provides recommended potencies of the most important B vitamins and is designed to supply your body's required daily intake in one complete supplement. 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).

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. 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.

Nutrient Content:

Benefits:

B1:
Supports nerve tissues and nerve function
Necessary for healthy muscle function, especially in the heart
Involved in the conversion of fatty acids and amino acids into hormones, proteins and enzymes
May help alcoholics metabolize alcohol more effectively, which may support recovery from addiction
Supports health in people with Alzheimer's disease
May also be of benefit to those suffering from a number of other neurological conditions including sensory neuropathy, sciatica and Bell's palsy, as well as insomnia
Anemia may be responsive to supplementation with thiamine.(8)
B2:
Instrumental in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids while playing a key role in energy production for the body.
Also an important antioxidant.
Provides targeted protection for the eyes and may help prevent cataracts
Has also shown promise in the treatment of migraines
Riboflavin deficiency may be linked to depression
B3:
Effectively lowers elevated LDL levels while simultaneously raising levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol
Use of inositol hexaniacinate has grown in popularity because it reportedly does not produce the side affects associated with nicotinic acid.
Has been used to treat a number of complications arising from diabetes
May also help maintain proper blood sugar levels in diabetics when use in concert with chromium
May also be a potential treatment for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as acne when used topically
May reduce the recurrence rate of heart attacks in people who are at risk
Combining nicotinic acid with riboflavin may also reduce cataracts
May improve symptoms of schizophrenia
B5:
Supports proper function of the adrenal gland and is required for production of adrenal hormones
Supports the production of healthy red blood cells and it may help the body rid itself of alcohol-related toxins
May also support health in people with allergies while speeding wound healing and recovery from surgery, especially when taken in concert with vitamin C
May also ease constipation
B5 deficiencies have been associated with acne and arthritis
Another form of pantothenic acid, pantothine, may reduce cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
B6:
Involved in the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells and neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a part in regulating our moods and preventing depression
Involved in energy production in the body, as well as the metabolism of homocysteine, the amino acid that is a risk factor for atherosclerosis
When used with vitamin B12 and folic acid, it can decrease homocysteine levels
May help prevent hyperhomocysteinemia
Related to lower rates of related cardiovascular events including heart attacks and repeated angioplasty
Supplementation may be beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Asthmatics may experience fewer and less severe attacks when taking pyridoxine
Effective in enhancing cognitive performance in older adults
Also an important treatment for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy
May even treat some symptoms of autism
May ease some of the nerve-related problems (neuropathies) that frequently develop in diabetic patients.(17)
Can reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting episodes during pregnancy
May also ease PMS symptoms.
Required for the metabolism of monosodium glutamate (MSG) - supplementation with vitamin B6 often prevents or substantially reduces the severity of symptoms when people ingest MSG
B12:
Plays an important role in the replication of DNA while supporting growth of the body’s cells
Vital for the function and maintenance of the nervous system and red blood cells
Instrumental in the body’s metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates
Plays a key role in preventing elevated levels of homocysteine from building up in the body even when the levels are increased by lipid lowering drugs known as fibrates - elevated homocysteine increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Enhances cognitive performance in older adults - reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease
May treat certain symptoms of Crohn’s disease
Has been used experimentally to suppress the AIDS virus and to support health in AIDS patients, who are commonly deficient
May ease symptoms for people with bronchial asthma while possibly supporting healthy brain function in diabetics
May also enhance sperm count and sperm activity in cases of male infertility
Can prevent allergic reaction to sulfite

Comments: The Dietary Supplements Information Bureau recommends a daily dosage of:

5mg of Vitamin B1
10 mg of Vitamin B2
50 mg of Vitamin B3
15 mg of Vitamin B5
20 mg of Vitamin B6
100 mcg of Vitamin B12

This supplement (Vitamin B-50/B-complex) is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosage guidelines.

Caution: If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Because this supplement contains sources of different other essential vitamins, there is potential for interaction with several drugs/supplements. Listed below are some of the possible interactions that each vitamin contained within the supplement has.

Vitamin B1 has possible interactions with:

Alcoholic Bevarages
Alcohol interrupts the production of thiamine to its active form. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include beer, wine, hard liquor, mixed drinks .

Antibiotics
Studies have reported that the use of antibiotics is known to decrease the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which may decrease the amount of the B-vitamins that are normally made. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolones, Macrolides, Penicillins, Sulfonamides, Tetracyclines, Trimethoprin-containing antibiotics, Carbapenems, Monobactams, chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, Streptogramins, vancomycin, Oxalodinones, Lincosamides, Nitrofurans .

Loop Diuretics
These medications are reported to cause increased elimination of this vitamin in the urine. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, torsemide.

Oral Contraceptives
These medications have been reported to slightly decrease thiamine levels in some women. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .

Phenytoin
Patients using phenytoin to treat epilepsy have lower thiamine levels in the blood and spinal fluid then individuals not using phenytoin. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Vitamin B-2 has possible interactions with:

Phenothiazines
An animal study reported that chlorpromazine can increase elimination of this vitamin in the urine. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, trifluoperazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, perphenazine, promethazine .

Vitamin B3 has possible interactions with the following:

Isoniazid
This medication indirectly decreases the amount of niacin in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Anticonvulsants
This vitamin inhibits the breakdown of primidone and carbamazepine in the body, which could increase the risk of overdose and toxicity. This may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. Use with caution. These drugs include primidone, carbamazepine.

Vitamin B5 has possible interactions with the following:

Salicylates
These medications can cause a decrease in vitamin B5 levels in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include aspirin, choline salicylate, sodium salicylate, magnesium salicylate, salsalate, diflunisal, sodium thiosalicylate

Vitamin B6 has possible interactions with the following:

Levodopa
Vitamin B6 may increase the breakdown of levodopa in the body, possibly altering the effectiveness of this medication. However, use of a drug product combining levodopa with carbidopa (Sinemet) is reported to avoid this potential problem.

Estrogen and Estrogen like medications
These medications may decrease the amount of this vitamin in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, raloxifene, transdermal estradiol, vaginal estrogens

Hydralazine
Animal and human studies have reported that this medication can decrease the levels of this vitamin in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Penicillamine
In animal and human studies, this medication has been reported to interupt the breakdown of vitamin B6 in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Theophylline
These medications may cause a decrease in the active form of vitamin B6 in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Vitamin B12 has possible interactions with the following:

Oral Contraceptives
Studies have reported that women taking these medications have decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .

Antibiotics
Studies have reported that the use of antibiotics is known to decrease the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which may decrease the amount of the vitamin B12 that is normally made. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolones, Macrolides, Penicillins, Sulfonamides, Tetracyclines, Trimethoprin-containing antibiotics, Carbapenems, Monobactams, chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, Streptogramins, vancomycin, Oxalodinones, Lincosamides, Nitrofurans .

Antiviral Nucleoside Reverse
These medications may causes a decrease in vitamin B12 levels in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include zidovudine (azidothymidine; AZT; compound S), didanosine (ddl; dideoxyinosine), lamivudine (3TC), stavudine (d4T), zalcitabine (ddC; dideoxycytidine), abacavir sulfate .

Biguanides
In one study, 30% of patients taking metformin developed a decreased ability to absorb vitamin B12. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include metformin.

Bile Acid Sequestrants
These medications decrease the absorption of vitamin B12. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam .

Clofibrate
Clofibrate is reported to decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract. Other "fibrates", such as fenofibrate could act in a similar way. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Colchicine
Colchicine may cause changes to the lining of the digestive tract, which could inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract into the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

H-2 Receptor Antagonists
These medications decrease the amount of stomach acid which may reduce the absorption of this vitamin. Supplementation with affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine.

Phenytoin
Phenytoin may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 into certain cells in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Proton Pump Inhibitors
These medications reduces the amount of acid in the stomach, which may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract into the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.
These drugs include lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole .

Potassium chloride, sustained / controlled release medications
These medications can change the amount of acid in the stomach, which may inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12 into the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include potassium chloride .