B Vitamins
The B vitamin group includes eight water-soluble essential nutrients: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin and folic acid. Unlike many vitamins, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body over a long period of time and must therefore be obtained daily through food. The only exception is vitamin B12, which can be stored in the liver.
It is crucial to ensure a balanced intake of all B vitamins due to their interdependent effects, but this is sometimes difficult to achieve due to their wide distribution across all food groups; only a very balanced diet can provide all B vitamins in sufficient quantities. Indeed, large nutrition studies consistently reveal clear gaps in their supply.
The Seven B Vitamins in B Complex Sensitive
- Thiamine (B1) is involved in energy production as well as the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain.
- Riboflavin (B2) plays a role in energy production, the reduction of fatigue and in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes as well as in the protection of cells and DNA against oxidative stress.
- Nicotinamide (B3) contributes to the regulation of energy and fatigue and is needed for the function of the nervous system, brain, skin and mucous membranes as well as being involved in serotonin and melatonin synthesis.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) plays a role in energy production in the mitochondria and is required for the synthesis of protein, cholesterol, steroid hormones and neurotransmitters as well as for the metabolism of vitamins A and D.
- Pyridoxine (B6) contributes to erythropoiesis and supports energy metabolism, hormone activity and the immune and nervous systems as well as playing a crucial role in amino acid metabolism.
- Biotin (B7) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, mucous membranes and hair as well as to the normal functioning of energy metabolism, the nervous system and macronutrient metabolism.
- Folic acid (B9) plays a role in cell division, blood formation and amino acid and homocysteine metabolism as well as being essential for healthy pregnancies.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is required for erythropoiesis and for building DNA and proteins.
Important Cofactors in B Complex Sensitive
In addition to the eight essential B-vitamins, there are several other vitamin-like nutrients that closely interact with B-vitamins as co-factors. These compounds were previously considered part of the B-vitamin group.
- Choline (formerly known as Vitamin B4) is mainly found in the form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and acetylcholine.
- Inositol (formerly known as Vitamin B8) is predominantly found in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
The Amino Acids in B Complex Sensitive
In addition to the B vitamins, this complex supplies the three important amino acids taurine, L-glycine and L-glutamine. These amino acids are required for the synthesis of glutatione, a tripeptide and the body's central antioxidant, from cysteine (from taurine), L-glutamine and L-glycine.
Health Benefits of B Vitamins
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), B vitamins contribute to:
- Maintaining normal skin and mucous membranes
- Maintaining normal hair
- Maintaining normal cognitive function
- Normal macronutrient metabolism
- Normal energy metabolism
- Normal functioning of the nervous system
- Normal heart function
- Maintaining normal iron metabolism
- Maintaining normal red blood cells
- Protecting DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative stress
- Cell division
- Maintaining normal cysteine synthesis
- Maintaining normal amino acid synthesis
