| Vitamin B is actually a group of distinct nutrients that have similar functions and are often found in the same foods. The group includes: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin and niacinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), pantothenic acid (B5), folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).
- Thiamine (B1) is mainly used in energy production, especially in the brain.
- Niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2) also contribute to energy production and help regulate antioxidant mechanisms in the body.
- Pyridoxine (B6) is needed to synthesize nearly all of the neurotransmitters (which work to transmit messages in the central nervous system). Higher intake or blood levels of this vitamin have recently been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.6
- Folic acid, which is also called folate, is necessary to synthesize DNA and for cell division, and it works closely with
- Cobalamin (B12) to maintain many body processes.
- Biotin helps make fats and protein for the body to use.
- Panthothenic acid (B5) helps utilize fats and carbohydrates during energy production.
B-complex vitamins have many important overall functions:1,6
- Essential for energy production
- DNA synthesis and proper cell function
- Facilitate methylation
- Important for proper digestive tract function
- Promote healthy nerves, hair, skin, and eyes
- Boost immune system function
- Help reduce physical and emotional stress and promote relaxation
Deficiencies in various B vitamins can contribute to: tiredness, nervousness, irritability, occasional insomnia, and dizziness.2 Certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and anticancer drugs may
lower blood levels of B6 and can cause
complications. Vitamin B deficiency is more common in the elderly, vegans and lower income families that can be unable to afford adequate intakes of fruit and vegetables.3
Ray & Terry's B-Complex 50 contains a balance of 11 B Vitamins. The proper balance usually includes 50 mg each of B1, B2, B3, B6, choline, inositol, pantothenic acid, and PABA, and 50 micrograms each of B12, folic acid, and biotin. It is important that the formula includes a balanced amount of each nutrient to avoid competition for absorption of one vitamin over another in the intestines.
B vitamins are water-soluble and are not stored by the body, so we need to take in these nutrients on a daily basis.4 The B vitamins have a wide margin of safety and usage rarely causes toxicity. Ray & Terry recommend B vitamins to help maintain overall health and to promote longevity.
Supplementation with B-Complex has been shown to:
- Help counteract cravings for carbohydrates or alcohol
- Reduce homocysteine levels in the blood5
- Alleviate stress and anxiety
- Support healthy circulatory function
- Assist in weight management and energy production
Dosage: As a dietary supplement, take one vegicap once a day.
Ray & Terry’s B Complex-50 contains 60 veggicaps per bottle.
| Supplement Facts |
| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
% Daily Value |
|
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
|
50 mg |
3,333 % |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
|
50 mg |
2,941 % |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
|
50 mg |
2,500 % |
Vitamin B12
|
50 mcg |
833 % |
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
|
50 mg |
250 % |
Folic Acid
|
50 mcg |
13 % |
Pantothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate)
|
50 mg |
500 % |
| Biotin |
50 mcg |
17% |
|
Choline Bitartrate
|
50 mg |
* |
| Inositol |
50 mg |
* |
| PABA (Para-aminobenzoic Acid) |
50 mg |
* |
|
|
*% Daily Value Not Established |
|
|
Other Ingredients: Rice flour, vegetable stearate, and veggie caps (vegetable cellulose). |
|
CAUTION: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any
dietary supplement.
|
References:
- Ann NY Acad Sci 1990;585: pp.513-5
- Wardlaw, Gordon M.; Hampl, Jeffrey S.; and Disilvestro, Robert A. (2004). Perspectives in Nutrition, 6th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- N Engl J Med November 29, 2001;345: pp. 1819-1824
- Insel, Paul; Turner, Elaine R.; and Ross, Don (2002). Nutrition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
- N Engl J Med December 20, 2001;345: pp.1593-1601
- Larsson SC et al. Vitamin B6 and risk of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective studies. JAMA 2010 Mar 17; 303:1077.
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