Why B-Complex Pharma Nord?

All B vitamins are essential, just like other vitamins and except for vitamin B12, the body has no significant stockpile of them. As B vitamins are water soluble, we need a supply of B-vitamins every day. The respective B-vitamins support various functions in the body. Most of them act as coenzymes, which means that they bind to enzymes and help to carry out the enzyme functions.
 

Three primary areas in which B vitamins are used are energy production, nervous system function and psychological function. All 8 B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates from our food into glucose, which is used as fuel to produce energy. B vitamins also support the nervous system and our mental and emotional well-being.
 

It may be advantageous to supplement with a whole B complex rather than with individual B vitamins, as the individual B vitamins exert their functions in close cooperation with one another in the body. They have what is known as a ‘synergistic relationship’ meaning they all dependent on each other to carry out their individual functions. A lack of just one B vitamin rarely occurs since people do not eat individual nutrients.
 

As B vitamins are found mainly in meat, fish and dairy products, vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be deficient and should be careful to ensure they are getting enough B vitamins on a daily basis. 
 

Over the years, people have begun to move away from using the numbers associated with each B vitamin and instead using their names. Still, it can sometimes be practical to simply use the number associated with a B vitamin.

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

This vitamin was the first B vitamin discovered.

Thiamine is part of the body's energy metabolism, where it is involved in the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that carries energy in the cells. Thiamine also contributes to a normal heart function due to its importance for energy production in muscle tissue. Thiamine supports the normal function of the nervous system as it is required for the brain's normal metabolism. This includes playing a part in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (via the production of acetyl CoA), an important coenzyme essential for the function of the whole nervous system and also psychological functions.

The body can only store up to 30 mg thiamine in the tissue where it is mostly found in skeletal muscle but also in the liver, heart and kidneys. Thiamine can be degraded by high temperatures, alcohol, coffee, nicotine, certain drugs, raw fish and by lack of folic acid.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Riboflavin has an orange colour and is also used as a colouring agent in a variety of foods in addition to its function as a vitamin.

Riboflavin is converted to two important coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN, also known as riboflavin 5'-phosphate) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These co-enzymes play important roles in the body energy metabolism; cell function, growth, development and metabolism of various fats. Riboflavin and iron are included in the production and maintenance of red blood cells. The red blood cells carry oxygen around the body which helps to reduce fatigue and exhaustion and it contributes to the body's energy production. Riboflavin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system by participating in the formation of the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells. Riboflavin can act as an antioxidant that protects the cells from oxidative stress, either independently or by engaging in the regeneration of the amino acid complex glutathione. Riboflavin contributes to the normal functioning of the skin and mucous membranes. Riboflavin contributes to the normal vision, as it supports the function of the enzyme glutathione reductase, which is important for maintaining clear eye lenses.

Riboflavin tolerate heat but can be lost with boiling water. It can not withstand prolonged exposure to light. The riboflavin level in the body is reduced by alcohol, poor nutrition, by lactose intolerance and use of oral contraceptives.

Nicotinic acid / Nicotinamide (vitamin B3)

Nicotinic acid was first isolated from tobacco leaves, but it is not identical to the drug nicotine. This vitamin is available in two versions, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, nicotinamide which is the most commonly used. In some countries, the name niacin to both forms. The two forms have the same vitamin activity, but function differently in some areas. A high dose (50 mg or more) nicotinic acid, but not nicotinamide may cause temporary redness and tingling sensation on the skin.

Vitamin B3 supports the body's energy metabolism after conversion in the body to the active coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and a phosphorylated form (NADP). B3 contribute to the normal function of the nervous system by protecting against neurotoxic metabolites and by maintaining the nerve cell nuclei's normal function and growth of nerve cells. B3 contributes to normal psychological functions by affecting the body's production of the nerve signaling substance serotonin. Vitamin B3 contributes to the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, which is supplied with the blood through the small blood vessels which can be dilated from the action of nicotinic acid. Vitamin B3 also helps reduce fatigue by engaging in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats for energy.

Vitamin B3 tolerate some light, heat and an acidic and alkaline environment, but the content of B3 in the body is reduced by the use of alcohol and tobacco. A protein rich diet may increase the need for vitamin B3.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)

The name of this vitamin comes from the Greek word "panthos" meaning "everywhere" because the vitamin is found in cells throughout the body.

Pantothenic acid is involved in the body's normal energy metabolism by appearing in all cells as part of coenzyme A (CoA), required for chemical reactions that generate energy from food. Pantothenic acid helps to reduce fatigue as it is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin that transports oxygen to the body's cells. Pantothenic acid is also important for a normal mental performance as CoA participates in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. CoA is also involved in the production of so-called sphingolipids, a component of myelin sheaths of the nerves, which are necessary for normal nerve transmission. Pantothenic acid contributes to normal production and degradation of steroid hormones such as cortisone and other adrenal hormones and vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.

Pantothenic acid is reduced both at very high and very low temperatures as well as from processing of food and by long term storage.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

Pyridoxine is the B vitamin that has achieved the highest number of official health effects by EFSA of all the B vitamins.

Pyridoxine supports a healthy immune system, as the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) and interleukin increases and decreases in accordance with the level of vitamin B6 in the blood. Pyridoxine contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism, as the vitamin helps release glucose from stored glycogen and therefore participates in the regulation of the blood sugar which helps to reduce fatigue and exhaustion. It is converted by the liver into pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), a co-factor in many of the metabolic processes that are necessary for the reaction of the amino acid cysteine and proteins. B6 is included in more than 60 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. These processes also contribute to the body's normal energy-yielding metabolism. Pyridoxine contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system due to its role in the generation and regulation of neurotransmitters which makes it possible for nerve cells to communicate. Since pyridoxine takes part in the formation of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, dopamine and GABA, pyridoxine contributes to a normal psychological function. Pyridoxine contribute to the formation of red blood cells, as it is involved in the incorporation of iron into hemoglobin. Pyridoxine contributes to the normal homocysteine metabolism like folic acid and vitamin B12, where it is part of the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Pyridoxine contributes to the regulation of the hormonal activity by binding to cellular hormone receptors.

Pyridoxine does not tolerate very high and very low temperatures and is reduced by long term storage and exposure to light.

Biotin (vitamin B7 / B8)

This vitamin is also called the beauty vitamin because it is involved in the maintenance of skin, hair and mucous membranes. However, biotin has several other functions. In various litterature it has been called vitamin B7, vitamin B8 and also vitamin H.

Biotin acts as a coenzyme to a variety of enzymes involved in the normal metabolism of the macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This metabolism of nutrients and conversion of amino acids into glycogen also affects the body's energy metabolism. Biotin is involved in the maintenance of skin and hair by entering into the keratin protein that hair and the epidermis is made up of. Thereby, it also helps the fast-growing cells in the skin and mucous membranes to regenerate. It is also involved in the enzymes that produce fat, particularly in the skin cells which are replaced very frequently. The nervous system, including the brain also needs biotin to produce neurotransmitters and thus function normally. These neurotransmitters also support a normal psychological function.

Biotin is degraded by high temperatures, processing of food and by intake of large amounts of raw egg whites. Coffee and excessive amounts of alcohol and smoking also deplete biotin. Infants are more sensitive to low levels of biotin, because they have fewer biotin producing bacteria in the gut.

Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Folic acid is probably best known as an important vitamin for women before and during pregnancy, as it takes part in maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, where a daily dose of 400 micrograms contributes to the normal development of the child's brain and spinal cord.

Another reason why pregnant women need more folic acid is its role in cell division, as the fetus requires this vitamin for forming new cells. Folic acid is also included in the formation of new blood cells in the bone marrow. The number of red blood cells is related to fatigue and exhaustion. Folic acid contributes to a normal immune function in that cell-mediated immunity ie white blood cells are especially dependent on adequate folic acid. Folic acid is enzymatically converted to tetrahydrofolate which contributes to a myriad of processes such as the formation of amino acids. Folic acid supports a normal mental function by being involved in the body's serotonin production. Folic acid is involved in homocysteine metabolism like vitamin B6 and B12, where it helps to convert homocysteine into methionine. Some of the regenerated methionine is used for the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) which is involved in the formation of a number of hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. SAM is also necessary for cell growth and repair.

Folic acid might be reduced from alcohol intake, anticonvulsants, and in women using contraceptives.

Cobalamin (vitamin B12)

Cobalamin is named after the trace element cobalt, which is included in the vitamin. Vitamin B12 often occurs together with vitamin B9 and has some similar features. Absorption of cobalamin from the intestine depends on a particular glycoprotein in the stomach known as intrinsic factor.

Cobalamin contributes to the body's normal energy metabolism by being included in the citric acid cycle. This energy production helps to reduce fatigue and exhaustion. Cobalamin contributes to normal mental functions by being involved in the body's serotonin production. Cobalamin is part of the metabolism of homocysteine along with vitamin B6 and B9, where it helps to convert homocysteine into methionine. Some of the methionine used for the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) which is involved in the formation of a number of hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. SAM is also required for cell growth and repair and it also has influence on the myelin covering the nerve cells, which support the normal nerve function. Cobalamin contributes to a normal immune function through its involvement in the formation of nucleic acids and proteins like vitamin B6 and B9. Cobalamin contributes to a normal production of red blood cells. This takes place via the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, where they are formed.

Individuals who lack intrinsic factor usually get their B12 from injections. Plants do not contain vitamin B12. This is why especially vegetarians must be aware of getting sufficient B12. Also elderly people with low levels of gastric acid must be aware of getting sufficient B12.

• Immune function - Vitamin B6, B9 , and B12 all contribute to a normal immune function

• Nervous system function - Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, and B12  contribute to a normal functioning of the nervous system

• Vision -B2 contributes to the maintenance of normal vision

• Oxidative stress - B2 contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

• Energy metabolism - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12 contribute to a normal energy-yielding metabolism

• Tiredness and fatique - B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatique

• Red blood cell formation - B6 and B12 contribute to a normal red blood cell formation

• Blood formation - B9 contributes to a normal blood formation

• Iron metabolism - B2 contributes to a normal iron metabolism

• Mental performance - B5 contributes to a normal mental performance

• Psychological function - B1, B3, B6, B7, B9, and B12 contribute to a normal psychological function

• Steroid hormone metabolism, synthesis of vitamin D and some neurotrasmitters - B5 contributes to a normal function of the above

• Hormonal regulation - B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity

• Cell division - B9 and B12 both have a role in the process of cell division

• Maternal tissue growth during pregnancy - B9 contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy

• Macronutrient (carbohydrate, fat, and protein) metabolism - B7 contributes to a normal macronutrient metabolism

• Homocysteine metabolism - B6, B9, and B12 contribute to a normal homocysteine metabolism

• Heart function - B1 contributes to a normal function of the heart

• Protein and glucogen metabolism - Vitamin B6 contributes to a normal protein and glucogen metabolism

• Cysteine synthesis - B6 contributes to a normal cysteine synthesis

• Amino acid synthesis - B9 contributes to a normal amino acid synthesis

• Hair - B7 contributes to the maintenance of normal hair

• Skin - B2, B3, and B7 contribute to the maintenance of normal skin

• Mucous membranes - B2, B3, and B7 contribute to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

• 1 tablet daily, unless otherwise advised. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.

• Not suitable for children under 11 years.

• A healthy lifestyle and a varied balanced diet are important for maintaining good health.

• Suitable for vegetarians.

• Dark, dry and at room temperature. Keep out of reach of young children.

• A dietary supplement is no substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Anyone with an allergy to one or more of the B vitamins should consult with a physician before taking Bio-B-Complex™. Anyone with alcohol dependence, diabetes, liver problems, or pernicious anemia should consult with a physician before taking Bio-B-Complex™.