We’ve all stared at the cereal box label during breakfast and wondered what words like riboflavin, folic acid and pyridoxine mean. And how many times have we heard mom say, “eat your greens”? Turns out that what mom was talking about is closely related to your morning reading material and they both involve vitamin B.

The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins that include Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), Cyancobalamin (B12), Panthothenic Acid and Biotin. These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body), the breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids in the normal functioning of the nervous system), muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver. Doctors and nutritionists agree that taking the B-complex vitamins, as a group is essential for overall health. The b-complex vitamins together are a powerful tool in maintaining overall health. Individually, they each have important roles and specific targets to your body.

•Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) enhances circulation and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid, which is important for proper digestion. Thiamine also optimizes cognitive activity and brain function and has a positive effect on energy, growth, appetite and learning capacity. It is essential for maintaining muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart.
•Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is crucial in the production of energy for the body. Riboflavin helps protect against free radical damage and aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Vitamin B2 has antioxidant qualities and is needed to maintain good vision, skin, nail and hair health.

•Vitamin B3 (Inositol Hexanicotinate, a form of Niacin) supports proper circulation, healthy skin and aids in the functioning of the central nervous system. Because of its role in supporting higher brain functions and cognition, Vitamin B3 has been shown to play an important role in the treatment of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Adequate levels of Vitamin B3 are vital for the proper synthesis of insulin and the sex hormones.

•Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) promotes normal growth and development aids in release of energy from foods and helps synthesis of numerous body materials. Also been shown to stimulate wound healing, alleviate stress, aid allergies, treat fatigue and retard aging.

•Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It has been found to aid in the formation of antibodies, maintain the central nervous system, and help diminish signs of PMS. Vitamin B6 also promotes healthy skin, reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness and nausea.

•Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) is important to pregnant women for protection against neural tube defects in their unborn children. Vitamin B9, in combination with B12 and Vitamin C is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Women on birth control pills and all women of childbearing age as well as people suffering from heart disease and those taking daily antibiotics should be taking at least 400mg of folic acid a day.

•Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is crucial in preventing anemia. It aids Folic Acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells and helps in the body’s utilization of iron stores. Vitamin B12 also acts to prevent nerve damage, maintains fertility, promotes normal growth and development of the fatty sheathes that cover and protect nerve endings. It has also been linked to the production of neurotransmitters that assist memory and learning.

•d-Biotin is required, like all the B-complex vitamins, for fat and protein metabolism and in maintaining the effectiveness of immunity and gene function. Biotin deficiency is most common in the elderly and diabetics.

For added health benefits, we've added Insotol, PABA, and Choline Bitartrate. Insotol has been shown to help prevent hardening of the arteries and protects the heart. PABA is necessary for the metabolism of amino acids and in the formulation of blood. Choline Bitartrate is necessary for normal nerve and brain function.