What do B vitamins do? B1 Thiamin enhances circulation and assists in the production of hydrochloric acid, blood formation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamin affects energy, growth disorders, and learning capacity, and is needed for normal muscle tone of the intestines, stomach, and heart. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives may decrease thiamin levels in the body. B2 Riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue, and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Riboflavin facilitates oxygen use by the body tissues, skin, nails, and hair, and eliminates dandruff. B2 is important during pregnancy because a lack of this vitamin may damage the fetus even though the mother is unaware of the deficiency. B3 Niacin is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. B3 aids in functioning of the nervous system, in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and in the manufacture of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system. Niacin lowers cholesterol and improves circulation. B3 is effective in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. If you are pregnant do not use more than the recommended daily allowance for this vitamin, 100mg. B5 Pantothenic Acid is known as the antistress vitamin and plays a role in the formation of antibodies, and converting fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. It is required by all cells in the body and needed for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety. B6 Pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than any other single nutrient. It affects both physical and mental health. B6 is necessary in the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and carbohydrates; aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance; promotes red blood cell formation; is required by the nervous system; is needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for all cell growth; aids in immune system function, and antibody production. B6 inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine that attacks the heart muscle and a principle cause of heart attacks. It reduces the symptoms of PMS and is helpful for allergies, arthritis and asthma. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been linked to a B6 deficiency. B12 Cyanocobalamin is needed to prevent anemia. It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. B12 is required for proper digestion, absorption of foods, protein synthesis, and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and development. A deficiency of this vitamin, most common in the elderly and vegetarians may produce abnormal gait, memory loss, hallucinations, eye disorders, anemia, and digestive disorders. Biotin aids in cell growth, in fatty acid production, in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, and in the utilization of B-complex vitamins. Sufficient quantities are needed for healthy hair and skin. Choline is needed for nerve transmission, gallbladder regulation and liver function, and lecithin formation. It minimizes excess fat in the liver, aids in hormone production and is necessary in fat and cholesterol metabolism. Without choline, brain function and memory are impaired. Choline is beneficial for disorders of the nervous system such as Parkinson's disease and Tardive Dyskinesia. Folic Acid considered brain food is needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells and is important for healthy cell division and replication. It is involved in protein metabolism and may help depression and anxiety. Folic acid helps regulate embryonic and fetal development. Works best when combined with vitamin B12 . Oral contraceptives may increase the need for folic acid. Inositol is vital for hair growth. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries and is important in lecithin formation and the metabolism of fat and cholesterol. It also helps remove fats from the liver. PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) is a basic constituent of folic acid and helps in the utilization of pantothenic acid B5. This antioxidant helps protect against sunburn and skin cancer, assists in the utilization of protein, and assists in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. It protects against the harmful affects of pollution, helps prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity. It is essential in the formation of collagen, protects against blood clotting and bruising, promotes the healing of wounds and the production of antistress hormones. Vitamin C is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Aspirin, alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids may reduce levels of Vitamin C in the body. Valerian Root is good for nervousness, ulcers, headaches, colic, gas pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscle cramps and spasms, improves circulation and acts as a mild sedative. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products described are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |