You may be familiar with tables showing the B vitamin content displayed on the side of cereal packets, but you may struggle to describe the function of this group of vital nutrients and the role they play in the body. Good dietary sources of B vitamins include liver, brewers yeast and fermented foods; if you do not regularly consume such foods, a B50 complex may help. B50 complexes are supplements that contain 50 mg of most B vitamins, 50 mcg of B12 and additional co-factors like folic acid. Particular body systems stand out for their strong demand of this nutrient class. Note you should always consult a knowledgeable physician before taking any supplements.
Energy production
Vitamins B1, B2 and B3, or thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, stand out as crucial for the role they play in liberating energy from the food that we eat. Each act as precursors to vital compounds in the Krebs cycle, an ongoing symphony of chemical reactions that occurs in each cell to convert chemical energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats into ATP. The cell uses ATP to power all metabolic processes, which explains why supplementation can have wider benefits beyond improving energy levels.
Liver support
The liver detoxifies the body in two stages, oxidation and conjugation. Oxidation makes the specific toxin more reactive, allowing conjugation to occur; conjugation bundles up the toxin into a form that the body can remove. Without sufficient levels of B vitamins, oxidation cannot occur effectively, which can result in an increased toxic burden in the body. Nutritionist Patrick Holford, the founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, also points our that the body needs B6, B12 and folic acid, a co-factor found in B complexes to conduct methylation, one several ways that conjugation takes place.
Blood
Anaemia is not just the result of not eating enough red meat. Pernicious anaemia also stands out as a common cause, and results from an insufficient intake of vitamin B12. Without sufficient amounts of this nutrient, the bone marrow cannot properly form red blood cells. A reduced concentration of these cells in the bloodstream results in tiredness, anaemia include tiredness, weakness and an increased resting heart rate. Palpitations may also occur. Taking B12 in supplements as part of a B complex represents an easy way to ensure you stay well supplied for this key nutrient.
References
- Clarocet: Essential B Vitamin Complex Vitamins
- “The H Factor”; Patrick Holford and James Braly; 2003.
- Net Doctor: Amaemia due to B12 Deficiency



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