We've updated our B-50 Formula to easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules. B-100 dosing (or twice the number of B-50 dosing). Yep, you made the requests and we listened.
We think you’ll like our new B-100 Plus (with extra B12, pantothenic acid, and biotin), but if you're still looking for B-50, know you can get allthe benefits of B-50 in one capsule of B-100.
Get started with B-100 Plus now!
A Plethora of B Vitamins for Overall Health
Cells of the human body depend on the water-soluble B vitamins for energy production and cell maintenance. As you age, your ability to absorb adequate amounts of B vitamins from food diminishes. Additionally, taking certain medications and drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages can put you at risk for vitamin B deficiencies.
B-50 Complex provides, in one convenient tablet, a full range of B vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (methylcobalamin), folic acid, and biotin.
Many B vitamins work synergistically, making it beneficial to take the entire B complex together. Still, each B vitamin performs unique functions in the body and merits a review separately.
B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine -- which is found in wheat germ, whole wheat, peas, beans, fish, peanuts and meat -- helps your body's cells convert carbohydrates into energy. Thiamine is also essential for the functioning of the heart and for healthy nerve cells, including those in the brain. In this instance, thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the production of the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerve fibers), acetylcholine.
An article in the Annuals of Vascular Surgery reported that B1 protects against early causes of atherosclerosis in cases of diabetics.
Taking thiamine orally seems to reduce the occurrence of cataracts. A large-scale population-based study found high dietary intake of thiamine (plus riboflavin and niacin) was associated with a reduced risk of nuclear cataracts
B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin works with the other B vitamins and activates B6 and folic acid. It is important for red blood cell production and maintenance of the skin, cornea of the eye and nerve sheaths. Similar to thiamine, it helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates, but also proteins and fats. Riboflavin also has some antioxidant effects, similar to niacin.
Riboflavin is found in dairy, eggs, meat, leafy green vegetables and whole grains. A B2 deficiency may be more likely in people with cataracts.
B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is another vital B vitamin essential for the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. It supports a healthy digestive system, nerves, and skin. Niacin may have cholesterol-lowering effects due to its ability to regulate cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
There is some evidence that people who consume higher amounts of niacin (17-45 mg/day) from food and multivitamin sources have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to people who consume less niacin (14 mg/day). Food sources of B3 include peanuts, fish, coffee, beans, meat, and whole grains.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid is involved in the Kreb’s cycle for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. The body often uses B5 in tandem with biotin and folic acid. Pantothenic acid also appears to be essential to normal epithelial function.
Deficiency of pantothenic acid in your body has been associated with fatigue, headaches, mood disorders, muscle weakness in the legs, cardiovascular instability, gasterointestinal issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. Antibiotics can destroy the beneficial intestinal bacteria which produce B vitamins, pantothenic acid and biotin.
Salmon, liver, and yeast have the highest levels of B5. Other sources include dairy, eggs, veggies, grains, and meat.
B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is another critical B-group vitamin, because of the multiple biochemical reactions in which it is involved, including an active role in the immune system and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. And, B6 is concentrated in muscle mass.
B6 is found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, white potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, as well as non-citrus fruits, fortified cereals, and soy products.
Even marginal deficiencies of B6 may result in immune deficits. Classical signs of B6 deficiency include anemia, seizure activity, seborrheic dermatitis, confusion, and depression. Deficiencies of B6 also leads to weakening of the blood vessels.
Supplemental vitamin B6 may be helpful in relieving symptoms some women experience with PMS, and preliminary evidence indicates that it may protect against atherosclerosis, melanoma, and some neurologic conditions. A number of studies associated low levels of vitamin B6 with elevated levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for atherosclerosis, and also showed that supplemental B6 actually lowers homocysteine levels.
B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products. The richest sources are the liver, brain, and kidney; other sources include egg yolks, clams, oysters, crabs, sardines, and salmon. Lower amounts of B12 are found in fish, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, cheese, and milk. Plant products are typically devoid of B12 and it is thought that only bacteria actually manufacture the vitamin. Some fermented plant products, such as tempeh, may have some vitamin B12.
B12 and folate together help convert homocysteines to a heart-healthy element called methionine, which is the precursor of natural SAMe. Decreased brain levels of SAMe may result in disturbances of certain neurotransmitters, leading to depression and cognitive changes.
B12 may also protect against certain types of cancer. Recently, reduced B12 stores have also been identified as a nutritional risk for breast cancer among post-menopausal women.
Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form and a more natural form of B12, which becomes active immediately upon absorption.
Folic Acid (B9)
Only discovered in 1945, folic acid (also known as folate or folacin) is used by the body for intracellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, and conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Folic acid is a member of the B-complex family (B9), and was given its name because it is found in foliage such as dark green leafy vegetables. Other natural sources of folic acid are apricots, avocados, carrots, egg yolks, liver, melons, whole grains, and yeasts. Unfortunately, modern diets tend to be deficient in this essential nutrient, which is why in 1998, U.S. food manufacturers were required to add folic acid fortification to all cold cereal and baking flour products.
Folate deficiency has been linked to mental and functional deterioration in elderly people, and it has been linked to melancholic depression and poor response to antidepressants in the general population. Folic acid is used in conditions commonly associated with folate deficiency, including ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, renal dialysis, and drug-induced deficiencies (oral contraceptives, barbituates, etc.).
Biotin – Another Mighty B-Vitamin!
Biotin is found in beef liver, egg yolk, brewer's yeast, peanuts, cauliflower and mushrooms. And, yes, it's true. Biotin is yet another water soluble B-vitamin. Biotin acts as a handy coenzyme during the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates and also supports synthesis of hormones and cholesterol, cholesterol which is needed for the functioning of cell membranes, particularly in the brain.
Studies have shown that biotin strengthens fingernails, especially for folks with brittle nails.
Long-term use of antibiotics can interfere with biotin's functions and increase the risk of hair thinning or loss, dermatitis or depression. Interestingly enough, large doses of biotin have been found to reduce hair thinning in the elderly! Score more points for the basic B-vitamins!
Studies:
- Earnest C, Cooper KH, Marks A, Mitchell TL. Efficacy of a complex multivitamin supplement. Nutrition. 2002 Sep;18(9):738-42.
- Cumming RG, Mitchell P, Smith W. Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Ophthalmology 2000;10:450-6.
- Morris MC, Evans DA, Bianias JL, et al. Dietary niacin and the risk of incident Alzheimer's disease and of cognitive decline. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2004;75:1093-99.
- McKenney J. New perspectives on the use of niacin in the treatment of lipid disorders. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:164:697-705.
- Voutilainen S, Rissanen TH, Virtanen J, et al. Low dietary folate intake is associated with an excess incidence of acute coronary events. Circulation 2001;103:2674-80.
- Fuchs CS, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. The influence of folate and multivitamin use on the familial risk of colon cancer in women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002;11:227-34.
- Hochman LG, Scher RK, Meyerson MS. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. Cutis 1993;51:303-5.
