Vitamin B - facts and information

Symmetry Products with Vitamin B:
NutraPack Fruit-a- Mins Future Star Optibreathe Tranquility Premium Plus, Female Balance, Ultra Vitality, Night Lite, Cardio Essentials, Future Star

Vitamin B complex actually exists as a family of B vitamins:

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine )

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. It has a positive effect on energy, growth, normal appetite, and learning capacity, and is needed for muscle tone of the intestines, stomach, and heart. Thiamine also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the degenerative effects of aging, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Beriberi, a nervous system disease, is caused by a deficiency of thiamine. Other symptoms that can result from thiamine deficiency include constipation, edema, enlarged liver, fatigue, forgetfulness, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart changes, irritability, labored breathing, loss of appetite, muscle atrophy, nervousness, numbness of the hands and feet, pain and sensitivity, poor coordination, tingling sensations, weak and sore muscles, general weakness, and severe weight loss.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is crucial in the production of body energy. It is involved with an enzyme called glutathione reductase, which helps maintain glutathione, a major protector against free radical damage. Vitamin B2 itself also has antioxidant qualities. Thus riboflavin is pivotal both in the inner breathing of our cells where energy is produced and also in the quenching of the toxic exhausts of that inner, energy producing cell respiration. Riboflavin is water soluble and so is not stored in significant quantities in the body. It must be replaced continuously through diet or supplementation to avoid deficiency. The most common cause of riboflavin deficiency is an unbalanced diet.

It is not uncommon to find vitamin B2 deficiencies in the elderly. Riboflavin deficiency is common in alcoholics, as well. People who indulge in a lot of physical exercise often need extra riboflavin particularly women. Vigorous exercise raises the daily requirement for the vitamin.

Riboflavin deficiency mainly affects skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms include cracks in the corners of the mouth, cracks on the lips, reddening of the tongue associated with a burning sensation and eczema of the face and genitals. When there is a deficiency of riboflavin there is usually a lack of the other B vitamins as well.

Vitamin B2 uses:

Protects exercisers from antioxidant damage and boosts athletic performance;
protects against cancer
protects against anemia

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3, also called Niacin, Niacinamide, or Nicotinic Acid, is an essential nutrient required by all humans for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as for the production of hydrochloric acid for digestion. B3 also supports proper blood circulation, healthy skin, and aids in the functioning of the central nervous system. Niacin also has a role in supporting the higher functions of the brain and cognition. Lastly, adequate levels of B3 are vital for the proper synthesis of insulin, and the sex hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

Vitamin B-5
The most important function of vitamin B5 is as an essential component in the production of coenzyme A, a vital catalyst that is required for the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and protein into energy. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is also referred to as an anti-stress vitamin due to its vital role in the formation of various adrenal hormones, steroids, and cortisone, as well as contributing to the production of important brain neuro-transmitters such as acetylcholine. In addition to helping to fight depression vitamin B5 also supports the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and is required for the production of cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells, and antibodies.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
Pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both physical and mental health. It is beneficial if you suffer from water retention, and is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. Pyridoxine also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance, and promotes red blood cell formation. It is required by the nervous system, and is needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for the reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth. It activates many enzymes and aids in the absorption of vitamin B12, in immune system function, and in antibody production. Vitamin B6 plays a role in cancer immunity and aids in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. It inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine, which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle. Pyridoxine acts as a mild diuretic, reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and it may be useful in preventing oxalate kidney stones as well. It is helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma. A deficiency of vitamin B6 may be recognized by anemia, convulsions, headaches, nausea, flaky skin, a sore tongue, and vomiting. Other possible signs of deficiency include acne, anorexia, arthritis, conjunctivitis, cracks or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperirritability, impaired wound healing, inflammation of the mouth and gums, learning difficulties, weak memory, hair loss, hearing problems, numbness, oily facial skin, stunted growth, and tingling sensations. Carpal tunnel syndrome has been linked to a deficiency of vitamin B6 as well.

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Experts agree that the essential nutrient Vitamin B-12 often increases energy and improves memory, appetite and digestion. It is an absolute must for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is considered by many to play an important role as an anti-aging nutrient. Many of the functions of vitamin B-12, such as building blood cells, promoting DNA synthesis, naturally interfering with inflammation and strengthening the immune system are fundamental to a healthy body. Thousands of doctors have given Vitamin B12 to help people cope with stress, depression and exhaustion to name only a few.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by mal-absorption, which is most common in elderly people and in those with digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal gait, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches, tongue inflammation, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness, nervousness, neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict vegetarians must remember that they require vitamin B12 supplementation, as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal tissues. Although people adopting a strictly vegetarian diet may not see signs of the deficiency for some time, the body can store up to five years worth of vitamin B12-signs will eventually develop.