Getting the recommended amounts of B Vitamins plays an essential part in good health. Abundant in green vegetables, whole or enriched grains, dairy, and meats; B vitamins help promote a healthy metabolism and are also linked to a reduced risk of several health issues research shows. Take vitamin B12 for example, the Mayo Clinic reported vitamin B12, plays a significant role in nerve function, the formation of red blood cells, the production of DNA. Most people do not get enough vitamin B 12 or other B vitamins. Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Anemia ( lack of energy )
Confusion
Dementia
Depression
Difficulty maintaining balance
Fatigue
Intestinal problems
Mood disturbances
Muscle weakness
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Poor memory
Soreness of the mouth or tongue
It’s been known that some people with B vitamin deficiencies experience depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Folate (vitamin B9) is in the forefront of mood management. Findings show that many people with depression have lower levels of folate in the blood. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, peanuts, and other legumes, and citrus fruits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began requiring manufacturers to add folic acid to enriched breads, cereals, flours, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and other grain products in 1998.
Additionally, folic acid (the synthetic form of folate in supplements and fortified food) is essential during early pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine such as spina bifida. Taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid during pregnancy and eating folic-acid fortified foods can help women get plenty of this essential B vitamin.
Your doctor can determine if you are deficient in one of the B vitamins and may prescribe a vitamin B complex supplement. Even if you're taking a supplement, a varied and balanced diet is essential to avoiding a B vitamin deficiency and reaping the health benefits of these important vitamins.
Balanced Green Plant Proteins and Superfood Blends are loaded in the B Vitamins. Here is a short summary of the B Vitamins Daily Allowance percentage in our 3 products.
Vitamin | Plant Protein Plus | Total Health | Power Meal |
B1 | 45% | 35% | 65% |
B2 | 60% | 90% | 90% |
B3 | 40% | 25% | 60% |
B6 | 30% | 15% | 50% |
B9 | 80% | 25% | 100% |
B12 | 50% | 65% | 70% |
What about B5 and B7? The best answer is we have lots, but fact is we have not tested it yet. These two B Vitamins will be added to our next test and label.
Read on to learn about the daily doses of different B vitamins you need, natural sources to include in your diet, and the health benefits you can expect to reap.
B1 (Thiamine)
B1 helps the body make healthy new cells. It’s often called an anti-stress vitamin because of its ability to protect the immune system. When carb loading this vitamin is necessary to help break down those simple carbohydrates.
B2 (Riboflavin)
This B vitamin works as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals. It may also prevent early aging and the development of heart disease. Riboflavin is important for red blood cell production, which is necessary for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
B3 (Niacin)
One of the primary uses for niacin is to boost HDL cholesterol (i.e. the good cholesterol). And the higher a person’s HDL, the less bad cholesterol he or she will have in their blood. Niacin, used topically and ingested, has also been found to treat acne.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
You can find small amounts of vitamin B5 in just about every food group — its name even says so. Pantothenic comes from the Greek word pantothen, meaning “from everywhere.” In addition to breaking down fats and carbs for energy, it’s responsible for the production of sex and stress-related hormones including testosterone. Studies show B5 also promotes healthy skin with the ability to reduce signs of skin aging such as redness and skin spots.
B6 (Pyridoxine)
Along with fellow B vitamins 12 and 9, B6 helps regulate levels of the amino acid homocysteine (associated with heart disease). Pyridoxine is a major player in mood and sleep patterns because it helps the body produce serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine, a stress hormone. Some studies suggest vitamin B6 can reduce inflammation for people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
B7 (Biotin)
B7 is associated with healthy hair, skin and nails. B7 also goes by “the beauty vitamin.” It may help people with diabetes control high blood glucose levels. This B vitamin is especially important during pregnancy because it’s vital for normal growth of the baby.
B9 (Folate)
You may have heard another name for B9 — folic acid — which is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods like cereal and bread. Studies suggest folate may help keep depression at bay and prevent memory loss. This vitamin is also especially important for women who are pregnant since it supports the growth of the baby and prevents neurological birth defects.
B12 (Cobalamin)
This B vitamin is a total team player. Cobalamin works with vitamin B9 to produce red blood cells and help iron do its job by helping to create the oxygen carrying protein, hemogloblin. Most people are deficient here, especially if they are vegan. But are products take care of this deficient thanks to the ingredient Nutritional Yeast.
Contributions from Nicole McDermott on 8/16/2017