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Breaking Down B-Complex

8 vitamins, numerous essential functions. Here’s why B-complex contains the “building blocks of health”.

If you’ve ever received one of our vitamin injections or IV drips, you have likely benefited from B-complex. This aptly named nutrient is actually a combination of eight B vitamins, each of which has a multitude of health benefits. Of course, like the old adage goes… individually they are strong, but together they are unstoppable!   

B vitamins are essential to our physical and mental health and longevity. Often referred to as the “building blocks” of a healthy body, these water soluble vitamins have a direct impact on our energy, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Specifically, each member of B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions. Amongst other things, B vitamins promote:

  • red blood cell formation
  • DNA / RNA synthesis and repair
  • optimal energy levels
  • good eyesight
  • healthy brain function, especially concentration & memory
  • mood regulation
  • adequate digestion
  • proper nerve function
  • wound healing
  • skin and bone health
  • hormone & cholesterol production
  • cardiovascular health
  • muscle tone

For women, B vitamins are especially important during pregnancy, as they aid in fetal brain development and reduce the risk of birth defects. B vitamins may also help ease nausea, increase energy, reduce stress, and lower the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.

In men, B vitamins are thought to increase testosterone levels, which naturally decrease with age. Low testosterone can manifest in a variety of negative symptoms, which may be misdiagnosed or missed entirely by medical practitioners.

B complex is also crucial to a healthy immune system. In one particular study focused on COVID-19, the authors indicated that B-complex “assists in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, improves respiratory function, maintains endothelial integrity, prevents hypercoagulability and can reduce the length of stay in hospital.”

Now that we’ve discussed the many superpowers of B-complex, let’s break it down.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

The first B vitamin ever discovered!

  • A coenzyme in synthesizing fatty acids, nucleic acids, and neurotransmitters
  • Essential for brain function
  • Contributes to the structure and function of cellular membranes – especially important for wound healing, skin health etc. 

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

  • Needed to process amino acids and fats
  • Helps to create energy (ATP) by converting carbohydrates to “fuel” for our bodies
  • Helps the body absorb and utilize iron
  • Regulates thyroid hormones
  • Antioxidant

Fun Fact: Studies have shown vitamin B2 to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

  • Antioxidant
  • Plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair
  • Essential for maintaining healthy skin, nerves, and digestion
  • Often prescribed to help improve cholesterol levels

One of the most notable functions of niacin is its role in enhancing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule with potent anti-aging benefits.  

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Assists hemoglobin creation, so red blood cells can transport oxygen
  • Boosts immune system function
  • Crucial for central nervous system development during pregnancy & infancy
  • Aids neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, noradrenaline, and melatonin)

Pyridoxine’s hormone-balancing benefits not only aid emotional well-being, but also skin health. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal levels of homocysteine – an amino acid that can become elevated in the presence of emotional stress and which has been linked to the acceleration of skin aging.

B7 (Biotin)

Biotin (aka, the “B-eauty vitamin”) has been shown to: 

  • Improve hair and nail quality, thickness, and resiliency
  • Act as a coenzyme in the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates
  • Improve glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics and may reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage

B9 (Folic Acid / Folate)

  • Essential for cell replication and growth
  • DNA production & repair
  • Crucial for rapidly growing and regenerating tissues or cells – fetus, red blood cells, and immune cells
  • During pregnancy, may reduce the risk of certain birth defects

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Is there anything vitamin B12 can’t do

  • Essential for building new immune cells and initiating an immune response
  • Boosts energy & assists metabolism
  • Needed for a healthy nervous system
  • Reduces risk of risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Helps battle insomnia, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and anemia

While it can be a challenge to get all of your essential B vitamins at home, our nutrient injections and IV drips make it easy to get 100% of your vitamins. Ask one of our licensed medical practitioners which treatments contain B-complex at your next appointment

Got questions about B-complex or other nutrients? Send us a message or visit one of our Bay Area locations.

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