The importance of B complex vitamins starts early in the
human life cycle and continues across its different stages. Numerous studies
have emphasized the critical role of adequate B complex intake. Many studies
have reported Vitamin B’s importance and its role in all stages of human
development. [1]
From developing fetuses to infants to children to adults to
the elderly everyone requires B vitamins for some of the major biological
processes in the body. The B-complex vitamins are water-soluble nutrients that
are readily absorbed from a healthy gut and easily eliminated via renal
excretion. They are required for vital biological processes. B vitamins act as
coenzymes in several enzymatic processes that support every aspect of cellular
physiological functioning, including major functions within the brain and
nervous system and for the maintenance of optimal health [1] [3]. They are
responsible for helping enzymes release from food , promote proper metabolism,
give cells plenty of oxygen, detoxify organs, stabilize nervous system
functions, keep skin and hair healthy, prevent defective vision, and have also
been used in the treatment of debilitating conditions [2].
Multiple B-vitamin deficiencies are quite common due to
inadequate or poor dietary intake or due to underlying illness or
malabsorption. Since most of these vitamins are not synthesized by the body and
additionally being water-soluble vitamins, they can’t be stored by the body and
have to be consumed regularly throughout our diet. Not every diet is whole and
not everyone eats a wholesome diet. Also extended cooking, food processing and
alcohol can destroy or reduce the availability of many of these vitamins. Hence
it becomes essential to supplement these to make sure the body is getting
enough supply to perform daily functions.
Our Formulation
Unived Whole Food B-Complex contains all 8 essential
B-vitamins obtained from fermented media. This formulation is bioavailable,
bioactive, and has a longer half-life in the body.
Mode of Action:
Vitamin B1:
Vitamin B1 as Thiamine is absorbed in the
duodenum and converted with magnesium as a cofactor to its active form,
thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). TPP acts as a cofactor at crucial steps of the
citric acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway. TPP also plays a major role in
the aerobic metabolism of glucose for energy production [3].
- Helps the body convert food into energy, and aids the
function of the heart and cardiovascular system and the brain and nervous
system.
Vitamin B2:
Vitamin B2 as Riboflavin is essential in synthesizing
niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and all heme proteins. It is also needed for
carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism into glucose. Its antioxidant effect
is vital to cellular respiration and function in the immune system [3].
- Works with other B vitamins to promote healthy growth and
tissue repair, and helps release energy from carbohydrates. Promotes healthy
skin and healthy red blood cell production.
Vitamin B3:
Vitamin B3 as Niacin works as a precursor for nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate coenzymes.
Both are needed for DNA repair and cholesterol synthesis [3].
- Works with other B vitamins to help release energy from
carbohydrates. - Promotes healthy nerves
- Promotes healthy skin and digestive system.
Vitamin B5:
Vitamin B5 as Pantothenic acid is essential in the
biosynthesis of coenzyme A, cholesterol, fatty acids, and acetylcholine [3]
- Helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. It’s
important for many functions in the body, especially making and breaking down
fats.
Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 as Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, the active form, is a
coenzyme that supports numerous enzymes in performing various functions,
including the maintenance of normal levels of homocysteine, supporting immune
function and brain health, and the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and
fats [3].
- Important for maintaining healthy brain function, the
formation of red blood cells, the conversion of protein and the synthesis of
antibodies in support of the immune system.
Vitamin B7:
Vitamin B7 as Biotin plays an essential role in gene
regulation, cell signaling, and replication. It catalyzes the metabolism of
fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids [3]
- Vitamin B7 is an important part of enzymes in the body that
break down substances like fats, carbohydrates, and others. - Helps in promoting healthy hair and nails.
Vitamin B9:
Vitamin B9 as Folate is crucial for nucleic acid
synthesis and red blood cell production. It is involved in converting
homocysteine to methionine, which is essential for hematopoiesis and prevention
of megaloblastic anemia.
- Aids in the production of red blood cells.
- Aids in the synthesis of DNA.
- Works with B12 and vitamin C to help the body digest and
utilize proteins.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 as Cobalamin eventually combines with an
intrinsic factor to absorb in the distal ileum. Interruption of this process
can hinder its absorption, leading to megaloblastic anemia and neurologic
disorders. Cobalamin is required for red blood cell production, neurological
function, and myelin synthesis. It serves as a cofactor in DNA and RNA
synthesis as well as hormone, protein, and lipid synthesis and metabolism.
- Important for metabolism, the formation of red blood cells,
and the maintenance of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and
spinal cord.
References:
1. Ali, Mennatallah A., et al. "Dietary Vitamin B
Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex
Differences." Nutrients 14.19 (2022): 3940.
2. Kaur, Amarjeet. "Biological Functions of Vitamin B
complex and effects on human health in both excess and deficiency levels."
PharmaTutor 3.11 (2015): 40-47.
3. Hanna, Mary, et al. "B Vitamins: Functions and Uses
in Medicine." Perm. J 26 (2022): 89-97.
