Learn about B-Vitamins

B-vitamins have many anabolic properties separately such as Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6) and Cobalamin (B12). These individual B-vitamins have often been the subject of supplementation. People often forget that for a lot less money they can get better gains by getting a B-complex that combines all of them in optimal doses. This harnesses the synergistic effect of B-vitamins, which means better digestion, and absorption of carbohydrates, protein and fat and the fact that they comport themselves as enzymes in many bodily functions. B-vitamins will release and control gastric juice in the stomach, help absorb and digest macronutrients, which in turn get more nutritional benefits out of the things you eat. They also have a host of individual properties. B6 is a good for a healthy liver, B9 is good for absorbing things in cells, and B12 is needed for energy. Other B vitamins include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), biotin, and folic acid.

Vitamin B was once thought to be a single nutrient that existed in extracts of rice, liver, or yeast. Researchers later discovered these extracts contained several vitamins, which were given distinguishing numbers. Unfortunately, this has led to an erroneous belief among non-scientists that these vitamins have a special relationship to each other. Further adding to confusion has been the 'unofficial' designation of other substances as members of the B-complex, such as choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), even though they are not essential vitamins.

What some of the individual B-Vitamins can do for you!!

Folic acid is a water soluble B-vitamin that helps build healthy cells. "Water soluble" means it does not stay in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to help prevent neural tube defects. During periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development, the body's requirement for this vitamin increases.

There Are Two Different Forms Of Folic Acid:

Synthetic forms are found in:

· Multivitamins
· Fortified bread and grain products, like breakfast cereals
· Folic acid prescriptions (Women at increased risk for spina bifida need a prescription for folic acid. Please speak with your health care provider.)

The natural forms, which is also called folate, is available in foods like leafy green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, some fruits and juices like orange juice.

Our bodies absorb the synthetic form of folic acid more easily than the natural form. Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is very plentiful in many of the foods we eat, and is found in all living things. Most grains, vegetables, and meats contain pantothenic acid, as well as liver, yeast, salmon, eggs, and dairy products. It is also available as a high quality 92% pantothenic acid, 8% calcium enriched supplement

In addition to being involved in the Krebs cycle of energy production, Vitamin B5 is involved in the production of red blood cells and adrenal hormones. The body converts it to a catalyst called coenzyme A. This catalyst is very critical to energy production in the body. Vitamin B5 works with the other B vitamins to help in the ATP making process. It is ATP that accelerates the cells in the body, giving them the energy to run on. According to studies, vitamin B5 may help maintain cholesterol levels and healthy triglycerides levels in the body that are already in normal range, additionally.

Involvement of Niacin, an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy production means that it is essential for healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. Niacin nutritionally supports cholesterol levels already within the normal range.