The B complex vitamins are essential nutrients that play an important role in the body. You might be familiar with vitamin B12 shots for energy, but that’s not all these vitamins are good for. From fetal development and women’s health to immune function, digestion, and detoxification, this group of vitamins packs quite the punch! Read on to learn more about them!
How many B complex vitamins are there?
There are 8 B complex vitamins, all of which are not stored by the body and require daily replenishment. You may have seen some of these vitamin names on fortified food labels such as breakfast cereals:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Biotin (B7)
- Folate (B9)
- Cobalamin (B12)
How do B vitamins work in the body?
B complex vitamins play a role in RNA and DNA synthesis, red blood cell growth, appetite and digestion, hormone balance, nerve function, heart health, energy and metabolism, eyesight, cognitive function, and the list goes on! These vitamins are considered the building blocks of a body that’s functioning properly. For example, biotin (B7) is a component of healthy hair, skin, and nails, and folate (B9) is vital for fetal brain development and is also crucial during the early stages of pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects.
What are good food sources of B vitamins?
While some packaged foods like cereals have been fortified with B complex vitamins, the best sources of B vitamins are whole foods such as meat, especially fish, poultry, and liver, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, beets, avocado, nuts, seeds, tempeh, bananas, citrus fruits, wheat germ, and whole grains.
Some people may need more B vitamins than others, particularly pregnant women, those taking certain nutrient-depleting medications, and individuals with other health conditions such as IBS or IBD, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and others. People with anemia or other blood conditions may also benefit from taking B complex vitamins. Your doctor can discuss the possibility of taking a vitamin B supplement and how it can help give your vitamin levels a boost for optimal health and wellness.
B Vitamin Supplements For You
Two of our best-selling B vitamin supplements are B Complex Plus and MethlyPro Plus. B Complex Plus is a comprehensive supplement that includes all 8 B vitamins, along with choline, inositol, and folate as Quatrefolic® 100% 5-MTHF. MethylPro Plus also features Quatrefolic® folate, as it is the most highly biologically active form for optimal absorption, with specific benefits for homocysteine and hormone balance as well as detoxification.
Want to get all of your daily vitamins and minerals all in one convenient supplement? Consider Houck’s MultiComplete! Not only does it provide targeted amounts of the crucial B complex vitamins but also vitamins, C, D, and A, as well as magnesium, NAC, zinc, potassium, and many others!
Browse all of Houck Pharmacy’s vitamins and supplements and order yours online today! Have questions about the B complex vitamins or one of our products? Give us a call; our staff are happy to help however we can!
