The B vitamins include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pathothene), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), B12 (cyanocobalamin), and biotin. Each of the B vitamins is vital to different aspects of health. Thiamine and riboflavin together support brain health. Niacin improves fat composition of blood, thereby protecting against atherosclerosis. Niacin and pantothene are involved in energy production. Pantothene also supports manufacture of red blood cells but is primarily considered the anti-stress vitamin because of its role in adrenal function, which tends to be depleted under stress. B6, B9, and B12 work together to support brain function, heart health, production of reproductive hormones, and fetal brain development. biotin supports fat metabolism. In fact, there is almost no aspect of health that could not be improved with B supplements.
Brain Health
Mild deficiencies of B vitamins have been linked with fatigue, headaches, and memory loss. B supplements, especially of the powerhouse trio B6, B9, and B12, are sometimes all that's needed to alleviate mild depression. More advanced deficiencies are common in people with such neurological disorders as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
The Stress Response
Stress triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters, such as adrenalin to provide energy and serotonin to restore calm. The ongoing stress of modern life can deplete the B vitamins needed to produce neurotransmitters, which can trigger symptoms-fatigue, irritability, headaches, insomnia, forgetfulness-associated with severe stress.
Heart Health
B6, B9, and B12, reduce homocysteine levels, while B-3 and biotin support healthy cholesterol levels. Elevated homocysteine and cholesterol levels are linked with atherosclerosis-hardened arteries-and heart attacks.
Liver Health
The liver cannot function without B vitamins. The liver is vital in metabolizing fats, eliminating toxins from the body, regulating blood glucose, and many other functions, so good liver health is vital to good overall health. Supplements of B vitamins can also help with recovery from alcoholism by supporting liver detoxification and reducing cravings.
Fetal Development
Folic acid is crucial to fetal brain development immediately after conception, so all women of childbearing age should take supplements. Other B vitamins become important to fetal brain development later in pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) may occur because alcohol inhibits absorption of B vitamins by the developing fetus.
Female Reproductive Health
B vitamins may be depleted by pregnancy, contributing to postpartum depression. B vitamins support production of reproductive hormones, and deficiencies may contribute to symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Other Important Points about SISU B Complex 100
-B Complex 100 includes extra B12, which is one of the most important of the B vitamins.
-The B12 is in the methylcobalamin form, which is the active form of this nutrient and therefore goes to work quickly upon ingestion.
-B12 is found only in animal products, so vegans may suffer deficiencies. B Complex is packaged in veggie capsules and is completely vegan friendly.
Anyone can benefit by taking B vitamins, but some people are particularly wise to do so. In addition to women of childbearing age and vegans/vegetarians, these include:
- Individuals with bowel disorders such as colitis and Crohn's disease, which can trigger B deficiencies.
- Athletes, because intense exercise can interfere with metabolism of B vitamins.
- Older people, because levels of all B vitamins, and particularly B6, B9, and B12, diminish with age.