Vitamin B Complex is a food supplement that provides a full spectrum of high-dose Group B Vitamins, indicated in cases of reduced intake or increased need. It contains Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Folic Acid (B9), Biotin (B8), Vitamin B12, Choline and Inositol.
The B vitamins contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous (Vit. B2) and immune systems (Vit. B12) and normal psychological function (Vit. B6). They promote normal energy metabolism, reduction of tiredness and fatigue (niacin) and protection of cells against oxidative stress (vit. B2). Vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism. Choline participates in lipid metabolism and liver function.
B vitamins do not provide calories (kcal) but are essential vitamins in the transformation of food into energy: they participate in energy metabolism.
Each B vitamin has a specific function in the body:
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Niacin or B3 - participates in the metabolism of food to convert it into energy and helps maintain a healthy nervous system, digestive system and skin;
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Pantothenic Acid or B5 - is involved in skin and hair protection mechanisms; prevents fatigue; promotes healing (this vitamin is in fact a growth factor for numerous yeasts and bacteria, insects and vertebrates);
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Vitamin B6 - is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids and sugars, and contributes to the formation of hormones and red and white blood cells. It also plays a key role in forming an immune barrier in defence against disease, stimulating brain function and preventing ageing;
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Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin - water-soluble element of the B group with coenzyme function (flavin mononucleotide FMN and flavin adenine dinucleotide FAD), indispensable for cellular respiration, metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats. It participates in so many reactions in the body;
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Vitamin B1 or Thiamine - is mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism: it plays an important role in the mechanism of transforming glucose into energy;
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Folic acid or B9 - is involved in protein and DNA synthesis and the formation of haemoglobin. The right intake also helps preserve cardiovascular health, and is essential for pregnant women as this vitamin protects and promotes the development of the embryo;
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Biotin or B8 - preserves healthy skin and hair and participates in protein metabolism;
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Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin - participates in the metabolism of amino acids, nucleic acids and fatty acids. It is essential in the production of red blood cells and bone marrow formation. It also promotes the transformation of nutrients into energy and can reduce stress and increase mood.Normal function of the nervous system Normal energy metabolism
Choline and Inositol also have important functions for the body's health:
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Choline - also known as vitamin J, is actually very similar to the B vitamins. It is synthesised by the liver and intervenes as a coenzyme in numerous metabolic functions. It protects liver health and helps keep blood cholesterol levels at bay, as well as contributing to homocysteine metabolism;
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Inositol or Vitamin B7 - participates in the formation of cell membranes, promotes communication between cells and stimulates the production of lecithin.
Scientific references
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068. PMID: 26828517; PMCID: PMC4772032.
Sadava, Hillis and Heller, B1 THE BIOMOLECULES: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION, Lesson 2, in Polymers, Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2.0, 2nd ed., 2021, p. 26.
Aldo Mariani Costantini, Carlo Cannella, Giovanni Tomassi. Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore.
