Understanding the Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that includesmemory and ability to concentrate, as well as a
thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B-6, folate, B-12, pantothenicdecrease in depressed feelings and irritability.
acid, biotin and choline. Some of the benefits of vitaminVitamin B complex is used by the body to convert
B complex supplements include increased energy,carbohydrates into glucose, which is then converted by
improved or more stable moods, healthier skin, hair andthe cells into energy, commonly referred to as
eyes. The vitamins are important for proper nervousmetabolism. The symptoms of vitamin B complex
system and immune system function.deficiency are similar to symptoms of low blood sugar
Actually, adequate amounts of the vitamin B complexlevels. Increased irritability is one of the first symptoms.
group are needed on a daily basis to insure the properThose with sluggish metabolisms or problems
function of many systems of the human body. Niacincontrolling their weight often benefit from vitamin B
(found in the vitamin B complex group) is found incomplex supplements.
every cell of the human body. Inadequate amounts ofMost people who start taking a vitamin B complex
niacin in the diet can result in dermatitis (dry, itchy,supplement notice an increase in energy immediately. If
inflamed skin), muscle soreness, cramping, exhaustion,you suffer from dry skin or hair, it may take a few
insomnia, indigestion, mental problems, sores in theweeks to notice a difference, but you will see an
mouth and loss of appetite.improvement.
Another very important part of the vitamin B complexIt is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of the
group is folate, known until recently as folic acid.vitamin B complex from a typical daily diet. In addition,
Healthy men and women over the age of 13 need atcertain things increase an individual's daily vitamin B
least 400 mg per day. Women who are pregnant orcomplex requirements. Drinking coffee or alcohol
nursing need more to support the growth needs ofincreases the need for the B vitamins. Taking birth
infants. Deficiencies can result in a variety of learningcontrol pills, sulfa drugs and sleeping medications
disabilities and growth problems.increase the need for the vitamin B complex group. It is
No upper limits have been established for the vitamin Binteresting to note that a lack of vitamin B complex in
complex group. No toxic affects have been noted,the diet can lead to insomnia, which could lead
except after intravenous injections of pharmaceuticalsomeone to ask for a sleep aid, which increases the
quantities. When taken orally, the body uses what itneed for the vitamins. Before you reach for a sleeping
needs and excretes anything that is left over.pill, you may want to look at your diet and whether or
The benefits of vitamin B complex to the elderlynot you are getting adequate amounts of the vitamin B
include improved memory and mood. No matter whatcomplex group.
their age, most people notice an improvement in