Vitamins are essential nutrients that play important roles in growth, metabolism, and an array of processes that help the body function. Every vitamin serves a purpose, but one that you’ve probably heard is especially important is vitamin B. What does vitamin B do? There are actually eight distinct vitamins that comprise what is called the “B-complex”, and they are essentially responsible for helping to provide your body with energy. 

The vitamins in the B-complex include:

• Vitamin B1, also called thiamin.
• Vitamin B2, or riboflavin.
• Vitamin B3, known as niacin.
• Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid.
• Vitamin B6, which includes pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine.
• Vitamin B7, or biotin.
• Vitamin B9, which also encompasses folate or folic acid.
• Vitamin B12, or cobalamin. 

Each B vitamin functions in its own specific way, but basically, the B-complex aids in the process by which the food you eat is broken down into energy. Carbohydrates are one of the four main compounds into which food is broken down during digestion. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber, and the B vitamins help break these compounds down into glucose, which provides energy for the muscles and the brain.* 

Other B-complex benefits are myriad, and include helping to support the metabolism of amino acids and helping to promote cellular health. There is a variety of foods high in vitamin B, and vitamin B supplements may also help complement your regular diet. Let’s explore the benefits of B vitamins and some good sources of vitamin B.*

Now that we understand that B vitamins are essential to our body’s use of energy, we can break down the specific B-complex vitamins: their functions, benefits, and sources. 

Vitamin B1 

Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is a water-soluble B-vitamin that helps convert food into energy and promotes normal carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B1 benefits may include the support of a healthy nervous system by  supporting the production of certain neurotransmitters. Sources of vitamin B1 include pork, sunflower seeds, soy milk, watermelon, and squash.* 

You may have heard the term riboflavin used when discussing nutrition and wondered, “what is riboflavin?” Actually, this nutrient is the second B-vitamin, and like many of them, is involved in various cellular functions. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is also involved with the conversion of food into energy. It may also promote healthy red blood cell formation, support the nervous system, and support healthy skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin B2 benefits include the support of various enzymatic processes, and sources of riboflavin include dairy products, liver, dark greens, and some grains.*

What is niacin? Niacin, also referred to as niacinamide, is vitamin B3, and is involved in energy metabolism. Niacin helps convert food into energy and supports the proper functioning of the digestive system. When it comes to food, various niacin sources include meat, poultry, fish, grains, and mushrooms.*

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, promotes proper neurotransmitter activity in the brain. It is a component of coenzyme A (CoA), a coenzyme required for the chemical reactions that generate energy from food. CoA is also important to the synthesis of certain essential fats and hormones. Vitamin B5 benefits the body by promoting the normal secretion of hormones. Sources of vitamin B5 include chicken, whole grains, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, and mushrooms.*

Vitamin B6 is required for the metabolism of protein and amino acids, and also promotes the normal synthesis of hemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells which carries oxygen throughout the body. As a result, vitamin B6 may help promote blood health as well. When taken with folic acid, B6 also plays an important role in cardiovascular health by helping to maintain levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood.* 

Another key benefit of vitamin B6 is its involvement in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain and nerve cells, which may play a role in supporting cognitive function. There are three forms of vitamin B6: pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate is the main coenzyme form of vitamin B6 and plays the most active role in metabolism, including a variety of enzymatic reactions involving the nervous system. Like many of the other B vitamins, vitamin B6 is important to the conversion of food into energy.* 

Vitamin B7 is also called biotin. This B vitamin helps to promote healthy hair and nails. Biotin helps to support the citric acid cycle. The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is the process by which energy is synthesized during exercise. Biotin also aids in the production of fatty acids, and may help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Sources of biotin include many different foods, including egg yolks, peanuts, almonds, organ meats, such as beef liver, and fish.* 

Vitamin B9 is far more commonly referred to as folate, or folic acid. What is folic acid? This B vitamin is a water-soluble nutrient that plays an important role in a variety of processes. Folic acid supports the construction of the material for DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material, which is necessary for all bodily functions. Since folic acid benefits so many processes in the body, it is important to maintain adequate B9 levels.* 

Folic acid helps the body properly utilize amino acids, and, when supplemented with vitamin B12, may help maintain normal red blood cells. Vitamins B9, and B12, when working in tandem may help promote levels of homocysteine in the blood, which may support heart health.*

Sources of folic acid include fortified grains, asparagus, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli, legumes, okra, and orange and tomato juice.

Vitamin B12 

The final B vitamin, cobalamin, supports the maintenance of cells, especially those in the nervous system, bone marrow, and intestinal tract. As we’ve mentioned, it is one of the B vitamins that helps metabolize homocysteine, therefore promoting cardiovascular health by helping to maintain normal homocysteine levels. The form of cobalamin most readily available in B12 supplements is cyanocobalamin, but B12 exists in the body as methylcobalamin. In order for B12 to be used by the body, the liver must convert it into methylcobalamin.* 

Vitamin B12 plays a role in DNA synthesis, and it also helps to promote the body’s cell cycle--cell synthesis, maturation, and division. It helps with metabolism, and may also help maintain cardiovascular health, particularly when working in tandem with folic acid. Sources of B12 primarily include animal products--meat, poultry, fish, dairy--but this nutrient can also be found in peanuts and soybeans.*

Isotonix, the world’s most advanced nutraceuticals, offers a range of products that contain forms of various B vitamins. These nutrients are delivered via an isotonic capable solution, an innovative delivery system that helps optimize the body’s absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.*

Isotonic, or “same pressure”, refers to a solution that bears the same chemical resemblance as the body’s fluids. The body’s blood, plasma, and tears all have a certain concentration, which is known as the body’s common osmotic pressure, and allows for a consistent maintenance of bodily tissues. 

In order for a substance to be absorbed by the body, it must be transported in an isotonic state. Isotonix dietary supplements, when mixed with water, are already isotonic. The body has less work to do in order to absorb these nutrients, and you receive their maximum value.*

The following Isotonix® products contain B vitamins. It’s important to note that not every product contains each B vitamin. The forms of the vitamin, and their properties, are specific to the individual product.*

The Activated B Complex is the primary Isotonix vitamin B supplement. This product contains all eight B vitamins, as well as supporting ingredients like potassium and magnesium. The Activated B Complex delivers several of these vitamins in their metabolically active forms to ensure your body uses them efficiently. Certain B vitamins like B6, B9, and B12, must undergo chemical changes in order to be used by the body. For example, as we mentioned before, the liver must convert cyanocobalamin (B12) into methylcyanocobalamin. The Activated B Complex, however, contains B12 in the form of methylcyanocobalamin, which may help optimize your body’s use of this vitamin.* 

Our Activated B Complex contains the following forms of the B-Complex vitamins:

• Methylcobalamin (B12), which supports the maintenance of cells and plays a role in homocysteine metabolism.*
• Folate, which may boost benefits of B12 supplementation and help maintain normal red blood cells. Folate, or folic acid, also assists in the normal utilization of amino acids and proteins. The Activated B-Complex contains Quatrefolic®**, the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is the most active form of folate.*
• Riboflavin-5-Phosphate (B2), which promotes healthy red blood cell formation, supports the nervous system, and supports normal growth.*
• Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (B6), which is required for protein and amino acid metabolism and maintains the health of red and white blood cells. It is also involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters in the brain and may help support cognitive function.*
• Thiamin HCl (B1), which promotes carbohydrate metabolism and supports digestion. Vitamin B1 benefits may also include the promotion of a healthy nervous system, the support of neurotransmitter production, and an increase in energy.*
• D-Calcium Pantothenate (B5), which promotes proper neurotransmitter activity in the brain, and may help promote the normal secretion of hormones.*
• Niacinamide (B3), which helps support growth and the proper functioning of the digestive system.*
• Biotin (B7), which promotes the production of fatty acid and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It also helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, and strong hair and nails.* 

The Activated B Complex is available individually, or as part of a “kit”, where it is packaged with other dietary supplements.

• The Energy Booster Kit
• The Anti-Stress Kit
• The Daily Essentials Kit with Iron, also available without iron, or in packets form.

The Isotonix® Multivitamin contains 100% or more of the daily value of some essential vitamins and minerals, including all of the vitamins in the B-Complex. The forms of B-vitamins contained in this product include:

• Thiamin (B1), which supports carbohydrate metabolism and a healthy nervous system. It is also used in the production of hydrochloric acid, meaning it plays a role in digestion.*
• Pantothenic Acid (B5), which promotes neurotransmitter activity in the brain and promotes the normal secretion of hormones.*
• Niacin (B3), which supports the digestive system, skin health, and the nervous system. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.*
• Cyanocobalamin (B12), the synthetic form of vitamin B12, which helps maintain normal functioning body cells and plays a role in the Krebs energy cycle.*
• Folate (B9), which aids in the normal utilization of amino acids and supports the construction of the material for DNA and RNA.*
• Riboflavin 5-Phosphate (B2), which supports healthy skin and nails, and helps maintain a healthy thyroid. It also aids in the “activation” of vitamins B6 and B9.*
• Pyridoxine HCl (B6), which helps maintain healthy red and white blood cells, and supports the normal synthesis of hemoglobin, as well as certain neurotransmitters in the brain.*
• Biotin (B7), which plays a role in the citric acid cycle, and is used in cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids.* 

The Isotonix Multivitamin is also featured in all three forms of the Daily Essentials Kit.

The Isotonix Prenatal Activated Multivitamin delivers an array of essential nutrients that may help contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Certain nutrients are important for the normal growth and development of the baby, and also promote optimal health for the expectant mother. As the pregnancy progresses, the mother’s body may require increased amounts of certain vitamins and minerals to meet both hers and the baby’s nutritional needs.* The B-Complex vitamins in this supplement are:

• Vitamin B1, to support the body’s ability to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein when energy requirements increase during pregnancy.*
• Vitamin B2, which also promotes energy production.*
• Vitamin B3, which works with vitamins B1 and B2 to support the release of energy from carbohydrates.*
• Vitamin B5, which, in addition to playing a role in the Kreb’s cycle of energy production, promotes the normal production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as the production and transport of fats.*
• Vitamin B6, to support the processing of amino acids. B6 also supports the production of the hormones serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.*
• Vitamin B12, which supports normal nerve activity and promotes the health of the baby during pregnancy.*
• Vitamin B9, which works with B12 to maintain normal red blood cells and assists in the normal utilization of amino acids and proteins.*
• Vitamin B7, which acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.*

The Isotonix® Multivitamin Fifty Plus is formulated to help ensure that people over the age of 50 consume the nutrients they need for optimal health.* The B-Complex vitamins present in the Multivitamin Fifty Plus are:

• Vitamin B1, to promote the normal function of nerve cells and support carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps maintain a healthy nervous system by supporting production of certain neurotransmitters.*
• Vitamin B2, which supports the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and promotes healthy red blood cell formation. It also supports the nervous system, antibody production, and normal growth.*
• Vitamin B3, to support energy production, and support the normal renewal of tissues.*
• Vitamin B6, to assist in protein and amino acid metabolism, and support the normal synthesis of neurotransmitter in the brain. B6 also supports cardiovascular health and the normal maintenance of healthy red and white blood cells.*
• Vitamin B5, helps support the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which supports brain health. It also promotes the normal secretion of hormones.*
• Vitamin B12, which supports the metabolism of homocysteine and helps maintain cardiovascular health. It also supports the maintenance of cells in the nervous system, bone marrow, and intestinal tract.*
• Vitamin B9, which supports the construction of the material for DNA and RNA synthesis, and when working with vitamin B12 may help promote normal homocysteine levels.*
• Vitamin B7, to promote healthy cell growth, fat metabolism, and the production of fatty acids. It also supports various metabolic processes, the chemical conversions involved in converting food into energy.*

The Isotonix® Peak Performance Blend contains the activated forms of vitamins B6 (Pyridoxal 5’ Phosphate), B9 (Folinic Acid), and B12 (Methylcobalamin). By incorporating the activated forms of these B vitamins, the Peak Performance blend promotes their optimal use by the body. These select nutrients promote cardiovascular health.*

This energy supplement contains vitamins B6, B5, B12, B9, and B3 (as niacinamide), and works to increase energy, support immune functions and promote cognitive health.

L-Tryptophan, the Isotonix dietary supplement that promotes mental clarity, helps stabilize mood, and may help support a normal sleep cycle, contains Niacin, or vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 promotes normal tissue respiration, the synthesis of fatty acids, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin B3 allows the body to use L-tryptophan to produce serotonin.*

Coenzyme Q10 is an Isotonix dietary supplement that helps promote cardiovascular health. It contains riboflavin, or vitamin B2. Riboflavin benefits the body by helping to promote red blood cell formation and supports normal nervous system function. Vitamin B2 also acts as an antioxidant and may help in the production of energy. *  

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

** Quatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Gnosis S.p.A.