B Vitamins Explained

B Vitamins – Why do we need them?

B Vitamins are eight nutrients that quite simply, have a huge impact on the wellbeing of your body.

They have a starring role in organs and functions of the body every single day and without them, we simply would not be in the best of health.

They are often together called Vitamin B Complex

We owe it to ourselves to understand what we need to keep our body in tip top condition.

So, what are B Vitamins?

Thiamine (B1) – Vital for metabolism and converts nutrients to energy. Source – Peas, oranges, bananas, nuts, wholegrain bread, liver. Deficiency symptoms – Poor appetite, fatigue, muscle weakness or tingling, blurred vision.

Riboflavin (B2) – As above and has antioxidant properties. Source – Milk, breads, almonds, asparagus, dark meat. Deficiency symptoms – Oral issues; cracks or sores, sore throat, skin problems.

Niacin (B3) – Works at cellular level, important for metabolism and DNA production and boosts brain function. Source – Liver, chicken, beef, salmon, anchovies. Deficiency symptoms – scaly red rash, oral problems, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, depression.

Pantothenic Acid (B5) – Aids in energy production and important for hormone and cholesterol production. It can also help the body to utilise other vitamins. Source – Mushrooms, nuts, lentils, beans, dairy. Deficiency symptoms – Fatigue, insomnia, burning feet, respiratory infections.

Pyridoxine (B6) – Metabolises amino acids, aids formation of blood cells and vital for the development of neurotransmitters. Source – Meat, chickpeas, potatoes, soya beans, oats, bananas. Deficiency symptoms – Skin rashes, oral issues, mood changes, weak immune system, tingling hands and feet, seizures.

Biotin (B7) – Balances metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and glucose; deficiency affects immune function and foetal development in pregnancy. Source – Red meat, eggs, seeds, nuts. Deficiency symptoms – Hair loss, eye infections, tiredness, poor appetite, depression.

Folate (B9) – Essential for cell growth and production, amino acid metabolism and blood cell formation. Source – Dark green leafy veg, beans, nuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, seafood and Liver. Deficiency symptoms – Tiredness, palpitations, concentration issues, headaches, shortness of breath.

Cobalamin (B12) – Hugely important in neurological functions, DNA and red blood cell formation. Source – Seafood, Cheese, Milk. Deficiency symptoms – numbness/tingling hands and feet, vision issues, oral problems, yellow hint to skin, co-ordination issues, mood disturbances.

Most B vitamins can be found together in the same nutrient dense foods.

Many people become deficient, often due to inadequate diets perhaps as a result of busy lifestyles; quite often because our diets aren’t as healthy as they used to be or maybe because our foods don’t contain the amount of nutrients that they used to!

It’s often hard to know whether you are getting enough Vitamin B Complex and so many people choose a supplement for peace of mind.

If you are having difficulty with focusing and concentration or mood then try Vibe Focus, with Vitamins B3, 5 AND 12.

Take a collagen supplement; with Vitamins B3 and Biotin for fabulous hair and skin. These powerhouses contribute towards a healthy nervous system and metabolism and can also help with reducing tiredness and fatigue. Vibe Glow also contains lots of additional ingredients with a whole host of benefits.