How many times per week have you heard: I am so tired! from a friend, family member or out of your own mouth. About 1 in 5 adults complain of general fatigue, and constantly being tired is, well, tiring. Plus, according to a recent consumer survey, the most sought-after benefit from food, nutrients and beverages across all generations is—you guessed it—energy and less fatigue. This may prompt someone to march down the supplement aisle in search of a much-needed energy boost. A popular supplement on shelves today—and the one many of us associate with more energy—is a B-complex vitamin.
B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin). “A B-complex supplement formula will package all of these together in one pill or capsule,” says Jenna Braddock, RDN, a performance dietitian, certified personal trainer and owner of Make Healthy Easy and Rhythm Sports Nutrition.
These eight B vitamins are grouped together because they have related, but different responsibilities in the body. “B vitamins are important because they play a role in energy production and functions that impact your heart, brain and cells,” explains Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, host of the Media Savvy Podcast and author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table.
In this article, we’ll explore what vitamin B complex is, highlight its health benefits and discuss how much you need per day. We’ll also discuss which foods contain B vitamins, how to pick out a B-complex supplement, and who may or may not benefit from taking one.
What Is Vitamin B Complex?
Vitamin B complex is made up of the following eight water-soluble vitamins. Each B vitamin has different functions within the body:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Thiamine essential for energy metabolism and converting food into energy. It also supports cell growth, development and function.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Riboflavin also plays a role in cell development, growth and function. It also contributes to energy production and the metabolism of fats and medications.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): Niacin is involved in more than 400 cellular metabolic processes, helping convert food into energy.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Pantothenic acid helps turn food into energy and metabolize fat.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 supports hundreds of metabolic reactions. It also plays a role in brain development and immune function.
- Vitamin B7 (biotin): Biotin plays a role in metabolism, gene regulation and cell signaling.
- Vitamin B9 (folate). Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism and formation of red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12 is essential for central nervous system development and function, red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B Complex
1. Boosts Energy
Almost all B vitamins play a part in how our bodies make energy. Therefore, we need to have an adequate supply of all B vitamins on hand to keep energy production chugging along smoothly. Any shortage, such as a deficiency or being low in a B vitamin, could disrupt this process. Studies have shown that supplementing with B vitamins can alleviate feelings of fatigue and help improve energy levels.
2. Supports Brain Health
We all want to keep our minds sharp, and B vitamins can help. Research has found that supplementing with B vitamins benefits cognitive function and slows cognitive decline. There’s also scientific evidence suggesting that a higher intake of folate in people over 50 years old is associated with lower risk of dementia.
3. Prevents Anemia
“Anemia is a condition in which your blood produces fewer than normal healthy red blood cells, affecting nearly 3 million Americans,” says Kunal Lal, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Miami. “Your body isn’t able to get enough oxygen, which can lead to you feeling tired and weak, experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and—at times—chest pain,” he explains. Getting enough folate and vitamin B12 is important to prevent anemia.
4. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress
At times we could all use a little mood boost and, good news: B vitamins can help in that department. “Supplementing with B-complex vitamins could have a positive effect on mood and mental health, even when a deficiency is not present,” says Braddock. Research indicates that taking a B vitamin supplement may improve mood and reduce feelings of stress in healthy people.
5. Supports Heart Health
B vitamins may keep our heart healthy. “B vitamins help produce new red blood cells in your body, which perfuses our organs and tissues with oxygen,” says Lal. And more blood flow is a good thing, he says: “This ultimately aids in circulation in our body, and theoretically improves cardiovascular health.”
6. Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnant people are advised to take prenatal vitamins, which are packed with B vitamins to support their growing baby and their own bodies. B vitamins play a crucial role in supporting a healthy pregnancy by forming red blood cells, maintaining the nervous system and helping prevent birth defects. Additionally, B vitamins support the baby’s growth and development.
And there’s one bonus benefit. Science suggests that supplementing with vitamin B6 may help alleviate nausea and morning sickness in some pregnant women.
7. May Reduce Migraines
If you experience migraines, you know the debilitating impact they can have. Studies have shown B vitamins can have promising potential. Taking 400 milligrams of riboflavin per day over three months has shown significant improvement on migraines. Research found a significant reduction in the number of migraine days, duration, frequency and pain levels experienced during attacks.
8. Supports Gut Health
Our gut bacteria produce small amounts of B vitamins, says Braddock. These B vitamins play a critical role in shaping a healthy and diverse gut flora. A deficiency in any B vitamin can disrupt both gut bacteria and overall intestinal health.
Food Sources of Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are found in many different food groups, including:
- Whole grains like brown rice, barley, oats, whole-wheat bread
- Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens
- Beans and lentils
- Milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Chicken and beef
- Fish like salmon, tuna
- Fortified breakfast cereals
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