The many benefits of a B complex.
One main complaint many of my patients have is fatigue. Today I want to discuss the many benefits of a B complex including help with fatigue!
Many individuals are low in B Vitamins due to stress as well as medications they take that deplete nutrients. Medications such as those for reflux, antidepressants, and even birth control. I can test for B Vitamin needs at my clinic through a comprehensive nutritional evaluation. However without having this test run generally speaking B Vitamins are very safe to take as they are water soluble.
Today I’ll focus on 2 Bs, B6, B9, and B12.
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for several genes.
Magnesium and B6 are necessary cofactors for glutamate-to-GABA conversion (important in those who have anxiety). You want more of the calming GABA in your body.
B6 is necessary to convert all amino acids to Neurotransmitters like serotonin to make us feel good!
Deficiency can cause neurologic, mental health symptoms like depression, irritability, insomnia, and confusion. Vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods, including fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, potatoes, and bananas. The recommended dosage is 30-500 mg daily.
I start patients on 50 mg in the preferred form of pyridoxal 5 phosphate.
Vitamin B9 known as folate is also very important.
Many patients have MTHFR variants. It’s been estimated nearly 50% of the Caucasian population has at least one of them. The biggest take home here IF you have these is simply that you should avoid synthetic manmade vitamins like folic acid and instead take methylated versions which are easier for your body to absorb and use.
Folate is very important for your immune system and energy production. Folate is involved in methylation reactions. It also produces SAM-e. It is important for healthy DNA production and has been said to be anti-cancerous. Severe deficiency can lead to neural tube defects in babies. Major food sources include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit juices, and legumes.
The recommended dosage is 400 mcg/day. Higher doses are often recommended if the patient has the need, such as if they have MTHFR genetic defects. I have also used folate to help my patients who had abnormal PAP smears. Over and over I have seen repeat PAPs return normally in patients taking this nutrient.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is excellent for energy
It can also help to lower homocysteine. It is also used in the production of neurotransmitters.
Severe deficiency in either folate or vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. B12 is also very important for nerve health.
Major food sources include meat, poultry, and fish. Vegan and vegetarians are often low in B12 and need to supplement. The recommended dosage is 400–2,000 mcg/day pending need.
My favorite B vitamin products we carry are our Methyl B complex which is a capsule and our SL MethylBs which is only B9 and B12 but at higher dosages.
In summary, are you ready to learn about the multiple benefits of a B complex? Then you do not want to miss my video to learn more!
Wellness is waiting. Are you ready?
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*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
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