The B class of vitamins comprises eight distinctive chemical and enzymatic forms, all of which are related in varying ways to cell metabolism and its resultant energy production. Because of their similar and often overlapping biochemical functions, these various enzymes, coenzymes, and chemical compounds are necessarily categorized under the Vitamin B heading. And while many foods house a number of B vitamin variants, the so-called B Complex is derivable only by way of supplementation.
B Complex supplements contain eight chemicals and coenzymes which collectively encompass the B vitamin family. These are as follows: 1) Vitamin B1 (or thiamine), 2) Vitamin B2 (or riboflavin), 3) Vitamin B3 (or nicotinic acid), 4) Vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid), 5) Vitamin B6 (or pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine), 6) Vitamin B7 (or biotin), 7) Vitamin B9 (or folic acid), and 8) Vitamin B12 (or methylcobalamin).
Exploring the B Complex
Despite this being so broad a chemical/enzyme spectrum, these eight B Complex constituents contribute to a similar set of biochemical functions within the human organism, specifically the metabolic and energy release processes. And while each B vitamin variant is individually essential to human health, the collective B Complex is particularly potent as a weight management and energy enhancing agent.
Vitamin B1 – Thiamine
The human organism is in a constant state of cellular regeneration as skin, muscle, and connective tissues are themselves breaking down in perpetuity. Thiamine plays a crucial role in the creation of new cells and also facilitates an efficient conversion or carbohydrates into accessible energy reserves. With respect to weight loss regimens and the tolls they necessarily take, these benefits are of dual-importance: first, the regeneration aspect allows for ongoing physical output, as exercise is a core aspect of a well-rounded weight management strategy. Second, food energy is used more readily within the body, thereby reducing hunger sensations which stem from incomplete or inefficient digestion.
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
Blood is the means by which oxygen is transported throughout the human organism. More specifically, one’s red blood cells themselves see to it that the body’s oxygenation needs are adequately met, for which reason red blood cell production is enormously important to one’s bodily health. Riboflavin contributes to, among other things, efficient red blood cell creation. It is also believed to function in an antioxidant capacity.
Vitamin B3 – Nicotinic Acid
Recognized as a metabolic agent, Vitamin B3 is also essential in the generation of the HDL (read: good) cholesterol. Individuals with favorable HDL levels tend to house lower levels of LDL (read: bad) cholesterol. This component of the B Complex is therefore ideal for reasons of both metabolic and arterial health.
Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic Acid
Essential for the breaking down of carbohydrates, pantothenic acid exists abundantly in a broad range of everyday foods. Taken in concert with its B Complex brethren, the benefits therein are compounded considerably. Pantothenic acid is also associated with the maintenance of ideal blood glucose levels.
Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, and Pyridoxamine
A powerhouse of a contributor within the B Complex, Vitamin B6 yields a plethora of health benefits within the human organism, not least of which is the maintenance of neurotransmission mechanisms. Biochemical balance is the primary beneficiary of a diet supplied with adequate Vitamin B6.
Vitamin B7 – Biotin
Even protein sources of the highest quality must be broken down digestively in order that their regenerative efforts might be effectively realized within one’s body. Biotin serves precisely that function, as the coenzyme is essential to the deconstructing of proteins and fats, thereby rendering their regenerative bounty all the more nutritionally potent. Rather than serving as an energy source in its own right, biotin ensures one’s dietary intake yields its energizing utmost.
Vitamin B9 – Folic Acid
A necessary ingredient in the body’s cellular division recipe, folic acid is also essential in the creation of both red and white blood cells. Folic acid may also benefit neurological health and wellbeing to some extent, though its regenerative properties are generally associated with cellular maintenance.
Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin
Essentially an oxygenation agent, cobalamin is a blood cell generation stimulator and also yields neurological benefits. While cobalamin offers health benefits which overlap to one degree or another with several members of the B Complex, its biochemical behavior within the human organism is sufficiently distinctive as to render its intake necessary all the same. Taken in harmony with the collective B Complex bouquet, cobalamin’s bodily benefits are especially pronounced, specifically its overall impact upon vitality and the oxygenation of tissues and organs.
Ready to learn more? Connect with our team at A New Me today to get started.
Leave a Reply