A vitamin B complex is often recommended for symptoms of stress, anxiety, memory, and concentration as it is absorbed quickly into the system, and being water soluble it doesn’t need time to ‘build-up’.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine ) is essential for the production of energy, the metabolism of carbohydrates, and proper nerve function. B1 is also needed for the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is a chemical messenger required for memory and proper mental function. Vitamin B1 deficiency can be caused or severely worsened by alcohol abuse or excessive carbohydrate intake.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin ) is also essential for the production of energy, and for the manufacture of both amino acids and fatty acids. Cells cannot develop or grow without this nutrient. Vitamin B2 deficiency can trigger symptoms such as itchy, red, tired, and/or light-sensitive eyes.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid ) is essential for the production of energy, and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Pantothenic acid is often supplemented for improving tolerance to various types of stress, both mental and physical. B5 is perhaps the main supplement used to support the adrenal glands, as it may be particularly valid in prevention or treatment of ‘adrenal exhaustion’ - a condition associated with the depletion of adrenal hormone supply (usually caused by long-term, chronic stress or extreme stress of a relatively long duration. Pantothenic acid is often called the ‘anti-stress’ vitamin.
Vitamin B6 is essential in many body processes including metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and hormones. It is needed to maintain hormone balance, enhancing detoxification of reproductive hormones such as oestrogen in the liver, making it particularly significant for those with PMT. Supplementation may also be useful in reducing the side effects of oral contraceptives, which are known to deplete vitamin B6.
Vitamin B12 is also needed for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and is required for the manufacture of the brain’s neurotransmitters, replication of DNA, and thus proper cell multiplication. B12 is known as the blood-building vitamin, important in the production of healthy red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body ) and haemoglobin. Without B12, red blood cells do not mature properly leading to a condition known as pernicious anaemia. B12 is also important for nerve function and is invaluable for proper nerve transmission and the myelin sheath which covers and protects nerve cells. The most superior form of B12 is called Methylcobalamin, yet most manufacturers use the inferior form (cyanocobalamin ).
Nature’s Plus Mega-Stress Complex has all of these vitamins and more in one tablet a day, which is ‘sustained release’ meaning it breaks down in the body throughout the day. This is important especially with B vitamins as they are water soluble so they flush out of the body in the urine.
For more information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Irishtown, Athlone on (090 ) 6487993.
