Vitamin B Complex

The B Complex vitamins are considered as a group because they work so closely together. Although they each perform different functions, they are all members of the same "team" so should always be taken together. Because of this fact, a deficiency in one often indicates a deficiency in another.

The B Complex vitamins consist of:

1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide)
4. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
6. Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin)

Why Does the Body Need B Complex Vitamins?

1. They help maintain the health of the skin, eyes, mouth, hair, liver, and nerves
2. They help maintain the healthy muscle tone of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract
3. They are essential for proper brain function
4. There is evidence that B vitamins are useful in alleviating depression and anxiety
5. Alzheimer's and dementia have both been linked to low levels of B vitamins in the system; therefore it is very important that seniors have an adequate intake.

Although, as mentioned previously, they should all be taken together, I will discuss each of the B vitamins individually so that you can understand the function of each one.