
B-vitamins
The B-vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that work together as co-enzymes to support multiple aspects of cellular function.* Several of the B-vitamins are intricately involved in the catabolic process of generating energy within cells, and inadequate intake in some or all of the B-vitamins may have a negative impact on energy generation.1*
B-vitamins include:
- B1 (thiamin)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- B3 (niacin)
- B5 (pantothenic acid)
- B6 (pyridoxine)
- B7 (biotin)
- B9 (folate)
- B12 (cobalamin)
Properties and mechanism of action
Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid play a direct role in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which captures chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes.1*
Vitamin B6 is involved in more than 100 enzyme reactions, mostly related to protein metabolism.* Vitamin B6 also supports cognitive development, and is involved in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, immune function, and the formation of hemoglobin.2*
Biotin acts as a coenzyme for multiple carboxylases, which are important for metabolic processes.* Recently, biotin has been found to play a role in cell signaling and epigenetic regulation.3*
Folate coenzymes take part in a variety of reactions critical to the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids, and play an important role in regulating normal cell division.4*
Vitamin B12 is required for the development and function of the central nervous system, the formation of healthy red blood cells, and the synthesis of DNA.5*
Scientific support
Several studies have shown that supplementation with multivitamins containing a vitamin B complex may have significant benefits for brain function.1,6*