B COMPLETE

Evidence from human research clearly shows that a significant proportion of populations in developed countries, suffer from deficiencies in one or more B Complex vitamins.

But, besides genetic predisposition, some medications (like antacids) and simply not consuming enough, certain underlying health conditions are also contributing to the the rates of deficiency (due to malabsorption):

• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Kidney conditions
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alcohol use disorder
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Which can lead to a 'double whammy' of health issues when you consider the effects of the disorders associated with B Vitamin deficiencies:

• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Obesity
  
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Skin conditions
• Digestive issues
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Brain dysfunctions
• Behaviour changes
  

Which is why B Complete is designed to provide an optimum dose of both essential and non-essential B-vitamins for synergistic support of both physiological and neurological function.

THIAMINE (B1)

THIAMINE (Vitamin B1) is an essential nutrient for the, digestion and metabolism of branched chain amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. And although Thiamine is essential for normal:

• Digestive function
• Energy metabolism
• Functioning of the heart
• Functioning of the nervous system
• Production of neuro-transmitters for psychological function

It is still one of the most common nutrient deficiencies according to the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly amongst those who drink alcohol. Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency might include:

• Apathy
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Confusion
• Depression
• Low stomach acid
• Abdominal discomfort
• Short term memory decrease

RIBOFLAVIN (B2)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) helps the body build red blood cells and support other cellular functions that give us energy. Riboflavin also works with Thiamine to help breakdown fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Having a Riboflavin deficiency can lead to other nutritional deficiencies because Riboflavin is involved in the processing of nutrients. The primary concern associated with other deficiencies is Anemia (which happens when you don’t get enough iron).

B Complete contains Riboflavin-5-phosphate (R-5-P), which is the coenzyme form of Vitamin B2 and is necessary for its role in normal nervous system function and maintaining healthy red blood cells.

NIACIN (B3)

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an incredibly important nutrient, that's required by every part of the body for it to function properly. As a supplement, Niacin may help:

• Ease arthritis
• Lower cholesterol
• Boost brain function

The key role of Niacin, is to synthesize the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), which are involved in over 400 biochemical reactions in your body (mainly related to obtaining energy from the food).

Niacin also plays a role in cell signalling, making and repairing DNA, as well as acting as an antioxidant. Symptoms of Niacin deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Vomiting
  
• Headache
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bright red tongue
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Skin rash or discoloration

PANTOTHENIC ACID (B5)

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), is one of the most important vitamins for human life. It’s necessary for making blood cells, and it helps convert the food we eat into energy. Symptoms of a Pantothenic Acid deficiency are likely to include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Impaired muscle coordination
  

There are many conditions that Pantothenic Acid is used as a treatment for, but more studies are needed to determine efficacy.

PYRIDOXINE (B6)

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is a vitamin that benefits the central nervous system and metabolism. Its roles include turning food into energy and helping to create neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Vitamin B6 has many functions in the body, as well as also being involved in:

• Immune system function
• Brain development (during pregnancy and infancy)
• Creating neurotransmitters (including serotonin and dopamine)
• Creating hemoglobin (which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen

B Complete contains Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (P-5-P), which is the coenzyme form of Vitamin B6 that plays a role in over 100 enzymatic reactions, and is also necessary for the metabolism of protein and amino acids.

BIOTIN (B7)

Biotin (Vitamin B7) also known as vitamin H, is another essential vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. And although more research is still needed, Biotin may also be able to support healthy:

• Skin
• Hair
• Eyes
• Nails
• Liver
• Blood sugar
• Nervous system

FOLATE (B9)

Folate (Vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient that serves many important functions in your body, including cell growth and DNA formation. Low levels of Folate are associated with an increased risk of several health conditions, including:

• Cancer risk
• Birth defects
• Elevated homocysteine

Folate is the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9 and is predominantly converted into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the digestive system before entering the blood stream. 5-MTHF is the most biologically active form of Folate, but unfortunately, an estimated 40% of people have mutations in the MTHFR gene, which means their ability to convert Folate into 5-MTHF is impaired.

So, for this reason we included a patented, fourth generation 5-MTHF Folate in B Complete. Which allows those who have the MTHFR gene mutation to bypass the process of converting Folate into 5-MTHF and the potential health issues that a Folate deficiency can exacerbate.

COBALAMIN (B12)

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is an important B Vitamin that is crucial for:

• Brain function
  
• Energy production
• Nerve tissue health
• Creation and regulation of DNA
• Protecting eyes from macular degeneration
  
• Formation of red blood cells (and Anemia prevention)
  

Cobalamin is essential for healthy blood. When the body does not have enough Vitamin B12, it leads to decreased normal red blood cell production (Anemia), which impairs oxygen delivery.

Megaloblastic Anemia (also called nutritional-deficiency Anemia) is a type of Anemia caused by Cobalamin (or Folate) deficiency. Megaloblastic Anemia is characterized by impaired DNA synthesis and the formation of large, abnormal, immature red blood cells.

Having low or deficient Cobalamin levels can lead to a number of symptoms, some of which can be serious. And can result in irreversible and potentially severe damage, especially to the nervous system and brain. This, however, is uncommon.

That said, even slightly lower-than-normal levels of Cobalamin can trigger symptoms. However, these symptoms are nonspecific and are not enough to diagnose Vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Depression
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
  

Once symptoms worsen, they can include neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, to the extent that some people may have difficulty maintaining balance.

Those most at risk of Cobalamin deficiency are older people, Vegans (due to their lack of dietary animal products) and those suffering from the following health issues:

• IBD
• Gastritis
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Pernicious Anemia
• Alcohol use disorder

People who are using medications like Metformin (for type 2 Diabetes) are also susceptible to Cobalamin deficiency due to Metformin's ability to block the absorption of Vitamin B12.

B Complete contains Methylcobalamin which is the most biologically active form of Vitamin B12 and is better absorbed, retained and utilized than other forms of B12. Methylcobalamin is particularly important for the (estimated) 40% of people with an MTHFR gene mutation, as they lack the enzyme required to convert other forms of Cobalamin into it's active form.

INOSITOL

Inositol (Vitamin B8), is a vitamin-like substance that has a chemical structure similar to glucose (the main sugar found in our blood) and is grouped with the B Vitamin family due to its role in brain health and mood regulation.

Like several of the other B Vitamins, it affects the processes that make neurotransmitters (the molecules that relay information in our brain and nervous system). Serotonin, one important neurotransmitter affected by inositol, is key for stabilizing our:

• Mood
• Happiness
• Feelings of wellbeing

Inositol also influences the insulin response, which is important for controlling blood sugar levels in the body.

PABA

Para-aminobenzoic acid (Vitamin B10) is considered part of the vitamin B Complex, but is not considered a true vitamin. PABA is particularly close 'buddies' with Folate (Vitamin B9), because PABA assists in the production of Folate in the body.

Best known for fostering healthy skin and hair, PABA supports healthy collagen function and flexibility as well as healthy cell membrane fluidity (which keeps our cells “young”). PABA also has overall antioxidant action for the whole body and promotes good gut health.

CHOLINE

Choline is an essential nutrient that is closely related to the B Vitamin family, and although the body can produce small amounts of it in the liver, we still need to include it in our diet to meet our body’s needs

Choline is converted into a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps muscles to contract and plays a role in healthy brain and cognitive function. Choline is metabolized in the liver where it is converted into phosphatidylcholine, which assists in building fat-carrying proteins and breaking down cholesterol. It’s also a prebiotic, or “food” for beneficial gut bacteria.