Breaking Down B-Complex

8 vitamins, numerous essential functions. Here’s why B-complex contains the “building blocks of health”.

If you’ve ever received one of our vitamin injections or IV drips, you have likely benefited from B-complex. This aptly named nutrient is actually a combination of eight B vitamins, each of which has a multitude of health benefits. Of course, like the old adage goes… individually they are strong, but together they are unstoppable!   

B vitamins are essential to our physical and mental health and longevity. Often referred to as the “building blocks” of a healthy body, these water soluble vitamins have a direct impact on our energy, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Specifically, each member of B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions. Amongst other things, B vitamins promote:

• red blood cell formation
• DNA / RNA synthesis and repair
• optimal energy levels
• good eyesight
• healthy brain function, especially concentration & memory
• mood regulation
• adequate digestion
• proper nerve function
• wound healing
• skin and bone health
• hormone & cholesterol production
• cardiovascular health
• muscle tone

For women, B vitamins are especially important during pregnancy, as they aid in fetal brain development and reduce the risk of birth defects. B vitamins may also help ease nausea, increase energy, reduce stress, and lower the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.

In men, B vitamins are thought to increase testosterone levels, which naturally decrease with age. Low testosterone can manifest in a variety of negative symptoms, which may be misdiagnosed or missed entirely by medical practitioners.

B complex is also crucial to a healthy immune system. In one particular study focused on COVID-19, the authors indicated that B-complex “assists in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, improves respiratory function, maintains endothelial integrity, prevents hypercoagulability and can reduce the length of stay in hospital.”

Now that we’ve discussed the many superpowers of B-complex, let’s break it down.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

The first B vitamin ever discovered!

• A coenzyme in synthesizing fatty acids, nucleic acids, and neurotransmitters
• Essential for brain function
• Contributes to the structure and function of cellular membranes – especially important for wound healing, skin health etc. 

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Needed to process amino acids and fats
• Helps to create energy (ATP) by converting carbohydrates to “fuel” for our bodies
• Helps the body absorb and utilize iron
• Regulates thyroid hormones
• Antioxidant

Fun Fact: Studies have shown vitamin B2 to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

• Antioxidant
• Plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair
• Essential for maintaining healthy skin, nerves, and digestion
• Often prescribed to help improve cholesterol levels

One of the most notable functions of niacin is its role in enhancing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule with potent anti-aging benefits.  

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

• Activates the adrenal system to help our bodies mitigate the negative effects of stress
• Converts food into fuel (glucose), used to produce energy
• Used to make coenzyme A (CoA), a chemical compound that helps enzymes break down fatty acids
• May help reduce triglycerides in people who have high cholesterol
• Antioxidant that reduces low-grade inflammation

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

• Assists hemoglobin creation, so red blood cells can transport oxygen
• Boosts immune system function
• Crucial for central nervous system development during pregnancy & infancy
• Aids neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, noradrenaline, and melatonin)

Pyridoxine’s hormone-balancing benefits not only aid emotional well-being, but also skin health. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal levels of homocysteine – an amino acid that can become elevated in the presence of emotional stress and which has been linked to the acceleration of skin aging.

B7 (Biotin)

Biotin (aka, the “B-eauty vitamin”) has been shown to: 

• Improve hair and nail quality, thickness, and resiliency
• Act as a coenzyme in the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates
• Improve glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics and may reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage

B9 (Folic Acid / Folate)

• Essential for cell replication and growth
• DNA production & repair
• Crucial for rapidly growing and regenerating tissues or cells – fetus, red blood cells, and immune cells
• During pregnancy, may reduce the risk of certain birth defects

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Is there anything vitamin B12 can’t do? 

• Essential for building new immune cells and initiating an immune response
• Boosts energy & assists metabolism
• Needed for a healthy nervous system
• Reduces risk of risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease
• Helps battle insomnia, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and anemia

While it can be a challenge to get all of your essential B vitamins at home, our nutrient injections and IV drips make it easy to get 100% of your vitamins. Ask one of our licensed medical practitioners which treatments contain B-complex at your next appointment. 

Got questions about B-complex or other nutrients? Send us a message or visit one of our Bay Area locations.