Our Daily Vitamin B

It is well known that B vitamins are vital for the body and indispensable for energy production, supply of the nervous system, blood formation and the immune system. Since these water-soluble vitamins are not stored by the body, they must therefore be taken daily. A varied and balanced diet normally covers this well in order to supply the body with sufficient amounts. However, in some phases of life or when certain foods are not consumed, such as in the case of vegans or vegetarians, we need to provide targeted support.

Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, but a whole vitamin group. It is therefore referred to as a vitamin B complex. This is composed of eight vitamins that work closely together and perform different tasks in the body. Each B vitamin has its own special task to perform, but the vitamins of the vitamin B complex need each other to develop their optimal effect. They work like interlocking cogs and together play an important role in particular for the function of the brain, nerves and energy metabolism. They also have other important functions, such as supporting heart function, the immune system or even in cell division.

It is therefore important to regularly supply the body with all eight B vitamins - for mental and physical well-being.

The 8 B-Vitamins at a glance:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – for energy production and strong nerves

The body needs thiamine specifically to metabolize the carbohydrates from our food and convert them into energy and also to store it. It is also necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and promotes concentration. Only when sufficient vitamin B1 is present does the exchange of information between nerve cells function smoothly.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – for blood formation, protection of cells and vision

In the human organism, vitamin B2 performs a whole range of tasks. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, purines and vitamins. Together with the mineral iron, it forms a strong team for the production of red blood cells. It also has a positive influence on vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin B2 also has an antioxidant effect, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and thus protecting the cells.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – for beautiful skin, good nerves and high blood lipid levels

Vitamin B3 is essential for the health of the skin, as it has a regulating effect on the moisture content and also promotes the formation of collagen. The nervous system with its messenger substances also depends on this vitamin. Initial studies have also shown that vitamin B3 has a positive effect on fat metabolism. It can lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol and at the same time raise the "good" HDL cholesterol. For Vitamin B3 is ideal for high blood lipid levels is ideal as vitamin B3.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – anti-stress vitamin and promotes would healing

Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is important for smooth carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. In addition, we need pantothenic acid for wound healing and a healthy immune system. It is also essential for healthy nerve activity, as it is vital for the production of hormones that control physical stress.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine and Pryridoxal) – for protein metabolism and muscle building

Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism and the formation of amino acids. Normal metabolism of protein, in turn, is a prerequisite for muscle building, which is especially important for athletes.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – for hair, skin and nails

Vitamin B7 is better known as biotin or sometimes as vitamin H (skin and hair vitamin). It is needed for all metabolic processes and especially for beautiful skin, healthy hair growth and strong, stable nails.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) – for healthy cell growth and cell division

Vitamin B9 is better known as folic acid. Folic acid is especially needed by women during pregnancy. It plays an important role in all growth and development processes in the body. In addition to cell renewal and blood cell formation, folic acid is also important for cardiovascular health.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – for new cells and functioning nerves

Vitamin B12 is the most complex of all vitamin molecules and is the only one of the vitamin B group that can be stored specifically in the body for longer periods of time. Among other things, it plays a role in blood formation, blood clotting and the development of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is particularly important for the formation of new cells and the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin B – best taken daily

Vitamins are generally divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The most important difference between the two is that water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body. As described above, vitamin B12 is an exception in this regard because the liver can store it in larger amounts over a longer period of time.

The other B vitamins, however, are not stored in the body and must therefore be supplied daily through food or supplements. An overdose is therefore rarely possible.

Increased need in extraordinary phases of life

In extraordinary life situations, the body may have an increased need for B vitamins or may even be unable to absorb them sufficiently. For example, pregnant and breastfeeding women have this increased need, especially folic acid is extremely important for the healthy development of the child in the womb. Strenuous sports that promote muscle growth can also result in an increased need for B vitamins. Also during various diets or in older people with less appetite, the intake of vitamins is automatically reduced due to the fact that less is eaten. And last but not least, in the case of great stress or high mental demands, one needs more vitamin B than usual.

Here, you should make sure that you eat a particularly balanced diet or use dietary supplements to keep your vital substance supply well supplied and, above all, in balance.