B-complex

The vitamin B group is about a dozen various substances with vital effects on your health. This large vitamin family consists of: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), choline (B4), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), inositol (B8), folic acid (B9), aminobenzoic acid (B10), cobalamin (B12).

They constitute a unique group of vitamins, as when one of them is missing, there is surely a deficiency of another one as well. Considering that relationship between them, a perfect solution is choosing multi-component preparations in which the right B vitamins are combined in the right doses.

Vitamins of this group are responsible above all for mental health. They eliminate tension, improve the mood, memory and intellectual capabilities. Some vitamin B deficiencies are responsible for problems with concentration and memory, they can contribute to the lowering of the mood, strengthen various neuroses and even lead to depression. The vitamins also perform important functions in metabolic processes and are necessary for the synthesis of many vital hormones.

Many B vitamins efficiently regulate the lipid profile by contributing to the reduction of triglyceride and "bad" cholesterol levels, decreasing the risk of circulatory system diseases. Moreover, they increase the organism's immunity by participating in the production of antibodies that protect the system. They have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails.

Vitamin B deficiencies are very common so their supplementation should be a basic element of everyday healthcare. Modern diet, full of processed foods, is unable to provide the organism with the right amount of those substances. Stress, some drugs (e.g. diuretics, laxatives) and alcohol also drain their reserves.

What is more, the organism absorbs only such an amount of B vitamins that it needs at the moment. The rest is removed from the system, so it is very hard both to overdose them and the store them in the organism for a long time. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mums should also remember about supplementing those vitamins.

While choosing a product with B vitamins, it is worth to check its form. Lozenges are believed to be less effective than tablets, as vitamins of group B are absorbed in the small intestine. What is also worth paying attention to are the doses, which need to be high enough, and the forms that will ensure the bioavailability of active substances (at the top are the so-called methylated forms: they don't need to be converted in the organism, which makes them more absorbable and their effect faster).