DESCRIPTION
A comprehensive collection of all the essential B vitamins and nutrients.*
FUNCTIONS
As coenzymes, the B vitamins are essential components in most major metabolic reactions. As water-soluble substances, B vitamins are not generally stored in the body in any appreciable amounts (with the exception of vitamin B-12). Therefore, the body needs an adequate supply of B vitamins on a daily basis.
Vitamin B-1 (thiamin), vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), and niacinamide are all essential coenzymes in energy production. Thiamin is required for the energetics of the glycolytic and Citric Acid Cycle reactions. Thiamin is also related to nerve impulse transmission. Riboflavin is a component of coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are intermediates in many redox reactions, including energy production and cellular respiration reactions. Niacin is a component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are also integral components of energy production reactions.
Vitamin B-6 dependent enzymes are required for the biosynthesis of many neurotransmitters, including serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Vitamin B-6, a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism, is also necessary for the processing of homocysteine and the conversion of tryptophan into niacin.
Folic acid together with vitamin B-12 serves as a methyl donor for biosynthetic reactions, including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
Optimum metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats depends upon adequate levels of biotin and pantothenic acid. Biotin is essential
many metabolic carboxylation reactions, while pantothenic acid, as part of Coenzyme A, is essential to energy production via the Citric Acid Cycle.
While not truly vitamins, choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid are important, related nutrients to B vitamins. Choline serves not only as a methyl donor for homocysteine metabolism following conversion to betaine, but also as a structural component of cellular membranes as phosphatidylcholine and of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Inositol aids in the cellular response to hormonal signals, serves as a source of arachidonic acid, and is active in cellular membranes as phoshatidylinositol. Finally, para-aminobenzoic acid is an integral component of folic acid as well as having antioxidant properties.
FORMULA
Each Timed Release B-Complex Tablet Contains:
Vitamin B-1 ................................................................................................ 100 mg
Vitamin B-2 ................................................................................................ 100 mg
Vitamin B-6 ................................................................................................ 100 mg
Vitamin B-12 .............................................................................................. 100 mcg
Niacinamide ............................................................................................... 100 mg
Folic Acid ................................................................................................... 400 mcg
Pantothenic Acid ....................................................................................... 100 mg
d-Biotin ...................................................................................................... 100 mcg
Choline Bitartrate ....................................................................................... 100 mg
Inositol ....................................................................................................... 100 mg
PABA ......................................................................................................... 100 mg
(Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
In a base designed to provide prolonged
release over a 6 to 8 hour period.
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 tablet daily or as directed.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES
Anonymous. Folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Genetics. Pediatrics 1999;104:325-7.
Elkin AC, Higham J. Folic acid supplements are more effective than increased dietary folate intake in elevating serum folate levels. Bjog 2000;107:285-9.
Haller J. The vitamin status and its adequacy in the elderly: an international overview. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1999;69:160-8.
Jansonius JN. Structure, evolution and action of vitamin B6-dependent enzymes. Curr Opin Struct Biol 1998;8:759-69.
Kim YI. Folate and cancer prevention: a new medical application of folate beyond hyperhomocysteinemia and neural tube defects. Nutr Rev 1999;57:314-21.
Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Niacin and vitamin B6 in mental functioning: a review of controlled trials in humans. Biol Psychiatry 1991;29:931-41.
Lakshmi AV. Riboflavin metabolism--relevance to human nutrition. Indian J Med Res 1998;108:182-90.
McCarty MF. High-dose pyridoxine as an 'anti-stress' strategy. Med Hypotheses 2000;54:803-7.
Schoenthaler SJ, Bier ID. The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on juvenile delinquency among American schoolchildren: a randomized, double-blind placebo- controlled trial [see comments]. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:7-17.
Selhub J, Bagley LC, Miller J, et al. B vitamins, homocysteine, and neurocognitive function in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:614S-620S.
