Vitamin B-Complex

Regular use of a quality high potency multiple vitamin may be important in alcoholism.  Alcoholics are classically deficient in most of the B vitamins.  These deficiencies result from a variety of mechanisms: low dietary intake, deactivation of the active form, impaired conversion to the active form by ethanol or acetaldehyde, impaired absorption, and decreased storage capacity.  A thiamine deficiency is both the most common and the most serious of the B-vitamin deficiencies, since a deficiency causes beriberi and the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.  A functional pyridoxine deficiency is also common in alcoholics, due not so much to inadequate intake as impaired conversion to its active form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, and enhanced degradation.

Supplementation with vitamin B-complex may be necessary, especially for patients who take l-dopa medications.

105 male and female subjects with coronary artery disease who received folic acid (1mg/day), vitamin B12 (400mcg/day) and vitamin B6 (10mg/day) experienced a significant reduction in reblockage after angioplasty over those who did not take the vitamins.  Homocysteine levels were reduced during the trial. [N Engl J Med November 29, 2001;345: pp.1593-1601]

B-vitamins are needed for cell proliferation and for the replacement and maturation of red blood cells lost through bleeding.  One response to a wound is a higher rate of metabolism.  This leads to higher energy-level requirements in order to heal a wound, and to increased requirements for thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin.

Several B-vitamins are needed to support hydrochloric acid production.

Many naturopathic and other doctors suggest using vitamin B complex (50mg per day) with additional vitamin B6 and folic acid (800 to 1000mcg per day) for women planning to become pregnant and for those who are pregnant.  These preventive measures are supported by studies that suggest a connection between recurring miscarriages and problems metabolizing methionine and homocysteine in the body.  Folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and betaine all play a role in the proper use of these compounds.

A B-complex can enhance immune function, especially during times of stress.

A combination of vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 improves mood.  These nutrients play an indirect but critical role in the formation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, and deficiencies – which are linked to high levels of homocysteine – are linked with mood disorders.  Although B-complex vitamins are not a stand-alone treatment for depression, they're an important adjunct.

Several of the B-vitamins are indicated in anxiety treatment.  When taking high doses of a particular B-vitamin, it is best to use a B-complex as well.

B-vitamins can be supplemented in a B-complex vitamin (100mg daily) to support the nervous system and prevent imbalances from occurring.

There is evidence that high doses of B-complex vitamins in humans can reduce the immune-suppressing effects of stress. [Ann NY Acad Sci 1990;585: pp.513-5]

The B-vitamins help to calm and strengthen the nervous system, reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and stop cravings for more.

Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12) helps the body to maintain good energy levels and healthy cells.

All vitamins of the B group have proven beneficial in the prevention and treatment of neuritis.  The disorder has been helped when vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and pantothenic acid have been given together.

B-complex (50 to 100mg per day), especially Folic Acid (800 to 1000mcg per day) and B12 (1000mcg per day) are needed for good liver function.

A high-potency B-vitamin (50mg or higher), when combined with magnesium, will help reduce certain secretions that can be a cause of odor.  Make sure you are getting 100mg of PABA and 100mg of B6.

The administration of large doses of B-vitamins has been shown to be effective, riboflavin being the most important.  While B-vitamins are important, some rosacea patients may be aggravated by large dosages of these nutrients.

B complex 50mg tid can help normalize cell multiplication.

Optimize your B-complex status, especially folic acid and B12.  In one study, 76 Alzheimer's patients had lower blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 than 108 age-matched control subjects.  In addition, researchers found that Alzheimer's patients had higher blood levels of homocysteine, which is already implicated in atherosclerosis.  Folic acid and B12 supplementation is known to reduce homocysteine levels.