Stay healthy with Vitamin B (with testimony)

The host of Vitamin B are not a single vitamin, but chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. In general, there are 8 types of B supplements collectively known as vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B is found abundantly in most foods shown. Being water-soluble, they disperse throughout the body and must be replenished regularly, with any excess excreted in the urine.  There are hardly known health problems arising from excessive oral intake thus far. However, a single vitamin B type or synthetic form may produce some side effects if taken on prolonged periods.

B vitamins play a vital role in cell metabolism and other proper bodily functioning. Some health benefits are as follows:

• Enhance skin complexion and hair texture
• Support and increase metabolic rate useful for those who want to lose weight
• Enhance immunity and aid in the formation of neuro-transmitters to keep a healthy nervous system. Expect to see relieve symptoms caused by stress and improve memory, response and thinking process (also good for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Also prevents anxiety and depression.
• Gain in muscle strength, great for arthritis and joint dysfunction
• Reduce homocysteine level to slow buildup of bad cholesterol and help to increase good cholesterol.  Homocysteine is an amino acid that can hamper blood flow up in the blood vessel before its conversion into cholesterol.
• Work as coenzymes in the metabolic system to aid enzyme function, assist the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein. In this way the liver can function more efficiently.
• Inhibit tumor growth and reduce the risk of most difficult to treat cancer – pancreatic cancer. It aids in the production of p53 which has anti-cancerous effect.
• Promote growth of friendly bacteria in our gastrointestinal system for optimum nutrient absorption.

Sources

-  B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods whilst processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour tend to have lower B vitamin content.
-  High concentration is found in meat products such as turkey, tuna and any liver.
-  Healthy B vitamins are from plants like whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, tempeh and beans.

Types

-  Improves blood circulation and assists in blood formation
-  Involves in carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid, vital for proper digestion
-  Optimises cognitive activity and brain function
-  Clears free radicals arising from aging, alcohol consumption and smoking

Deficiency: Due to drugs, oral contraceptives, heavy alcohol/coffee consumption can cause:

-  Beriberi, a nervous system disease
-  Constipation, enlarged liver, fatigue, forgetfulness, appetite loss, muscle atrophy, severe weight loss, nervousness, gastrointestinal disturbances etc

Caution: Those who resort to injection of Vitamin B due to poor absorption in the digestive system should be beware that high-dose thiamine (or B1) injections into the vein or muscle can have side effect because niacin causes the dilation of small-skin blood vessels. A flushing reaction can occur, including redness of the face, arms and chest, burning, tingling, itching or headaches. It is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own in 1 to 2 hours.                           

-  Required for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth
-  Relieves eye fatigue and cataract problem
-  Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
-  Improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract

Deficiency:

-  Affects proper development of foetus during pregnancy
-  Cracks and sores at the corner of the mouth
-  Eye disorders
-  Hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retard growth and slowed mental response
-  Carpel tunnel syndrome

Caution: Reported side effects from taking more than 10 mg per day of riboflavin include sun-induced eye damage, itching or numbing sensations and orange-tinted urine. It could interact negatively with certain other medications and supplements. Also, keep in mind that taking large amounts of one B-complex vitamin can cause an imbalance of other B-vitamins.

-  Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin
-  Aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system
-  Assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and production of hydrochloric acid
-  Involves in the secretion of bile and stomach acids
-  Involves in production of sex hormones
-  Lowers cholesterol and improves circulation
-  Improves mental illnesses

Deficiency:

-  Canker sores, dementia, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, appetite loss, skin eruptions, low blood sugar

Caution:  Amounts over 500 mg daily of niacin can cause liver damage if taken over prolonged periods. It may elevate blood sugar levels too.

Vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid)

-  Involves in vital bodily functions like production of hydrochloric acid, absorption of fats and proteins, maintenance of sodium and potassium balance, promotion of red blood cell formation, properly functioning of the brain, synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, prevention of arteriosclerosis (due to homocysteine) and cancer.

Deficiency:

-  anemia, headaches, nausea, sore tongue, vomiting, acne, cracks or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, impaired wound healing, mouth and gum inflammation, impaired memory, hair loss, oily facial skin, stunted growth, tingling sensations, Carpel tunnel syndrome

Caution:  Prolonged use of high doses like 1000 mg daily can be toxic, and may result in nerve damage and loss of coordination.

Vitamin B6 is used by the body every single day since it plays a part in such major functions including movement, memory, energy expenditure and blood flow. Basically, it helps to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body, to provide energy from the food that we eat, to balance blood sugar levels, and to create antibodies that our immune system uses to protect us.


Deficiency:

• Low energy or fatigue
• Worsening of PMS symptoms (on contraceptive pills)
• Worsening symptoms of anemia
• Changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety and depression
• Muscle pain

Caution: When someone has too much synthetic vitamin B6 from within their body, reactions including muscle numbness, confusion and other unpleasant temporary symptoms.

Vitamin B7 also known as Vitamin H is a catalyst for various metabolic reactions in the human body to extract energy. Owing to its water solubility, this vitamin is regularly diminished and thus needs constant replenishment. Though it is seldom lacking in the body as our intestinal bacteria is always involved in its production, frequent drug intake can cause the elimination of these bacteria. For such patients, including Vitamin B7 in the normal diet may reverse this condition.


The health benefits of Biotin include improved metabolism, tissue maintenance, healthy skin, weight loss, relief from heart problems, alopecia, Parkinson’s disease, Rett syndrome and vaginal candidiasis. It also aids in the synthesis of vital components and helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.


Deficiency occur amongst vegetarians, drinkers, seniors:
1. Hair loss
2. Fatigue and depression
3. Nausea
4. Muscle pains
5. Anemia


No toxicity has been reported with biotin intake. 

-  Child-bearing women must take more folic acid for nerve cell formation to avoid having premature birth and a neural tube defect foetus that can lead to a stillborn baby or permanent paralysis.

-  It converts the harmful substance homocysteine from forming plaques in arteries by converting it to other non-harmful amino acids in the body.
-  Vitamin B12 and folate are two most important Vitamin B necessary to form and mature the red blood cells, granulocytes and platelets.  A deficiency of either one can result in anemia characterised by larger than normal red cells. The white blood count and platelet count are usually below normal too.
-  As a coenzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis, it promotes cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells for prevention of anemia especially amongst vegetarians and ladies under heavy menstruation (B6, B9 and B12 for blood formation)
-  Habitual smokers need more vitamin B12 and folic acid to prevent bronchial and lung cancer.
-  Researchers found that men with the highest levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate in their blood scored highest on tests of their mental abilities.  These nutrients can help the brain to operate at peak levels. On the same note, it helps to mitigate depression and anxiety.

Deficiency:

-  Sore red tongue, anemia, fatigue, graying hair, growth impairment, insomnia, memory problems, paranoia, weakness, digestive disturbances

Caution:  Do not take high doses of folate for extended periods if you have a hormone-related cancer or seizure disorder.

-  Important for formation of red blood cells and thus prevents anemia.
-  Metabolises carbohydrates and fats and synthesis of proteins.
-  The chemical variants of the B₁₂ vitamin in them found in food are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by the human body.  Hence, Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop in individuals who have had all the stomach removed, stomach lining degenerating or when tapeworm/bacterial infections in the intestines. Injectable medication may have to be administered periodically.
-  Elderly/vegetarians tend to be deficient in vitamin B12 resulting in neuron disorders or mental problems as it is linked to neurotransmitter and maintenance of fatty sheaths (protect nerve endings)
-  Alcohol addicts and those with gastrointestinal inflammation tend to lose vitamin B12.

Deficiency:

-  Bone loss, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, liver enlargement, eye disorders, memory loss, nervousness, headaches/migraines, palpitations, anemia, ringing in the ears and spinal cord degeneration.

More comments

+  Oral contraceptives and some medicated drugs deplete Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 leading to clinical depression.


+  Always opt for natural over synthetic Vitamin B for easy bioavailability.

Viva corner

Viva B-easy offers the easy solution with all the entire range available in one, concentrated from yeast, in meeting our daily requirement.  Most working people are suffering from stress, fatigue, digestive disorders and liver malfunction and have to resort to medicated drugs for help.  Certainly taking this supplement can be a better relief.

Testimony

Not long ago I was coughing so badly that at one stage my heavy cough caused my spinal cord to ‘lock up’ and could barely move my entire upper body. I went for acupuncture treatment and was told that it would take few days to fix up. Next morning waking up was no better and decided to see a neurologist as arranged by a friend.

A VIVA friend recommended me to try out 4 tablets of VIVA B-easy for some relief to sooth the tight nerves. Bravo! In a matter of 15 mins, I was able to move my shoulder without any fuss. I followed his advice to take 4 more in the day and repeated again the next day. By the 3rd day, the ordeal is over without any pain whatsoever.

A week later, my brother met with similar encounter and I shared my experience with him. He did it the same way and got off quickly too.

I learn from this episode that Vitamin B helps in improving the elasticity of the nerves.

Ken Queck (VIVA ID 71000714)