Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex Clinical Report Summary

B complex supplements are used for general health maintenance as well as a wide variety of conditions and concerns. The majority of research involving the use of B vitamins revolves around heart disease (more specifically homocysteine levels) and neural tube defects. While other uses for B vitamins, such as depression, burn treatment, as well as diet and energy production are all commonly cited, the science is as of yet not wholly conclusive (1). However, promising results have been shown when B complexes are taken in patients with elevated homocysteine levels, demonstrating an ability to lower levels up to 32% (2, 4). Similarly, while it is well-accepted that folic acid is an essential nutrient in preventing neural tube defects, a study has shown that including other B vitamins in a diet during pregnancy are just as effective (3). B12, B6 and folic acid also need to be taken together so as not to mask anemia during blood tests. 

Vitamin B Complex Overview

B vitamins, more than any other group of nutrients, depend on each other for vital function. While each vitamin has its own unique role in the body, more often than not it is dependent upon the rest of the B family to be properly utilized. B complexes have many uses, from brain function to energy production, burn treatment to cognitive therapy. There are a good number or prescription drugs on the market which either inhibit absorption of B vitamins or require large amounts of the nutrients to be effective. Consequently, as the number or people taking medication increases, so do the amount of people in need of more B vitamins. While some drugs may only adversely affect one particular B vitamin, taking them all together eliminates any potential B imbalances that may occur. B vitamins can be found in the most commonly consumed foods although some, like B12, are much more prevalent in animal products. So while a person who does not include these types of foods in their diet, such as vegans, may be inclined to take a B12 supplement by itself, the full benefits of B Complex will not be realized unless it is taken with the other nutrients it needs to be effective. Conditions such as anemia and increased homocysteine levels are often found to be improved with the introduction of a B complex (1). Similarly, because the entire family of vitamins is involved in DNA synthesis and replication, it is thought that B complexes may be helpful in minimizing the potential for cancerous conditions in cells (5).

Vitamin B Complex References

1. Tiemeier H, van Tuijl HR, Hofman A, Meijer J, Kiliaan AJ, Breteler MM. Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in depression: the Rotterdam Study. Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(12):2099-2101.
2. Homocysteine Lowering Trialists' Collaboration. Lowering blood homocysteine with folic acid based supplements: meta-analysis of randomised trials. Homocysteine Lowering Trialists' Collaboration. BMJ. 1998;316(7135):894-898.
3. JL, Scott JM, Kirke PN, et al. Homocysteine and neural tube defects. J Nutr. 1996;126(3):756S-760S.
4. Boushey CJ, Beresford SA, Omenn GS, Motulsky AG. A quantitative assessment of plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. Probable benefits of increasing folic acid intakes. JAMA. 1995;274(13):1049-1057.
5. Choi, Sang-Woon. Vitamin B12 deficiency: a new risk factor for breast cancer? Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 57, August 1999, pp. 250-60.