The B complex vitamins consist of several substances that are essential for proper enzymatic function in the body. The individual substances are not chemically related but are usually found together in food. The B complex vitamins consist of:
- B1, namely thiamine
- B2, namely riboflavin
- B3, namely niacin
- B5, which is pantothenic acid
- B6, namely pyridoxine,
- B7, namely biotin
- B9, which is folic acid, and
- B12, namely cobalamin
Vitamin B Complex to Cope with Stress
The missing figures show the B vitamins found to be duplicates of other B complex vitamins so they were omitted. Although inositol, para-aminobenzoic acid, and choline are often included in vitamin B complex supplements, they are not essential additives for the body.
Read: These are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin B Supplements
The deficiency of B vitamins can lead to physiological conditions such as hyperthyroidism, elevated HDL cholesterol, pellagra, and vertigo.
A complete B complex vitamin with extra B5 can help combat the damaging effects of anxiety and stress that have become a part of everyday life for many people.
Research conducted in Australia on the effects of a special formulation of B vitamins, Blackmore's vitamin B stress formula, which has added B5 added to combat stress.
This study aimed to prove the efficacy of the co-enzyme active form of vitamin B in reducing stress levels.
Study subjects would be placed in a double-blind group with half receiving a placebo and the other half receiving a vitamin B stress formula, which includes additional vitamin B5.
Several recent studies have shown that vitamin B complex supplementation, particularly vitamin B6, has improved cognition and delayed the onset of depression and cognitive decline among the elderly.
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is often referred to as the stress-relieving vitamin. It is a major factor in the body's metabolic processes including neurotransmitter and hormone production, and the metabolic conversion of all proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
After vitamin B5 is processed by the body, it is converted into coenzyme A, which is the biologically active form of pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, plays an important role in the proper function of the adrenal glands, which are the body's first response to stress.
An overworked adrenal gland will eventually be too heavy to function, which will have a detrimental effect on the body as a whole and can contribute to major health problems. Symptoms of adrenal gland fatigue include:
- Low energy in the morning, higher energy at night
- Excessive fatigue every day
- Craving for salty food
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
- Dizzy
- Breathing problems
- Poor circulation
- Weight gain
- Back and joint pain
- Worry
The adrenal glands are located directly above the kidneys and produce several hormones besides cortisol, one of which is aldosterone. The function of aldosterone in the body is to regulate water and electrolyte balance. It does this by excreting potassium and retaining sodium.
When the adrenal glands are not functioning properly, it can contribute to the onset of hypertension due to excess water and sodium in the body. Because the adrenal glands are regulated by the amount of vitamin B5 in the body, a lack of vitamin B complex in the system can indirectly trigger high blood pressure which is then exacerbated by high-stress levels.
Those experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue should consult their healthcare professional about incorporating a B complex vitamin with added B5 into their daily regimen. It can help restore adrenal gland function, balance the hormones it regulates, and reverse the adverse symptoms of adrenal failure.
How Does Vitamin B Complex Affect Stress Levels?
When the body is under stress, it produces cortisol, which is often called the fight or flight hormone. Cortisol provides the energy you will need to respond to a situation your mind considers dangerous, whether that response is running or standing and facing the situation.
If fight or flight is not needed, the energy created is then stored in the body and converted into fat, which can lead to weight gain.
Chronic excess levels of cortisol can damage the body but when B5, or pantothenic acid, is present in sufficient quantities, it can regulate cortisol production and thus protect the body against the damaging side effects of this hormone.
Although cortisol is claimed to hurt the body, some cortisol is necessary for the body to function properly, and maintaining adequate amounts of B5 in the body can help regulate the amount of cortisol that is made.
Because B5 is set ti As cortisol levels in the bloodstream, excessive stress can cause the body to use more B5 than usual.
This depletes B5 levels in the body, which allows excess cortisol to build up and the result is insufficient B5 levels in the bloodstream, which can then trigger high blood pressure, weight gain, and many other unwanted side effects.
Taking bioavailable B complex supplements that have added B5 can help maintain adequate amounts of B complex vitamins in the body as can eating a diet rich in B complex vitamins. Foods that are high in vitamin B5 include:
- Beef, chicken, duck, pork, turkey
- organ meat
- Salmon
- Lobster and clams
- Cereals and other whole grains
- Egg yolk
- Dairy products and yogurt
- Separate peas and lentils
- soya bean
Those with a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle should ensure that they consume adequate amounts of B-complex vitamins through bioavailable nutritional supplements as the body will not absorb sufficient B vitamins from a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Those planning to supplement their diet with B-complex vitamins should consult their healthcare professional beforehand and request a blood test to determine any B vitamin deficiencies they may have.
