The Way to “B” Vitamins
What is vitamin B:
B vitamins are referred to as the “Stress Vitamins”. There are 8 vitamins that make up the B family. They are essential for our metabolism to convert our food into energy. B vitamins affect and are necessary for the balance of our digestion, energy, detoxification, heart health, sleep, nerve function and mood. These vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be consumed on a regular basis. Food potency degenerates with prolonged cooking, alcohol and food processing. The 8 vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) are often grouped together and they each have individual functions throughout the body.
What are the functions of Vitamin B:
B1: Carbohydrate metabolism and digestion
B2: migraines
B3: Hormone production
B5:skin adrenal blood pressure thyroid
B6: metabolism of protein and sugars
B7: adrenal nervous system
B9: Prevention of colon cancer, heart disease and stroke, birth defects.
B12: Energy mood focus memory
*convert food into fuel
*stay energized
*healthy skin
*healthy hair
*memory loss prevention
*assists with migraines
*important for growth and development
*maintaining cell health
*helps regulate the nervous system
Symptoms of deficiency:
*confusion
*anemia
*fatigue
*compromised immunity
*skin rashes
*weakness
*irritability
*depression
Do athletes require more:
According to Sharon Denny, MS, RDN “Vitamins do not provide energy, but they are crucial for turning food in to energy. Although some research suggests that high activity levels of athletes may increase their vitamin needs, at present, the Institute of Medicine does not make vitamin recommendations specific to athletes. While vitamins will not enhance your performance, a shortage is sure to get you down”.
What are the best sources of vitamin B:
*meat (red meat)
*dairy
*eggs
*fish
*shellfish
*liver (mmmmm)
*kidney
What are the best forms of B supplements:
B vitamins are water soluble and do not stay in your system long. You will want to factor in the bioavailability of the strain you are taking. Getting your B’s intravenously (IV’s) is considered to be 100% bioavailable, as it has the greatest absorption rate. You can take tinctures, pills, powders, etc…. You will need to get tested to see what form and method will work best for YOUR needs.
I am not a doctor. Be sure to make the time to get your biomarkers and work with your practitioner. What gets measured gets managed. Know where you’re starting and what your body needs today. We are ever changing biological beings and your needs will continue to change as you do.
We continue to design our lives. Make a conscious decision to be a NUTRIENT SEEKER every single day. These decisions are not exclusively food, choose wisely!
Hooyah
Coach Danielle
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