LIFE STAPLES
The Story of B-Vitamins
Many Americans Are Deficient in One or More B-Vitamins!
A lack of B-Complex Vitamins is one of the most common forms of malnutrition throughout the world. Processed foods are a major factor in the widespread deficiency. Refining, canning, and overcooking remove or destroy many B-Vitamins. For example, 72 percent of the Vitamin B6 content of wheat is lost in milling white flour.
(See our story on wheat processing.)
The average daily intake of folic acid by adults is substantially below the Daily Value. More than half of all Americans get less than the recommended amount of B6. Deficiencies of Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 have been found in numerous studies of the elderly. Because the entire family of B-Vitamins is usually found in the same foodstuffs, a deficiency of several factors is more common than a deficiency of a single factor.
In addition, B-Vitamin requirements may be increased by stress, infections, or other physical conditions which elevate metabolism or interfere with absorption. Larger amounts are needed during growth, pregnancy, and nursing. Medications, alcohol, caffeine, and oral contraceptives can destroy B-Vitamins.
B-Vitamins Always Found Together in Nature
The story of B-Vitamins begins with the study of the age-old ailment, beriberi, a deficiency disease marked by degeneration of the heart, nerves, and digestive system. In 1873, the Dutch scientist, Van Lent, was apparently the first to conclude that diet had something to do with the development of beriberi in sailors. In 1926, Dutch researchers isolated a concentrate that cured beriberi which was later named "Water-Soluble B" vitamin, to distinguish it from the anti-nightblindness factor called Vitamin A.
At the time, the anti-beriberi substance was thought to be one factor only. As research continued, it was found that Vitamin B was not a single substance, but actually several factors. Collectively, they came to be known as the Vitamin B-Complex, but each factor was given a separate name, including Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin, Pantothenic Aid, Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid, Cobalamin (B12), Choline, Inositol, Biotin, and Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA).
These vitamins differ in both chemical structure and specific functions, yet the actions of each of them are interrelated. All of the B-Vitamins are water-soluble, occur together naturally in food, and must be supplied in the diet each day.
B-Vitamins are Crucial to Health
Most of the B-Vitamins are involved in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Not only do they help in the metabolic processes that release energy from the foods we eat, they also assist in the synthesis of new cells and tissues.
Research shows that individually and as a group, B-Vitamins have far-reaching health benefits such as:
- Helping Prevent Birth Defects
Studies have shown that adequate intake of folic acid can sharply reduce a woman's risk of giving birth to a child with either spina bifida or anencephaly, devastating defects of the spinal cord and brain.
- Supporting Heart Health
Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid have been linked to the homocysteine cycle, a process in which B-Vitamin deficiencies contribute to the build-up of toxic substances linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have directly linked higher B-Vitamin intake with reduced cardiovascular risk.
(For more information about B-Vitamins and heart health, see Lipotropic Adjunct.) - Regulating Mind and Mood
The body needs folic acid, B6, and B12 to manufacture neurotransmitters, chemicals that control alertness and mood. Even a mild lack of B-Vitamins may cloud the mind. In one study of 260 older people who showed no signs of illness or vitamin deficiency, those with the lowest blood levels of B12 and folic acid scored significantly worse on tests of mental acuity than the rest of the group did. Another study showed that memory deteriorated rapidly as B6 levels fell, and returned to normal when adequate levels of the vitamin were restored.
- Supporting Immune Function
A sufficient supply of Vitamin B6 and folic acid is essential for keeping the immune system strong. Even people with only marginally low levels of these vitamins show signs of weakened immune function, mainly reductions in the number and activity of certain disease-fighting white blood cells.
GNLD B-Vitamins: Naturally Balanced and Comoplete
In Nature, the Vitamin B-Complex occurs in balanced ratios. This does NOT mean equal amounts of each vitamin. Some of the B-Vitamins are always present in relatively large amounts, while others never exceed minute quantities. However, this "balance" helps maintain the highly interrelated functions of the entire complex in our bodies. In fact, this balance is so important that an excess of one B-Vitamin may cause excessive elimination of the others.
GNLD's B-Complex supplements supply all 11 members of the B-Vitamin family in the balanced ratios that Nature intended.
Biologically Bound Yeast Improves Natural Potency
GNLD uses a unique whole-food source, the nutritional yeast, "Saccharomyces Cerevisiae". Called "biologically bound yeast", this special strain is highly concentrated in B-Vitamins and other natural nutritional co-factors. Through a special process of growing, harvesting, and drying, a naturally high-potency B-Vitamin source material is obtained. This natural raw material is the basis of GNLD's unique B-Complex and Super B Threshold Control Formulas.
Functions of the B-Complex Vitamins
To better understand the significance of the Vitamin B-Complex as a whole, continue to our informative "Functions of the B-Complex Vitamins" page which briefly outlines the functions and deficiency symptoms of the members of the B-Vitamin family.
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Processed foods are a major factor in the widespread deficiency of B Vitamins.
Refining, canning, and overcooking destroy many B-Vitamins and
72 percent of the Vitamin B6 content of wheat is lost in milling white flour.
