B complex and Diabetes

Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6 and B12 benefits both Type1 and Type 2

B complex vitamins are important building blocks of the body and help keep you in good health. They consist of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin/niacin amide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. They are important membrane stabilizers that help balance nerve function and help act as an anti-stress reliever.

Diabetes Connection

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be deficient of b complex vitamins due to a poor diet or the disease, which causes them to be glucose intolerance allowing their blood sugar levels to rise after eating. The shortages from this supplement can lead to nerve damage in the hands and feet. Research shows that some of the vitamins in this group that are normally reabsorbed in the blood after passing through the kidneys will go straight out in diabetic patients. Some scientific studies show that diabetes patients with type 1 and type 2 who add b-complex to their diet experience less numbness and tingling.

There have been some noted studies that suggest some patients will still develop vascular problems even when their blood glucose levels are in good control. Realizing this, research suggests that vitamin B complex supplements could decrease vascular complications in diabetic patients. It has been suggested to take only one per day, every day to get the best results.

Health Benefits of B-Complex

- Increases energy in the body

- Improves and stablizes moods

- Promotes healthier skin, hair and eyes

- Improves nervous system and immune system function

- Reduces cholesterol and blood fat

- Lowers blood sugar levels

- Essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction

- Protects against certain cancers

- Protects nerve transmission and proper brain function

- Reduces the risk of heart disease

- Reduces depression and loss of memory

The Eight Vitamins of B Complex

- Thiamin(Vitamin B1)- helps to convert glucose into energy and has a role in nerve function.

- Riboflavin(Vitamin B2)- is primarily involved in energy metabolism and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies, carbohydrates, and proteins. Riboflavin supports vision and skin health.

- Niacin(Vitamin B3)- is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, fat and alcohol for use as energy within the body. It helps maintain skin health and supports the nervous and digestive systems. Unlike other B-group vitamins, niacin is very heat stable and little is lost in cooking.

- Pantothenic(Vitamin B5)- acid is needed to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, fats and alcohol.

- Pyridoxine(Vitamin B6)- is needed for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and certain brain chemicals. It influences brain processes and development, immune function and steroid hormone activity.

- Biotin(Vitamin B7)- is needed for energy metabolism, fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis. High biotin intake can contribute to a raise in blood cholesterol levels.

- Folate(Vitamin B9)- is needed to form red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. It helps the development of the fetal nervous system, as well as DNA synthesis and cell growth. Women of childbearing age need a diet rich in folate. This is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the baby. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and is used extensively in dietary supplements and food fortification.

- Cyanocobalamin(Vitamin B12)- is involved in the production and maintenance of the myelin surrounding nerve cells, mental ability, red blood cell formation and the breaking down of some fatty acids and amino acids to produce energy. Vitamin B12 has a close relationship with folate, as both depend on the other to work properly.

Symptoms of B Complex Deficiency

- Chronic exhaustion and fatigue

- Insomnia

- Lack of concentration

- ADD, irritability and feelings of being uneasy

- Mental problems and heart paplitations

- Indigestion

- Tingling in the hands, fingers and toes

- Rashes

- Feelings of frustration and restlessness

- Crying spells or inability to cope

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