There is a great deal of biological activity for which this group of vitamins is responsible, and there is also a great deal of overlap between the respective functions of each vitamin in the B-complex family. However, most of the overlap is centered around the metabolism of the three macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat). Other tasks more specific to certain members of the B-complex group of vitamins include support for the brain and central nervous system, the growth and development of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy skin and muscle tone, immune function and hormone activity. Metaphorically speaking, the B-complex family of vitamins can be described as the ‘transmission fluid' of the complex automobile that is the human body.

Vitamin B1 ( a.k.a. thiamin): Thiamin is required to convert glucose and amino acids into energy as well as to develop red blood cells and maintain muscle tissue. Thiamin is converted by the body into its active coenzyme form thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP). TPP is a catalyst for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key enzyme responsible for the conversion of pyruvate into the all-important acetyl-CoA, which is central to the Kreb's Cycle that in turn generates cellular respiration. In ‘underdeveloped' countries, B1 deficiencies are usually found where foods made from white flour are staples. In the ‘developed' world, where such foods are often fortified with thiamin, the main reasons for deficiencies are alcohol consumption (which impairs thiamin absorption) and poor dietary choices. The most serious deficiencies can lead to degenerative nerve disorders such as beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, diseases also common among chronic alcoholism.

Thiamin deficiency has also been linked to Type II Diabetes, particularly in the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which occur at an abnormally high rate among diabetics. Simply put, AGEs are cellular proteins that are damaged as a result of being exposed to glucose without the mediating action of a co-enzyme. Increased AGE occurrence is also commensurate with the aging process. Benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble form of thiamin that has been shown in studies to be 5 times more bioavailable than regular thiamin. In fact, clinical trials have demonstrated that benfotiamine can improve nerve function by 30% and decrease nerve pain by 50% among diabetics.

Vitamin B2 (a.k.a. Riboflavin): While playing a role in the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, B2 is particularly active in skin and vision health. B2 has long been used as an adjunct in the treatment of neonatal jaundice and has recently been added to anti-migraine protocols as well. Ariboflavinosis is the specific condition caused by riboflavin deficiency and its symptoms include sores around the mouth and swelling of the throat, cheilosis (cracks on the lips), and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).

Vitamin B3 (a.k.a. Niacin): The derivatives of B3 form the basis of the oxidized and reduced forms of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ and NADH). The interaction between these coenzymes forms part of the basis (along with the aforementioned acetyl-CoA) of the Kreb's cycle, generating cellular respiration and energy in the form of ATP. B3 also plays an essential role in DNA repair, removing toxic chemicals from the body, and assisting in hormone production. Niacin is also effective at inhibiting the release of low-density lipoproteins (or LDL [bad] cholesterol) into the blood from the liver, making it a treatment of choice for hyperlipidemia.

Deficiency in B3 (combined with a deficiency in the essential amino acid tryptophan) can lead to a disease known as pellagra, characterized by deramatitis, insomnia, diarrhea, weakness and progressive dementia. Most niacin supplements are in nicotinic acid form, which has been associated with a ‘flushing' effect, an unpleasant warming and itching of the skin when taken at significant doses. Inositol hexanicotinate is a form of niacin that is free of this effect.

Vitamin B5 (a.k.a. Pantothenic acid): B5 is needed to form coenzyme A (later becoming acetyl-CoA), which is central to the Kreb's cycle and subsequent cellular respiration and energy production. Prior to this, however, pantothenic acid must first be converted into pantethine in the body, and the isolation of pantethine in supplement form has been able to produce results in clinical trials not seen with conventional pantothenic acid supplements (often in the form of calcium pantothenate or pantothenic acid). These results include lowered total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B6 (a.k.a. Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is most commonly known as pyridoxine, but in fact B6 is comprised of three organic forms, namely pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. Each represents a different stage in the body's metabolism of this important vitamin. Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, or P5P, represents the advanced stage of this metabolism, the stage at which B6 has been converted into a coenzyme, a catalyst for at least 113 known essential enzymatic reactions in the body. These include the metabolism of all endogenous amino acids, including such particularly crucial ones as tyrosine, glutamine, cysteine and glycine. P5P is also important for the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids as well as the formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters, making P5P a factor in optimal cognitive function as well. Notable features of the latter include the fact that P5P is required to convert tryptophan into serotonin as well as to release glucose from glycogen.

Indeed, a deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to anemia, depression, dermatitis, hypertension, elevated levels of homocysteine and water retention, insomnia, premenstrual tension, irritability, muscle twitching, convulsions, and kidney stones. B6 has been successfully studied for its ability to enhance the immune system and alleviate the symptoms of autism, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), anemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hyperhomocysteinemia and other conditions. While the aforementioned studies used conventional B6 supplementation (mainly pyridoxine hydrochloride), it must be remembered that only the P5P converted from pyridoxine can be used for nitrogen and protein metabolism and heme synthesis. This underlines the potential for P5P in supplement form, especially in cases where the body's ability to synthesize it from its organic B6 forms is compromised in any way. In fact, it was found that in patients with impaired liver function, only 33% responded to pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation with an increase in plasma P5P, where as all of the patients receiving P5P supplementation experienced an increase.

Vitamin B12 (a.k.a. Cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 has distinguished itself among the B-vitamins with the volumes of research attributable to its specific effects on neurological health. B12 is also very important to the methylation cycle. The successful studies with B12's neuroprotective and neurogenerative benefits were conducted with the methylcobalamin (the active coenzyme) form of B12.

Folic acid is needed for the synthesis of new red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body) and DNA. Folic acid is often prescribed during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the fetus. A deficiency can also lead to megaloblastic anemia, a specific form of anemia caused by the inhibition of DNA synthesis in red blood cell production, as well as elevated levels of homocysteine. Biotin is another B vitamin that is inolved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and finally, although not strictly a vitamin, choline is an essential nutrient that is often grouped with the B-complex. Choline is a nitrogen-based organic compound that is found in the lipids of cell membranes. As such, it plays an important role in the structural integrity of cells as well as in the movement of essential lipids across cell membranes and in the synthesis of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

In summation, the B-complex family of vitamins is essential to processing and disseminating the fuel required to keep the evolutionist miracle known as the human body in constant operation. Maintaining the proper intake of this group of vitamins is indeed essential for keeping that operation as optimal as possible for as long as possible.

References

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Bertolini S, Donati C, Elicio N, et al. "Lipoprotein changes induced by pantethine in hyperlipoproteinemic patients: adults and children." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1986 Nov; 24(11): 630-7.

Kira J, Tobimatsu S, Goto I. Vitamin B12 metabolism and massive-dose methyl vitamin B12 therapy in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis. Intern Med. 1994 Feb; 33(2): 82-6.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) - monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Feb;6(1):87-92.