B-Complex Vitamins: Requirements, health benefits, interactions

Home E-Mail Links & Downloads Sitemap Search Tips Diets & MLM Spiritual Health

Acu-Cell Nutrition

Acu-Cell Analysis Acu-Cell Nutrition Acu-Cell Disorders Tin - Health Effects Mineral Ratios

DRI / RDA :

Page 1

DRI / RDA >>

B-Complex Vitamins

Of the many B-Complex (Bx) formulations offered by various manufacturers, different effects are generally

being experienced by different individuals, depending not only on the daily amount, but also the specific type

of formulation supplemented.

An Equalized B-Complex contains the same amount with most B-Vitamins (100 mg of Vit B1, 100 mg of

Vit B2, 100 mg of B3, etc..., and 100 mcg of biotin, 100 mcg of B12, and 400 mcg -1 mg of folic acid).

So-called B-Stress Formulations are designed to presumably help people handle stress better, however

many people end up feeling more stressed out after taking them. Starting in the 80's, when "Stress Tabs"

became quite popular, a large percentage of patients I had seen came with medical symptoms exclusively

related to excessive B-Complex intake (see below). Ironically, whoever came up with the notion that large

amounts of B-Vitamins reduced stress had it all backwards, nevertheless a lot of self-styled nutritionists

perpetuated that myth, and Vitamin Companies quickly jumped on the bandwagon and each produced their

own brand-specific "Stress Formulations," consisting mainly of high-potency B-Complex vitamins, with many

companies also adding Vitamin C and zinc.

Supposedly the best choice is a Balanced B-Complex Vitamin formulation where a different mg or mcg

amount is used for each B Vitamin - sort of putting them in the proper (natural) ratio to one another. However,

what ratios are best for which individual, and how would the manufacturer know?

An individual who is prone for gout might need more pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) but less lecithin, while

anyone with a tendency for iron overload would need less Vitamin B1, but much more Vitamin B2. Some of

those suffering from hypoadrenalism (Addison's disease) would benefit from extra Vitamin B1 and/or choline

for their sodium-raising properties, while sodium-sensitive individuals or anyone with a tendency for hyper-

adrenalism (Cushing's disease) might benefit from extra Vitamin B2 and folic acid, which have a sodium-

lowering effect.

Anyone suffering from low blood sugar episodes should avoid larger amounts of Vitamin B6 and Vit C, which

can cause blood sugar to drop even more, but they are generally helped with extra niacinamide and/or biotin.

There are claims that diabetics may benefit from larger amounts of biotin, but patient feedback and blood

sugar measurements have been to the contrary.

Those with a tendency for mild Hyperthyroidism (see also Acu-Cell "Bromine") may benefit from PABA,

another member of the B-Vitamin complex, but they should be careful taking extra Vitamin B6. Higher intake

of Vitamin B6 will also increase magnesium retention, although this only takes place following long-term oral

supplementation, while regular Vitamin B6 injections will quickly result in a high magnesium / low calcium

ratio.

If not matched to a patient's requirements, which happens frequently when Vitamin B6 + Vit B12 injections are

given at Weight Loss Clinics, a severe calcium deficiency develops. This by itself - or when aggravated by

an overstimulated thyroid from regular Vitamin B6 + Vit B12 shots - can result in insomnia, heart palpitations,

chest pains, anxieties, depression, mood swings, joint / muscle pains, and/or other symptoms.

In someone suffering from Hypothyroidism and low sodium, Vitamin B6 supplementation on a long-term

basis has the potential to eventually lower thyroid functions even more, although a brief boost will still take

place every time Vitamin B6 is injected or taken orally. In addition, Vitamin B6 will only affect T4 (thyroxine)

levels, but no conversion to T3 (triiodothyronine) takes place - causing a T3 / T4 thyroid ratio conflict, so rather

than trying to boost thyroid functions with Vitamin B6 injections for weight loss purposes, iodine, as well as

selenium and tyrosine status should be checked and corrected instead.

Another consideration when supplementing larger doses of Vitamin B6 as pyridoxine is the inhibiting effect

on Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), which is the natural form of Vitamin B6, so if amounts larger than 50 mg

are taken per day, or if they are taken on an ongoing basis, the pills should also contain a small percentage

as pyridoxal-5-phosphate to avoid the potential of causing neurological damage.

However, regardless of the type, excessive intake of both - P5P or pyridoxine - when not needed, may lead

to nerve and/or spinal degeneration as well, specifically affecting T1 (with right-sided symptoms in the upper

back / shoulder area) and at L2, along with general osteo-arthritic changes in various joints.

As a result, Vitamin B6 therapy should only be used for someone with an otherwise difficult-to-manage low

magnesium / high calcium ratio. (see also "Calcium & Magnesium" and "Mineral Ratios").

Individuals following a vegetarian lifestyle - and particularly vegetarian children in Western societies, should

supplement extra Vitamin B12, since it is not available from non-animal sources (see also "Vegetarianism"),

while those with insufficient stomach acid and intrinsic factor may have to supplement 1000 mcg+ of Vit B12

on a daily basis, or get regular Vitamin B12 shots to prevent pernicious anemia. This may also require the

addition of folic acid, which interacts with Vitamin B12. However, a high intake of Folic Acid and Vit B12

has been shown to be a risk factor in the development of some cancers.

At the same time, some individuals who suffer from mitral valve prolapse (MVP), right-sided coronary artery

spasms, or a disposition for panic-anxiety disorder, would have to avoid Vitamin B12 shots altogether, but

may benefit from extra Vitamin B15 (calcium pangamate or pangamic acid), DMG, or inositol instead. (See

Acu-Cell "Cobalt & Nickel" for detailed information on the close interactions of Vitamin C with Vitamin E, and

Vitamin B12 with Vitamin B15.

When amounts at, or moderately above RDA / DRI levels are consumed, B-Vitamins positively support many

metabolic functions, including carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, proper nervous system function, food

to energy conversion, red blood cell / hemoglobin formation, and they help improve mood and memory, while

providing a better stress-coping ability.

However when doses multiple times the recommended daily intake are supplemented, B-Vitamins - like other

nutrients, produce therapeutic effects that can vary considerably from one individual to another. Subsequently,

depending on age, genetic background, and pre-existing medical conditions that impact the body's ability to

cope with 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100+mg B-Complex formulations, negative results can easily outweigh the

benefits that B-vitamins would otherwise provide when supplemented at much lower amounts

If a young, healthy individual with normal liver functions were to start out with a (theoretically) perfect mineral

profile, and then were to supplement a daily equalized B-Complex formulation in the 50 mg - 100 mg range,

that individual would slowly reshape his or her intracellular chemistry to look something like this:

B-Vitamin complex effect on mineral balance

Of course, someone's chemical profile is unlikely to be perfect before starting on B-Complex vitamins, so the

end results will vary from one individual to the next. However, the inhibiting effect of an equalized B-Vitamin

complex on iron and manganese (as seen in the graph above), will in people predisposed to iron-deficiency

anemia and/or reactive hypoglycemia cause a pronounced worsening of their symptoms (feeling tired).

Even otherwise "healthy" individuals, taking mega-doses of B-Vitamins, may eventually experience either

"nervous energy" (like a hyper-active child), restless sleep when taken later in the day, or just plain fatigue,

being somewhat age-dependent. Perhaps this "tiring" effect was at some point erroneously interpreted as

having the potential to reduce stress, hence the subsequent Stress Tab designation.

Since a major effect of taking high B-Complex vitamins for a lengthy time period is an increase in zinc and

potassium retention, this could become quite detrimental for someone who is prone for prostatitis, ovarian

cysts, painful menstruation, chronic bladder infections, or inflammatory gallbladder disease.

However B-Vitamins might benefit someone with mild cirrhosis of the liver, some types of hepatitis, classic

migraine headaches, or any other number of high iron / manganese-storage types of medical conditions.

Unfortunately those benefits are quite mild, and only seen in younger individuals, while diminishing towards

middle age and beyond.

High B-Complex vitamins would be totally contraindicated with ovarian or testicular cancer, which go hand in

hand with very high cellular zinc and/or potassium levels, whereas a low potassium-related bladder problem

(interstitial cystitis), or an enlarged, but benign prostate condition, may at times benefit from extra B-Vitamins.

B-Complex raises total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and aggravates pre-existing high bile acid-related

complaints, but it would be advantageous for those whose levels are on the low side (total cholesterol or total

triglyceride levels are not to be confused with atherogenic aspects and their role in heart disease).

While B-Complex vitamins may be helpful for high estrogenic-types of PMS (volatile, angry moods), larger

amounts may worsen low estrogenic, depressive-types of PMS, with a greater potential of causing suicidal

episodes in prone women.

Some individuals experience "burning muscles" or a general increase in muscle tension, digestive problems

and/or nausea, or headaches, as a result of excessive B-Complex supplementation.

A higher intake of B-Vitamins can trigger heart palpitations in patients with congestive heart disease, above-

normal thyroid, or above-normal adrenal functions, and it may aggravate insomnia, nervousness, anxieties or

stress disorders in younger, more hormone-driven individuals.

On average, those with a low cardiac output, or whose zinc and potassium levels are naturally on the low side

and thus exhibit a sluggish metabolism, are best suited to supplement higher amounts of B-Vitamins, as their

system would actually benefit from the stress-inducing and metabolism-stimulating effect experienced

following a higher intake of B-Vitamins, provided none of the above contraindications apply.

If other supplements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, or Vitamin A, C, E, etc., are added, the entire mineral

profile will of course change again and re-shape some of the B-Vitamins' artificially created highs and lows.

Unless someone is certain that they exhibit a chemical profile which would benefit from a high B-Complex

intake, it would be prudent to stay on the safe side and not exceed a 10 mg - 15 mg range.

Some B-Vitamins, particularly folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, choline, and PABA reduce blood levels

of Homocysteine, which is an amino acid believed to contribute to cardiovascular disease by damaging the

endothelium, a thin layer of cells that protect the artery walls. Less than 1 mg of folic acid per day is sufficient

to lower homocysteine, however some studies have shown that despite the resulting decrease in its levels,

there was no improvement with Coronary Heart Disease.

Folic acid is protective against neural tube defects and possibly other birth defects in newborns, for which up

to 5 mg / day may have to be supplemented in high risk cases, however supplementation should ideally be

started 2-3 months before conception takes place.

Vitamin B2 / Riboflavin is responsible for the bright yellow urine following its supplementation by itself, or as

part of a B-Vitamin complex. ¤

B-Complex Vitamins DRI / RDA Page 2 >>

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

===================================================================================

General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote better

tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When taken on an

empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or eventually erosion

of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also advisable not

to lie down immediately after taking any pills. When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is

better to split it up into smaller doses to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients

supplemented at lower amounts.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Acu-Cell Nutrition: B-Complex / Stress Vitamins

| Eat Right 4 Your Type / Blood Type Diet | Multi-Level-Marketing / MLM Products & Coral Calcium | Sterols, Sterolins & Beta-Sitosterol |

| Vegan / Vegetarian / Vegetarianism | Simple, Refined & Complex Sugar, Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load & Satiety Index | Cocoa & Chocolate |

Acu-Cell.com provides information only. It does not sell any products or services, and it cannot give advice on any products, services, or
medical conditions. Material may be quoted, but must include the URL of this site. For details see "PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLAIMER."