Vitamin B

What is Vitamin B?

Vitamin B refers to a group of eight essential, water-soluble vitamins collectively known as B-complex. Each B vitamin plays a distinct but complementary role in supporting energy production, cellular health, and nervous system function. Because they are water-soluble, B vitamins are not stored in large amounts in the body and must be consumed regularly through diet or supplementation. Dietary sources of B vitamins include meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes, fruits, and cereals.

Health Benefits:

Contributes to Cognitive Function

Research has repeatedly evidenced that vitamin B can contribute to healthy cognitive function and low levels of this vitamin may be involved in age-related cognitive decline such as slower information processing and reduced memory function. For instance, one study linked vitamin B supplementation to slower cognitive decline and indicated that vitamin B9 specifically may reduce risk of dementia. Therefore, vitamin B may be vital to protecting long term healthy cognitive function, highlighting the importance of maintaining good vitamin B status.

Enhances Energy

The link between vitamin B and energy is well established, with B vitamins playing a central role in converting food into usable energy. Through its energy enhancing properties, vitamin B may therefore help to reduce fatigue and improve physical performance. For example, one study found that B complex supplementation improved exercise endurance performance and reduced exercise fatigue, suggesting that vitamin B can effectively enhance energy levels and subsequently support physical performance.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

B vitamins may support cardiovascular health by contributing to normal cardiovascular function and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. One study found that higher intake of vitamin B9, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 was largely associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population.

Typical Use:

Alongside its consumption through a healthy diet, vitamin B is commonly obtained through daily multivitamin or B-complex supplements that are formulated to support energy, cognitive function and overall health. As vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods, supplementation of this B vitamin is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans.