The vitamin B complex is made up of the different B vitamins which the body needs and uses to function properly. The B vitamins are essential for keeping healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver and mouth. They are also necessary for maintaining healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for proper brain function.
B vitamins act as coenzymes by helping enzymes react chemically with other substances. They also play a key role in energy production. They can also be very helpful in relieving depression or anxiety as well. Adequate consumption of the b vitamins is very important for elderly people, as these nutrients are not as easily absorbed as we grow older. In fact, there have been numerous cases of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, whose symptoms were later found to be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 and the other B vitamins. While the B vitamins should always be taken together, as much as two to three times more of a particular B vitamin than another can be taken for a period of time as needed to treat a particular disorder.
There are spray and sublingual (taken under the tongue) forms of the B vitamins available which are absorbed more easily. These are a good idea for older adults, or anyone who might have problems with proper absorption. Because the B vitamins work together, a deficiency of one B vitamin often indicates a deficiency of others as well. We will address the B vitamins individually, as the various ones can be beneficial for different disorders.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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