B-Vitamins Primary Role as Ingredient of Dr. Vita Maca For Men’s Health
Vitamin B refers to not one, but eight different vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. All B vitamins play a crucial role as one of the essential ingredients of Dr. Vita, particualay in converting food into energy in the body. Each B vitamin also plays an important role in a person’s overall health and well-being particularly to men’s health.
In this article, we explain why you need each vitamin, how much you need, and what foods you can get them from. This is your complete guide to B vitamins.
What is B Vitamins?
B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins that play a crucial role in cell metabolism. Though these vitamins share similar names, they are chemically unique compounds that usually coexist in the same foods. Generally, dietary supplements that contain all eight B vitamins are known as a Vitamin B Complex. On the other hand, individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name or number of each vitamin (i.e. B1 = thiamine, B3 = niacin, B5 = pantothenic acid, etc.).
What is the Primary Role of the B-Vitamins?
The primary role of most of the b-vitamins is to ensure that the body’s cells are functioning properly. They help the body convert food into energy; maintain healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other body tissues; and create new blood cells.
Vitamin B: Types and Where You Can Get Them
Vitamin B refers to not one, but eight different vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Thiamin plays a crucial role in the release of energy from carbohydrates. Moreover, it is involved in DNA and RNA production, as well as nerve function.
Foods high in thiamin. You’ll find it brown rice, whole grains, legumes, asparagus, peas, beans, seeds, pork, beef, and organ meats, like liver.
Thiamin Deficiency. Generally, thiamin deficiency is found in countries where the dietary staple is white rice. In the Western world, thiamin deficiencies are generally caused by excessive alcohol intake and/or a poor diet. Symptoms include irritability, lethargy, muscle weakness, confusion, and poor arm or leg coordination.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin is involved in release of energy in the citric acid cycle, the electron transport chain, as well as the catabolism of fatty acids. It regulates your metabolism and keeps your eyes, hair, and skin looking great.
Foods high in riboflavin. Milk, eggs, spinach, yogurt, lamb, beef liver, mushroom, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach all contain high levels of Vitamin B2.
Riboflavin Deficiency. Riboflavin deficiency is rare and is typically seen along with other B-group vitamin deficiencies. People at risk include those who drink alcohol excessively and those who don’t consume milk and milk products.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is composed of two structures: nicotinamide and nicotinic acid. There are two co-enzyme forms of niacin: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Both play a crucial role in energy transfer reactions in the metabolism of alcohol, fat, and glucose. NADP is a coenzyme in nucleic acid and lipid synthesis, while NAD carries hydrogens and their electrons during metabolic reactions.
Foods high in niacin. Some top food sources of niacin include chicken breast, liver, tuna, mushrooms, peanuts, and turkey.
Niacin Deficiency. People who live on a diet almost exclusively based on corn and those who drink excessively are most at risk of a niacin deficiency. Other causes are associated with digestive problems where the body doesn’t absorb niacin efficiently. The main symptoms of niacin deficiency include dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. This disease can be fatal if not treated.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid is involved in the oxidation of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Coenzyme A, which can be synthesized from pantothenic acid, is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, antibodies, neurotransmitters, phospholipids, amino acids, and ketone bodies.
Foods high in pantothenic acid. Foods high in Vitamin B5 include avocados, fish, eggs, lean chicken, pork, beef, milk, lentils, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds.
Pantothenic Acid Deficiency. Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare, but may include symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, fatigue, depression, burning feet, stomach pains, and upper respiratory infections.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is required by the body to make lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It is also necessary for muscle phosphorylase activity linked with glycogen metabolism.
Foods high in pyridoxine. Salmon, eggs, tuna, nuts, beef, chickpeas, avocado, spinach, and bananas are rich sources of Vitamin B6.
Pyridoxine Deficiency. Pyridoxine deficiency is rare. The elderly, people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, women (especially those taking a contraceptive pill), and people with thyroid disease are the most at risk.
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Biotin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. It is a crucial co-enzyme of four carboxylases: β-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase, involved in the metabolism of leucine; pyruvate CoA carboxylase, involved in gluconeogenesis; acetyl CoA carboxylase, involved in the synthesis of fatty acids from acetate; and propionyl CoA carboxylase, which is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol, energy, and amino acids.
Foods high in biotin. Foods high in Vitamin B7 include cheese, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and almonds.
Biotin Deficiency. Biotin deficiency is rare – it’s widely found in foods and only required in small amounts. However, overconsumption of raw egg whites over time can induce a deficiency because a protein in the egg white inhibits biotin absorption.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B9 acts a co-enzyme in the form of tetrahydrofolate, which is involved in the transfer of single-carbon units in the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids. Furthermore, tetrahydrofolate is involved in pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, so it is necessary for normal cell division. Vitamin B9 also aids in erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells.
Foods high in folate. Vitamin B9 is found in high quantities in dark leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, avocado, and citrus fruits.
Folate Deficiency. Folate deficiency can cause anemia. Its symptoms can include lethargy, fatigue, muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is involved in the cellular metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. It is crucial in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, and for nerve sheaths and proteins. Moreover, it functions as a co-enzyme in intermediary metabolism of the methylmalonyl CoA mutase reaction with adenosylcobalamin and for the methionine synthase reaction with methylcobalamin.
Foods high in cobalamin. Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods; instead, it is naturally found in animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Cobalamin Deficiency. Cobalamin deficiency may result from disorders of the stomach, pancreas, and small bowel; certain infections; abnormalities of transport, utilization, and metabolism; and dietary insufficiency of vitamin B12. Symptoms can include tiredness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, nerve problems, constipation, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
B Vitamins: What Are the Benefits?
Benefits play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your cell metabolism, brain function, and energy levels.
Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections. Moreover, it helps promote cell health, good eyesight, red blood cell growth, healthy brain function, good digestion, proper nerve function, hormone production, and cardiovascular health.
In men, B vitamins are thought to increase testosterone levels which naturally decrease with age. B vitamins may also help men increase strength and build muscles.
How Much Vitamin B Complex Do Men Need?
A minimum daily dose of each vitamin is crucial to maintain good health; however, significantly exceeding this dose can cause illness. Generally, the symptoms of vitamin toxicity include hair loss, rashes, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and nerve damage.
For men, the recommended Vitamin B daily intake is:
- Vitamin B1: 1.2mg
- Vitamin B2: 1.3mg
- Vitamin B3: 16mg
- Vitamin B5: 5mg
- Vitamin B6: 1.3mg
- Vitamin B7: 30mcg
- Vitamin B9: 400mcg
- Vitamin B12: 2.4mcg
Are Vitamin B Supplements Necessary?
Eating foods rich in Vitamin B is the best way to get these vitamins; in fact, most people get enough B vitamins through their diet.
You shouldn’t take a supplement unless your doctor has confirmed that you’re deficient in a particular B vitamin. Your doctor will tell you whether you should add a vitamin B complex supplement or take a specific B supplement.
You may be more likely to need Vitamin B supplements if you’re:
- Age 50 or older
- Have certain chronic health conditions
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Vitamin B supplements are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or health food store. You can also purchase them from online sellers. Make sure to you buy from a trusted, reputable brand. Your doctor may be able to recommend a specific brand that you can consider.
Always consult your doctor before you add any supplements to your routine.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin B refers to not one, but eight different vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 – and they all play a crucial role in your overall health and well-being.
A minimum daily dose of each vitamin is crucial to maintain good health; however, significantly exceeding this dose can cause illness. Generally, the symptoms of vitamin toxicity include hair loss, rashes, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and nerve damage.
See your doctor if you think you may be experiencing a vitamin B deficiency. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms, and if necessary, recommend ways to increase your B vitamin intake.