The B vitamins are a group of 8 water-soluble vitamins necessary for energy production, nervous system function and the production of red blood cells. Some are also involved in the recycling of homocysteine, high levels of which are a key risk factor for a number of conditions including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. (1, 2) Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, the B vitamins cannot be stored, and must be consumed from the diet regularly to avoid the risk of deficiency. Health conditions which decrease B vitamin absorption are associated with symptoms caused by inefficient or blocked metabolic functions, e.g. decreased neurotransmitter (brain chemical) production leading to low mood, or low energy production leading to tiredness. 

While some B vitamins are found in relatively high amounts within a wide range of foods, others are found in lower amounts and in only very specific foods. Vitamin B12, for example, is only found in animal products, meaning that vegetarians and vegans are at risk of deficiency. The best sources of B-vitamins include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, whole grains, nuts & seeds, fruit & vegetables and legumes. Eating a wide variety of these whole foods on a regular basis should provide adequate intake of all 8 B-vitamins. B vitamins are, however, particularly sensitive to heat, moisture and exposure to air and light, so modern food processing, distribution and storage methods can significantly affect their stability and function. Unless you regularly eat raw, fresh (local) whole foods, the quality of the B-vitamins in your food may be sub-optimal and insufficient for the demands of modern life. Many processed foods are now fortified with B-vitamins in an attempt to overcome vitamin loss during refining and processing. While food fortification could be viewed as beneficial, it should be remembered that highly processed and refined foods (the target for fortification) do not offer the same nutrient quality. Therefore, while they appear to deliver adequate amounts of micronutrients, these foods are inferior to fresh whole food sources. In addition, there are increasing concerns regarding the ‘useability’ of some of the micronutrients added to food. For example, the safety of folic acid, the synthetic form of folate that is used widely in the food and supplement industry, has been questioned in recent years. The basis of the concerns regarding the widespread fortification of breads and cereals with folic acid is that much of the population is genetically less able to use synthetic folic acid than folate. While higher circulating (food-sourced) folate is considered beneficial to health, the role of unmetabolised synthetic folic acid from high folic acid consumption is currently being questioned as a potential risk factor for a number of health conditions. (3)

The B-vitamins are generally absorbed in the small intestine via active (saturable) and passive (non saturable) uptake mechanisms. In addition, some B-vitamins (such as niacin and riboflavin) require modification (usually an enzyme-mediated process that releases them from a carrier protein) before they can be absorbed; certain ‘favourable’ conditions (such as the production of enzymes and adequate stomach acid) are required, and if these are not met, absorption can be compromised. Therefore, while the diet may appear to be nutrient rich, there are circumstances where uptake may not be adequate to fulfil needs.

Intensive farming methods negatively affect the level of all nutrients within whole foods, including the B-vitamins. In addition, food processing methods either strip out or affect the stability of nutrients within foods (hence the drive to fortify). As the B-vitamins are water-soluble, they are also easily depleted during cooking, especially vegetables cooked in water. As there are so many factors that influence the amount, type and stability of these essential nutrients, and the fact that they are not considered toxic when consumed in excess of the recommended intake, topping up levels via supplementation provides a safety net against deficiency. It is certainly possible to supplement with individual B-vitamins, but because they often play a synergistic role in multiple pathways (riboflavin is, for example, the co-factor required for converting vitamin B6 to its active pyridoxal 5′-phosphate form), they are often found together in supplements as a B-complex.

When seeking an effective supplement, it is vital to consider three factors: the forms of key nutrients, their bioavailability and the dose used. B-vitamins exist in multiple forms and it is the activated (also known as reduced or remethylated) form that is able to act as a co-factor. Because some B-vitamins are better absorbed in lower amounts (known as fractional absorption), supplements containing ‘mega’ amounts in a one-a-day tablet are not guaranteed to deliver adequate levels (more is not always best!). As the uptake of a nutrient is key to its benefits (it’s not how much you take, it’s how much is absorbed), choosing a B-complex that takes into account those factors that influence the ability of each nutrient’s capacity for absorption and delivers the appropriate level of that nutrient to ensure enhanced uptake will ultimately influence the efficacy of a finished product. 

Multiple delivery options are available. Slow-release delivery systems combined with split-dosing (a smaller dose delivered twice daily rather than a larger once-daily dose) overcome saturable uptake pathways. In addition, sublingual delivery bypasses the complexities of digestion altogether, delivering vitamins directly to the bloodstream under the tongue. These delivery systems combined with scientifically established optimal levels of individual nutrients are likely to be the most effective for optimising the key health benefits of the individual nutrients. Liquid delivery, including effervescent tablets, provides B-vitamins available immediately for the body to absorb rapidly, ideal for convenience and those who don’t like swallowing tablets. 

Riboflavin exists as free-form riboflavin and as two coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). FMN and FAD play vital roles in a variety of oxidation and reduction reactions in the body necessary for glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids to be converted into energy, thus reducing tiredness and fatigue. The conversion of folate to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is dependent on FAD, activation of pyridoxine to pyridoxal 5’-phosphate is dependent on FMN, and the synthesis of vitamin B12 is dependent on FAD. A riboflavin deficiency could therefore result in deficiencies of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that may, in turn, lead to elevated levels of homocysteine, decreased red blood cell synthesis and impaired iron metabolism. There are two pathways that regulate homocysteine metabolism - transsulfuration and remethylation, and if not appropriately recycled, elevated homocysteine can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia.(1,2) Transsulfuration is dependent on vitamin B6 and converts homocysteine to cysteine and then to glutathione, with riboflavin then required to convert oxidised glutathione to reduced (active) glutathione.(6) Glutathione is a key antioxidant involved in protecting cells from free-radical-induced oxidative damage. The remethylation of homocysteine to methionine is dependent on vitamin B12, folate and riboflavin. This methylation ‘cycle’ helps to support a healthy nervous system by contributing to the synthesis of neurotransmitters.(7) Riboflavin also contributes to normal vision. As a necessary cofactor for reduced glutathione, the antioxidant that is essential in protecting the eye tissue from oxidative damage, deficiency in riboflavin is linked to the formation of cataracts.(8) The maintenance of normal mucous membranes and skin is also aided by riboflavin.

Most riboflavin in food is FAD, with a small proportion of free-form riboflavin and FMN comprising the remainder. Both FAD and FMN are bound to proteins and, in order to be absorbed by the small intestine, must be converted, with the help of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme phosphatase, to free-form riboflavin. Once absorbed, other enzymes then convert some of the free-form riboflavin back to FMN and FAD. Absorption of dietary riboflavin occurs through an intestinal transport mechanism that becomes saturated at high doses (>20 mg), and absorption can be delayed when taken on an empty stomach. A decrease in absorption is observed in individuals with liver problems such as obstructive biliary disease (in which a blockage of the bile duct reduces bile production), hepatitis and cirrhosis.(9) 

While deficiency in the UK is rare (due to food fortification) it can arise from a poor quality diet or through an inability to absorb dietary sources. The overall result of deficiency is a reduced ability to metabolise fats, which stunts growth and prevents normal development. Signs and symptoms may include badly cracked lips, a dry, painful mouth and tongue, dry skin and bloodshot eyes. The main sources of vitamin B2 are meat and dairy products, although eggs, nuts and leafy green vegetables provide good alternative sources. Adults should consume at least 1.4 mg every day. Riboflavin is light-sensitive, so is best stored in dark containers. In addition, as riboflavin is water soluble, much is lost during boiling and so some raw or lightly steamed vegetables should be included in the daily diet to ensure adequate levels are retained. Mushrooms, spinach and almonds are particularly tasty, excellent sources of vitamin B2. 

Pantothenic acid, via coenzyme A, is involved in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and vitamin D, and also contributes to fat and carbohydrate metabolism required for energy production. Deficiency of pantothenic acid is very rare as it is found in small amounts in all animal and plant foods. Foods particularly rich in pantothenic acid include liver and organ meats as well as most animal-origin foods, whole grains, legumes and most fruits and vegetables. When found in foods, most pantothenic acid is in the form of coenzyme A and acyl carrier proteins and must be converted into free pantothenic acid for absorption to take place, and because the active transport system for pantothenic acid uptake is saturable, absorption will be less efficient at higher concentrations of intake. After absorption, pantothenic acid is converted to the sulphur-containing compound pantetheine which is then reconverted back into coenzyme A. Studies have found that supplementing with pantothenic acid can be beneficial for the production of steroid hormones (12) which are important for our stress management systems. Adults should consume at least 6 mg daily from a range of food sources.

While vitamin B6 exists in 6 forms, only the pyridoxal-5-phosphate form has cofactor activity required for approximately 100 enzymes that are important for the metabolism of neurotransmitters and other neuroprotective compounds. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in energy metabolism and is important in the synthesis of haemoglobin, the component of blood that binds and transports oxygen around the body. Additionally, vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the nervous and immune systems and helps maintain normal psychological function and hormonal activity. While rare, a number of inborn errors of vitamin B6 metabolism exist that can compromise the metabolism of vitamin B6 to pyridoxal-5-phosphate, usually manifesting in symptoms of epilepsy. (13) Vitamin B6 is present in a wide range of foods including meats, pulses, cereals, vegetables and fruit. In addition, vitamin B6 is also produced by bacteria in the colon. While most B vitamins can be taken in high amounts long term (any excess will simply flush out in the urine), taking supplementary B6 that provides >20 mg per day long term can lead to nausea, heartburn and tingling of the fingers and toes. In most cases, symptoms will cease once supplementation is stopped. Adults should aim to eat around 1.4 mg per day from whole food sources and if supplementing should not exceed 25 mg daily unless advised by a healthcare practitioner. Individuals who are particularly at risk of low B6 status and would most likely benefit from supplementation include those with impaired renal function, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and people with alcohol dependence.

Biotin is a coenzyme necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as pyruvate and lactate. Biotin also plays an important role in maintaining normal hair and skin, and in the psychological and nervous system function. Cheese, organ meats, whole wheat and soybeans are good sources of biotin, as well as eggs, mushroom, leafy greens and legumes. As biotin is found in a wide range of foods, most people will have adequate biotin in the diet; however, while rare, signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss and brittle nails, reflecting biotin’s use in supplements that are often targeted specifically at hair, nail and skin health. Low biotin status may occur in pregnancy, in alcoholics and in individuals with digestive and/or absorption issues such as following gastrectomy (surgery to remove the stomach). These conditions require biotin supplementation. (14) The recommended daily intake is 50 μg, but intake in excess of this is absorbed efficiently without reaching saturation.

Food folates are mainly present as polyglutamates that need to be enzymatically modified before absorption, and absorption of natural food-sourced folate is generally actually lower than the synthetic folic acid form that is widely found in fortified food and some supplements. However, neither folic acid nor food folate are biologically active and must be converted to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) through a multi-step process that is dependent on the activity of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Many people do not produce adequate or effective MTHFR, with significant effects. For example, if the body’s ability to reduce folic acid to 5-MTHF is exceeded (approximately >200 mg/day), unmetabolised folic acid may accumulate in the bloodstream. (15) While the health effects of circulating unmetabolised folic acid are currently unclear, it is generally accepted that the effects are undesirable. (3) Many supplement manufacturers are switching to folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) to avoid use of the synthetic folic acid. Folate, via its actions in the folate cycle, is vital for the formation of red blood cells, the recycling of homocysteine and psychological functioning and is best known for its role in preventing neural tube defects in newborns. As elevated homocysteine is a known risk factor for mood-related disorders and heart complications, and cognitive decline, increasing folate may be prudent to aid in the recycling of homocysteine. As with the other B vitamins, folate is found in high levels in liver as well as leafy green vegetables and legumes. Anyone consuming a diet rich in vegetables will be getting the recommended 400mcg per day of folate but women trying to conceive or in the early phases of pregnancy may need to supplement as requirements increase. Using the reduced form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, overcomes bioavailability issues associated with standard folate and may be particularly effective, given the large number of individuals with inadequate or ineffective MTHFR. (16)

Methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are natural forms of vitamin B12, whereas cyanocobalamin (the cheaper cyanide-containing form of vitamin B12 found in abundance in most vitamin B-complex supplements) is a synthetic source of vitamin B12 requiring transformation in the body into a natural form via a demanding process. 

Methylcobalamin is the specific form of B12 needed for nervous system health; adenosylcobalamin is retained in mitochondria where it supports cellular energy production; hydroxocobalamin acts as a scavenger for detoxification by-products. Unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are retained in higher amounts within tissues. Taking a complex containing all three superior forms of B12 overcomes individual genetic variations in vitamin B12 transport, cellular absorption and metabolism.

Shop by nutrient > Vitamin B to view the Igennus range of supplements.

1. Ganguly P, Alam SF. Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. Nutr J. 2015 Jan 10;14:6. 
   
2. Smith AD, Refsum H. Homocysteine, B Vitamins, and Cognitive Impairment. Ann Rev Nutr. 2016 Jul 17;36:211-39. 
   
3. Cho E, Zhang X, Townsend MK, Selhub J, Paul L, Rosner B, Fuchs CS, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Unmetabolized Folic Acid in Prediagnostic Plasma and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2015 Sep 15;107(12):djv260. 
   
4. Smithline HA, Donnino M, Greenblatt DJ. Pharmacokinetics of high-dose oral thiamine hydrochloride in healthy subjects. BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Feb 4;12:4. doi: 10.1186/1472-6904-12-4. 
   
5. Lonsdale D. A review of the biochemistry, metabolism and clinical benefits of thiamin(e) and its derivatives. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006 Mar;3(1):49-59. 
   
6. Marashly ET & Bohlega SA. Riboflavin Has Neuroprotective Potential: Focus on Parkinson's Disease and Migraine. Front Neurol. 2017 Jul 20;8:333. 
7. Saedisomeolia A, Ashoori M. Riboflavin in Human Health: A Review of Current Evidences. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2018;83:57-81. 
8. Bhat KS. Nutritional states of thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine in cataract patients. Nutr Rep Int 1987;36:685-692. 
9. Powers HJ. Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) and health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jun;77(6):1352-60. Review. 
10. Heemskerk MM, van den Berg SA, Pronk AC, van Klinken JB, Boon MR, Havekes LM, Rensen PC, van Dijk KW, van Harmelen V. Long-term niacin treatment induces insulin resistance and adrenergic responsiveness in adipocytes by adaptive downregulation of phosphodiesterase 3B. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Apr 1;306(7):E808-13.  
11. Bechgaard H, Jespersen S. GI absorption of niacin in humans. J Pharm Sci. 1977 Jun;66(6):871-2. 
12. Jaroenporn S, Yamamoto T, Itabashi A, Nakamura K, Azumano I, Watanabe G, Taya K. Effects of pantothenic acid supplementation on adrenal steroid secretion from male rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Jun;31(6):1205-8. 
13. Surtees R, Mills P, Clayton P. Inborn errors affecting vitamin B6 metabolism. Future Neurol 2006, 5:615 
14. Zempleni J, Mock DM. Biotin biochemistry and human requirements. J Nutr Biochem. 1999 Mar;10(3):128-38 
15. Kelly P, McPartlin J, Goggins M, Weir DG, Scott JM. Unmetabolized folic acid in serum: acute studies in subjects consuming fortified food and supplements. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Jun;65(6):1790-5. 
16. Tsang BL, Devine OJ, Cordero AM, Marchetta CM, Mulinare J, Mersereau P, Guo J, Qi YP, Berry RJ, Rosenthal J, Crider KS, Hamner HC. Assessing the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T polymorphism and blood folate concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials and observational studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;101(6):1286-94. 
17. Romain M, Sviri S, Linton DM, Stav I, van Heerden PV. The role of Vitamin B12 in the critically ill--a review. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2016 Jul;44(4):447-52. Review. 
18. efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver.../ndatolerableuil.pdf