People are at higher risk for deficiency if they have poor
nutritional sources of B vitamins, take medications or have conditions that
impair absorption, or are affected by circumstances that increase the need for
vitamin B components above the normal level. Since the B vitamins often work in
harmony, a deficiency in one type may have broad implications. Poor intake of B
vitamins is most often a problem in strict vegetarians and the elderly.
People who frequently fast or diet may also benefit from taking
B vitamins. Vegans will need to use brewer's yeast or other sources of
supplemental cobalamin, since the only natural sources are meats.
Risk factors that may decrease absorption of some B vitamins
include smoking, excessive use of alcohol, surgical removal of portions of the
digestive tract, and advanced age. Absorption is also impaired by some
medications. Some of the drugs that may cause this are corticosteroids,
colchicine, metformin, phenformin, omeprazol, colestipol, cholestyramine,
methotrexate, tricyclic antidepressants, and slow-release potassium.
Need for vitamin B complex may be increased by conditions such
as pregnancy, breastfeeding, emotional stress, and physical stress due to
surgery or injury. People who are very physically active require extra
riboflavin. Use of birth control pills also increases the need for certain B
vitamins.
Appropriate supplementation with a synchronized vitamin B complex formula of
this nature and finding as seen in clinical studies conducted at major
institutions around the U.S., show patients' had improvement, particularly in
several required nutritional pathways in the body and several deficiency
syndromes considered destructive in human metabolism:
Assists in:
- Lowering elevated homocysteine levels (a risk factor for
heart disease
- Preventing infant neural tube defects during pregnancy
- Supporting healthy brain and tissue
- New cell development and function