Vitamin B complex refers to the eight essential B vitamins needed for optimal human health. Because it can be difficult to ensure each B vitamin is being consumed in sufficient amounts through diet alone, many people buy B complex vitamins for use as a regular dietary supplement.

A quality B complex supplement will provide significant benefits, including:

• Improved nervous system function
• Improved digestion and metabolism
• Healthier hair, nails and skin
• Increased energy
• Stable, positive mood
• Greater mental clarity
• Many other benefits

In essence, the B complex is vital for proper health and function of the body and mind. Severe vitamin B deficiencies---though rare in developed nations---can even be life threatening.

When to Buy B Complex Vitamins

In general people who eat well---a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and protein sources---can attain sufficient B vitamins without supplementation. Unfortunately, in this age of processed foods and hasty meals, eating well is the exception rather than the rule. Other factors, such as smoking, some medications, frequent alcohol use, lack of exercise and environmental influences, can also deplete B vitamins from the body even when following excellent dietary habits.

Those who regularly feel fatigued, have mental fog or memory issues, eat poorly, have frequent headaches or aches and pains, or who just generally feel run-down will want to buy B complex supplements. In otherwise healthy individuals adverse effects are very unlikely even if some B vitamin levels far exceed recommended daily values. Of course, a doctor can also run tests to ascertain B vitamin levels for more accurate dosing.

Some people should be cautious starting supplementation with B complex or any other vitamin; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals with any major medical condition---particularly issues with the liver or kidneys---and those taking prescription medications will want to speak with a doctor or pharmacist about potential risks before starting treatment.

The B Complex Family

Any product labeled B Complex should contain eight types of B vitamins, all of which provide some similar benefits and some unique benefits:

• B1 (Thiamine) - Promotes healthy cell renewal, helps the body break down carbohydrates and enhances immune system health.
• B2 (Riboflavin) - A potent antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and promotes red blood cell production (which in turn transports oxygen throughout the body). Some research suggests B2 can help prevent migraines.
• B3 (Niacin) - Shown to boost HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - This nutrient is essential to life; it converts carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to fuel for the body. It also plays an important role in hormone production. Fortunately B5 is found in almost all foods so deficiency is rare. This vitamin is also thought to promote healthy, youthful skin.
• B6 (Pyridoxine) - Another critical nutrient, B6 aids in metabolism and is necessary for many amino acid and neurotransmitter processes. It also influences production and synthesis of many vital chemicals in the body, including hemoglobin, insulin, serotonin, melatonin, histamine, dopamine, prostaglandins and adrenaline. Vitamin B6 supports immune system function, brain function, blood cell production, and is necessary to properly absorb vitamin B12. Like B5, B6 is widely available in many foods and significant deficiencies are rare.
• B7 (Biotin) - This vitamin is associated with healthy nails, hair and skin. It is also thought to help manage glucose levels in the blood, and so may be beneficial to diabetics. B7 is also critical during pregnancy for proper growth and development---but keep in mind that pregnant mothers should not buy B complex supplements without first discussing dosage with a doctor.
• B9 (Folate/Folic Acid) - Most people have heard how critical B9 (more commonly called folic acid) is to prevent neurological birth defects during pregnancy. Lesser known is B9's association with improved mood and prevention of memory loss.
• em>B12 (Cobalamin) - Combined with vitamin B9, this vitamin promotes production and function of red blood cells and hemoglobin. B12 is predominately found in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans are often deficient in B12.

It's easy to see how the vitamin B complex is essential for human health, from improved appearance to proper function of vital systems necessary to sustain life. Fortunately in developed countries life-threatening deficiencies are extremely rare, but even mild to moderate deficiencies can produce unpleasant symptoms that impact day-to-day life. For those lacking mental or physical energy or otherwise feeling run-down, a vitamin B complex supplement is well worth a try!

Buy B Complex Supplements from a Trusted Source

With nutrients so vital to health, you don't want to buy B complex or other vitamins from just anyone. At New Zealand's oldest and most-trusted pharmacy, you can shop with confidence that all our supplements are 100% authentic, fresh and potent. Our checkout process takes only a few moments of your time and your order will be delivered right to your door. You'll save time, money and hassle at Kiwi Drug!