By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS MH

B-vitamins are necessary nutrients for the nervous system that also support brain health and mood. In this article, you will learn in-depth details about the six essential B-vitamins included in Elevate’s formula and how they may improve your overall health and mental well-being.

B vitamins play an integral role in the healthy functioning of cells and energy metabolism in the human body. In fact, without B-vitamins our bodies would not be able to produce red and white blood cells, break down carbohydrates into energy nor produce DNA. Studies show that B-vitamins help to enhance your mood, lower stress levels, and help increase energy levels and improve general brain functioning. Most B vitamins are not produced in the human body except in very small amounts. This means that they are essential vitamins that must be acquired from our diet or as a supplement. If you are deficient in some or all B-vitamins, you may be at an increased risk for irritability, mood problems, and depression. Elevate has included six essential B-vitamins in their problem precisely for their ability to improve energy levels and mood while protecting the brain against damage caused by internal and external toxins.

The Role of B-Vitamins in Mood Balance and Regulation

Our moods are emotional mental states that can fluctuate in the moment and over extended periods of time. Moods can be difficult to pinpoint as to why they fluctuate and if someone has a clinical mood disorder or is simply experiencing the emotional flux of life. Common mood disorders, including general anxiety disorder and depression affect millions of people every year. Recent research has shown that diet plays a pivotal role in brain health and can be considered a risk factor that can be modified by lifestyle changes. Deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to an imbalance that may increase a person’s risk for depression among other mood disturbances. Beyond an increased risk for developing mood imbalances like depression, many people deal with normal fluctuations in mood and periods of time when it is difficult to see the positive light in life’s challenges. In these cases, supplementing with B vitamins may help to balance your mood and lift your mind to a positive place.

B vitamins are important players in the synthesis and regulation of the mood-related neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are central to mood regulation and imbalances of either or both can cause anxiety and depression disorders. Simply supplementing with these valuable B vitamins can have a beneficial effect on your overall mood and improve your psychological well-being. Moreover, if you are managing a depressive or anxiety disorder, you may find that increasing your intake of B vitamins will lift your anxiety or depression and help improve your quality of life.

Elevate’s Essential B-Vitamins: Background and Benefits Explained

B vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute to the healthy functioning of the body as a whole - contributing to the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and enzymes into energy and the production of the body’s cells and DNA.

 Elevate contains these six essential B vitamins:

• Niacin (as niacinamide)
• Thiamin (as Thiamine HCI)Riboflavin
• Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine HCI)
• Folate
• Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B- 1 or Thiamin (as Thiamine HCI)

Thiamin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is responsible for the healthy functioning of cell function, energy metabolism, growth, and development. Thiamin is an important cofactor in the production of acetyl-CoA, the primary molecule necessary for metabolism or the production of energy in the human body. If you are deficient in vitamin B-1, you may experience short-term memory loss, confusion, weakened muscles, weight loss and anorexia. A severe deficiency of niacin will lead to the development of beriberi - a wasting away syndrome characterized by peripheral nerve damage and extreme muscle and weight loss.  Supplementing and having an adequate amount of niacin in your diet can help maintain healthy functioning of the brain, muscles, heart, stomach, intestines, and nervous system.

Vitamin B-2 or Riboflavin

Riboflavin helps to maintain fatty acid metabolism, healthy blood cells, boosts low energy levels, and ensures that our bodies function at an optimal metabolic rate. One major function of riboflavin is in the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant in the human body.  Benefits of riboflavin include:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces osteoporosis
• Decreases risk of PMS
• Reduces migraine symptoms

The antioxidant properties of riboflavin prevent the production of free radicals - molecules that damage cells and increase the risk of developing age-related diseases. Riboflavin has been used therapeutically to treat migraines, cardiovascular disease, and age-related neurological diseases such as dementia. Lastly, studies show that riboflavin-deficiency increases your risk for developing depression. Supplementing with riboflavin may help relieve symptoms related to depression and other mood-related disorders.

Vitamin B-6 or Pyridoxine

Like many other B vitamins, pyridoxine or vitamin B-6 is an important cofactor in the production of red blood cells, the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and neurotransmitters. Studies show that maintaining optimal levels of vitamin B-6 maintains general health and well-being and may help prevent and treat chronic diseases. If you are deficient in pyridoxine, you may experience mood changes, including symptoms of irritability, anxiety, and increased sensitivity to pain. Additionally like many other B-vitamin deficiencies, inadequate amounts of pyridoxine increases your risk for developing depression. Adequate supplementation of vitamin B-6 derives a number of benefits for the healthy functioning of your brain and mood. Therapeutically, vitamin B-6 may improve symptoms of mood disorders, premenstrual syndrome, memory loss, ADHD, and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin B-9 or Folate

Folate is necessary for the production of red and white blood cells in bone marrow as well as DNA and RNA. Folate also is important in the transformation of carbohydrates into energy. Pregnant women are encouraged to take folate to help reduce the risks of birth defects associated with the brain and spinal cord. Deficiencies in this essential B-vitamin can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, problems with memory and judgment, vision problems, and depression. The benefits of folate include lower risk of stroke, reduced risk of cognitive decline, and may improve depression symptoms. In fact, several studies show that supplementing with vitamin B-6 helps to regulate levels of serotonin, thus balancing mood and improving energy levels.

Vitamin B-12 or Cobalamin

Vitamin B12 supports the healthy functioning of nerve cells and is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and DNA. Other important functions and benefits of B-12 include:

• Protects the brain against age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
• Improves mood disorder symptoms
• Enhances nerve repair and protects against nerve damage
• Improves memory, concentration, and focus
• Helps in the production of mood regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine
• Essential for bone health and protects against osteoporosis

If you are deficient in vitamin B-12, you may experience “brain fog” and feel that you are not mentally processing as quickly or clearly as usual. Other symptoms that deficiency in this necessary B vitamin include increased fatigue and overall weakness, constipation, and depression. Having a proper amount of B12 will help improve your energy levels, calm your nerves, and boost your mood.

Conclusion

Several studies have investigated the role of B vitamins in people who live with mood disorders like depression. These studies reveal that diet plays a pivotal role in overall brain health and can be considered a means to prevent mood disorders. Poor dietary habits cause nutrient deficiencies that can worsen mental health, especially if the diets are deficient in B vitamins. Supplementing and eating foods rich in B vitamins have a noted benefit on mood and brain health. If you are living with a poor mood or even depressive symptoms, you may be deficient in essential B-vitamins. Regular intake of supplements that contain B-vitamins (like those included in Elevate’s formula) may help improve your symptoms dramatically.

Cautions

If you are considering taking Elevate or any supplement that contains B vitamins, consult with your physician to make sure it is safe to use and does not interact with any medications you are currently taking or exacerbate symptoms of a medical condition with which you have been diagnosed.

References

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