There are eight water-soluble vitamins which you're familiar with if you've ever read the nutrition information on the side of any cereal box; thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), biotin (B7), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). These eight are usually considered to be essential vitamins because they must be definitely included in the diet... IN the food you eat.

The other Four are not considered "essential" because the body can make them itself, as the term goes, "synthesize" them. These unnumbered components of the B complex that can be synthesized by the body with supplementation are choline, inositol, PABA, and lipoic acid.

Why do we need the B Complex vitamins?

• Healthy, and healthy looking, hair


• B6 is essential for metabolism of amino acids, i.e. proteins


• B12 and folic acid help with division of cells in the body


• Help maintain good vision


• The B complex substances folic acid, pyridoxine, and cobalamin work together to keep homocysteine levels low. High homocysteine levels lead to heart disease.


• B complex vitamins, from diet or supplement, help prevent certain birth defects such as cleft palate and neural tube defects, maintain healthy red blood cells, and seem to possibly have a role in preventing certain types of cancer.


• Preventing mouth infections


• Healthy liver function


• Breaking down carbohydrates into glucose in order to provide energy to the body.


• Is believed to tone stomach muscles and those of the intestinal tract


• Promotes healthy skin


• Aids in the breakdown of fats and proteins to encourage normal functioning of the nervous system.