Also known as thiamin, vitamin B1 is one of the eight water soluble vitamins in the vitamin B family.  It is a vital human nutrient playing an important role in how we convert our food into energy – when we consume our food it is broken down into simpler units such as carbohydrates, fats and amino acids, vitamin B1 plays a crucial role in utilising these units to produce energy.  This is especially true for cells in the brain where the energy demand is really high which is why it is also referred to as a “morale vitamin” for its positive effect on the nervous system and a healthy mental attitude! 

Promoting the health of the nervous system, vitamin B1 helps in the proper development of the myelin sheaths around nerves, improving the body’s ability to withstand stress, it is often called the “anti-stress” vitamin and is also reported to improve the memory and powers of concentration.  Thiamin is essential to the body’s cardiac heath, involved in blood formation and helping in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is used to relay messages between the nerves and muscles to ensure proper cardiac function.  Brewer’s yeast and liver are the richest sources of vitamin B1, however, spirulina, linseeds, rye, wheat germ and kidney beans are also important sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin B1 contributes to:

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the normal function of the heart

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water soluble vitamin.  It is one of the eight B vitamins that are essential for human health and is found in a variety of foods, both plant based and animal based, and is not lost in cooking like many of the other vitamins.  Vitamin B2 is critical to the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy that you can use.  Without adequate riboflavin in the diet the enzymes involved in energy production do not function optimally which can lead to tiredness and stress. 

Working in tandem with other B vitamins, vitamin B2 helps to protect the nervous system and plays an important role in saving your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, serving as a component of the enzyme glutathione reductase which helps to neutralize free radicals.  Essential for the formation of fresh red blood cells, vitamin B2 also interacts with iron which is used to synthesize haemoglobin, allowing your body to get the oxygen rich blood needed to perform the daily functions of life.   Along with vitamin A, riboflavin also helps to maintain the mucous membranes in the digestive system.  Playing a major role in ensuring healthy corneas, perfect vision and radiant skin, vitamin B2 is best consumed as nature intended!  Dietary sources rich in this important vitamin include; dark leafy green vegetables, barleygrass, mushrooms, avocados, dairy products and wild rice.

Vitamin B2 contributes to:

·         normal energy yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal red blood cells

·         the maintenance of normal skin

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential nutrient that must be provided for in your diet. The health benefits of niacin are primarily derived from its use in producing a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD, with one of the most important health benefits being its role in producing energy from dietary carbohydrates and fats.  Vitamin B3 seems to have a particularly potent role in maintaining mental agility and is important for the proper functioning of all cells including the cells of the brain and the nervous system - it acts as a powerful antioxidant in brain cells.  When the nervous system is working properly symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings can be prevented, even a slight deficiency in vitamin B3 can cause physical and mental fatigue. 

The most common symptom of niacin deficiency involves the skin with a severe deficiency leading to dermatitis and a condition called “pellagra” where a thick scaly rash develops in areas exposed to sunlight.  If pellagra is left untreated it can perturb the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue making them red and swollen.  Vitamin B3 is found abundantly in chia seeds with just 100 grams providing approximately 55% of daily required levels.  Other good sources include sesame and sunflower seeds, nuts and nut butters, capers and brewer’s yeast.

Vitamin B3 contributes to:

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an essential role in human life and is the most versatile of all the B vitamins!  Working closely with the other B vitamins, vitamin B6 contributes to numerous functions in the body.  It plays an important role in refurbishing the immune system to the required functional level, this potential health benefit appears to be associated with its role in the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan.  Also referred to as the “mood vitamin”, B6 is needed for proper brain development and function, preventing mental fatigue and helping the body make the feel good hormones serotonin and norepinephrine that relax and lift your spirits, along with melatonin, the hormone which regulates the body clock. 

Vitamin B6 is functional in working with a number of enzymatic systems to make these enzymes work in the desired manner, this association contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system.  It is also involved at several steps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, in particular the enzyme that pulls carbohydrates out of storage in the cell - in the form of a molecule called glycogen – which requires vitamin B6 for its activity and it metabolises a number of other nutrients to extract energy.  Vitamin B6 is a key factor in the manufacture of haemoglobin – the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells – and has a role in preventing heart disease.  Without enough B6 a compound called homocysteine builds up in the body which can damage blood vessel linings, setting the stage for plaque build-up when the body tries to heal the damage.  Vitamin B6 prevents this build-up thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.  The availability of this important vitamin is highest in foods like spirulina, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, green beans, walnuts and wheat germ.

Vitamin B6 contributes to:

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal homocysteine metabolism

·         normal protein and glycogen metabolism

·         normal psychological function

·         normal red blood cell formation

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         the regulation of hormonal activity

·         normal cysteine synthesis

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism