B Vitamins – They’re Good For You!
Niacin (Vitamin B3):
Recently, Niacin has got publicity for reducing cholesterol. It has also been found effective in reducing the incidence of second heart attack by 30 percent. Higher levels of Niacin can lead to hot flushes and liver damage. So, be very careful when taking therapeutical doses of this vitamin. Consult a qualified person before starting this treatment.
Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.
Recommended Dosage: 40 and 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 200 mg daily if you have a history of rheumatic heart disease or other valvular heart problem.
Note: Niacin can have an uncomfortable flushing/prickly affect when you take it. This reaction varies by person. Niacinamide is a form of Niacin that is a non-flush niacin, which has all the benefits without the uncomfortable rush. Both our Liquid Complete B and our Power Multi-V contain niacinamide.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):
Pyridoxine deficiency has been linked to heart disease. Pyridoxine is extremely important for formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters. Animal studies have shown that diets deficient in B6 can lead to hardened, narrowed arteries. This may be because B6 helps to prevent the unnecessary blood clots that can block arteries. B6 is also necessary to control homocysteine that appears to damage artery linings and encourage heart disease.
Recommended Dosage: 20 and 50 mg daily. B6 is found in whole grains, lentils and sweet potatoes.
Folic Acid:
Recent studies have shown that folic acid can ward off heart attacks and strokes. A deficiency of folic acid can increase the risk of heart disease 200 to 300 percent. Folic acid was shown to break down homocysteine, an amino acid. Homocysteine was shown to increase the risk of heart attack by 300 percent. Higher levels of homocysteine were found to cause significant blockages in the carotid arteries. (Carotid arteries are found in the neck and deliver blood to the brain.) Ten percent of all heart disease in the United States is believed to be from high levels of homocysteine. Hence folic acid, which breaks down homocysteine, is a very important deterrent to heart disease. It is found in foods such as navy beans, broccoli, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes.
Recommended Dosage: 400 mcg daily.
Vitamin B12
Shortage of Vitamin B-12 has been associated with elevated levels of dangerous homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine can damage the inner surface of arteries. This can be treated and/or prevented with vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Many cardiologists are now using B-vitamins to help prevent coronary artery disease.
Recommended Dosage: 20 and 60 mcg daily.
It is a little known fact that a deficiency in B Vitamins can contribute to depression. Especially if you’re older than 50 or you’re a vegetarian, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be helpful in making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Doctors have long known of the relationship between low levels of vitamin B-12 and depression. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, such as folate, play a role in the production of certain brain chemicals that are important in regulating mood and other brain functions. Our Liquid Complete B contains all the Vitamin B you need!
