Does Vitamin B Complex Boost Metabolism & Energy?

As some of the more ‘trendier’ nutrients in the wellness and weight loss industry, b vitamins are often times first-to-mind when we’re looking for holistic, natural ways to boost energy levels and metabolism. More specifically, b12 is easily the most well-known of the b vitamin complex, especially when discussing the idea of increased energy, fat metabolism, and weight loss; we’re willing bet you’ve done some of your own research on b12 for your health already.

However, understanding how b vitamins actually work in the body is important so that you can determine if you’re supporting your body in the right way. B12 and the rest of the b vitamins are essential to energy production, but not in the way you would think.

From seasonal affective disorder (SAD), catching the common cold or flu, to over eating, or to poor sleep schedules, there are many external factors that can lead to a drop in energy. As people lose energy, its common to look for alternative ways to boost your energy levels.

So, as our energy begins do dwindle, we might start researching a bit online wondering ‘does b12 give you energy?’ or ‘does vitamin b complex boost metabolism?’ and ‘how can we effectively counter these negative effects when levels are low?’ One common theory for how to increase our energy levels is to increase vitamin b levels overall. However, this popular theory may be just as misleading today as the first time you heard it. As with many other health claims the link between vitamin b and energy has most likely been warped so companies can sell more of their supplements.

It is true that vitamin b complex – thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), B12, and biotin are all partially involved in energy production, but none of these vitamins directly provide energy like say for example a stimulant like caffeine would.

So, If it doesn’t give us a direct boost in energy, how does vitamin b complex boost metabolism and help with energy levels? And do we still need vitamin b every day?

In this article we will discuss how vitamin b relates to energy production, the specific purpose of each b vitamin, and how to know if you are getting enough b vitamins.

 

B vitamins and energy production

Only food can provide actual energy in the form of proteins, carbs, and fats, so eating a b vitamin will never give you an instant boost of energy. But this doesn’t mean b vitamins aren’t related to energy production in one way or another. There are 8 b vitamins in total and each vitamin can impact your energy levels through other bodily functions:

 

B-1 (thiamine) :

Thiamine affects our energy levels by enabling our bodies to use carbohydrates as energy. Vitamin b1 is essential for glucose metabolism. Glucose metabolism functions as the primary source of fuel for mammals and a universal fuel of the fetus. Because of this, thiamin is especially important during pregnancy

Beyond energy production vitamin b1 also plays an essential role in nerve, muscle, and heart function. It also helps with the flow of electrolytes in and out of our muscles & nerves.

 

B-2 (riboflavin) :

Riboflavin is essential for growth and development. It is also important when it comes to turning carbs, proteins, and fats into energy. Vitamin b2 is an essential vitamin when converting carbs into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP production comes directly the food we eat and ATP helps produce energy as our body needs it. The ATP compound is vital for storing energy in our muscles.

Riboflavin also allows oxygen to be used by the body. It is also used for the development and function of our skin, the lining of the digestive tract, blood cells and other vital organs.

Last but not least vitamin b2 is extremely important towards eye health and lowers the probability of developing cataracts.

 

B-3 (niacin) :

Niacin like other b vitamins helps our bodies convert our foods into energy. Niacin also plays an important role in nervous system health as well as cell signaling and making and repairing DNA, in addition to acting as an antioxidant.

Niacin also works as a coenzyme. This means that more than 400 other enzymes in our bodies depend on niacin for various chemical reactions that take place in our bodies.

 

B-5 (pantothenic acid) :

Pantothenic acid is vital to maintaining health throughout your life. Vitamin b5 helps our bodies convert our food into energy but it is also essential in the production of new blood cells. pantothenic acid is also unique because it can be found in almost all of our foods. In fact pantothen means from all sides or everywhere.

Pantothenic acid is also necessary for the body to create new coenzymes, proteins, and fats. Red blood cells carry pantothenic acid throughout the body so it can use the nutrient in a variety of processes for energy and metabolism.

 

B-6 (pyridoxine) :

Pyridoxine is another b vitamin that assists in the breakdown of our foods but it is also a standout in our b vitamins. Vitamin b6 is actually one of the most important molecules in the cells of any living organism. B6 is so essential because of it is critical role in the biochemical reactions that regulate cellular metabolism. This means that any cellular organism (all living things) require b6 to produce energy.

Pyridoxine is also another coenzyme with a role in more than 100 different enzyme reactions. Our body also needs vitamin b6 for breaking down carbohydrates and helping to burn fat, healthy brain development, and improved immune function. See how vitamin d is another key ‘player’ when it comes to supporting the immune system.

Pyridoxine is also a vital component in the producing non essential amino acids.

 

B-7 (biotin) :

Biotin is another important b vitamin. The human body needs biotin to break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein for energy synthesis, but it also boost communication among cells in the body, and helps regulate DNA.

The word biotos is actually the Greek word for “life” which refers to the many benefits of b7. Biotin helps promote healthy skin, nails, and it can make a big difference helping pregnant moms have healthier babies. Studies have also show that biotin improves your body’s keratin infrastructure which is a vital protein in hair thus helping promote hair growth.

 

B-9 (folic acid) :

Vitamin b9, also known as folic acid and folate, helps our bodies convert carbohydrates into glucose for future energy production.

Folic acid is also an important vitamin for proper brain function. B9 plays a role in both mental and emotional healthy by aiding the production of DNA and RNA which are the building blocks of our bodies. Vitamin b9 is especially important during times of rapid growth such as early childhood and adolescence. Proper levels of this b vitamin are especially important for healthy fetal development in pregnant women.

 

B-12 (cobalamin) :

Vitamin b12 contains the mineral cobalt and is sometimes called a “cobalamin.” Like the other b vitamins many people believe cobalamin will give them energy and this may be the case if you are suffering from a vitamin b12 deficiency. People with a vitamin b12 deficiency can see an improvement in energy, concentration, and mood when taking cobalamin. However, no evidence has been found to suggest that people with proper amounts of vitamin b12 will see any of these benefits.

Beyond energy and concentration body also uses vitamin b12 when creating new red blood cells and during DNA synthesis. Brain and neurological function can also be benefited by vitamin b12, and fat and protein metabolism.

 

Will b vitamins help me lose weight?

While b vitamins are a major player in helping convert foods into energy in our bodies, they may not directly have an impact on helping you to lose weight.

Getting the daily recommended amounts of each b vitamin, however, will provide ideal support for your metabolism helping your body utilize energy stores and ultimately helping upkeep normal energy levels.

Additionally, having proper energy levels help to motivate us to move more whether it be completing household chores, running around completing errands, or getting some exercise in. In a round about way, b vitamins may assist long-term weight loss and nonetheless should be included in a healthy routine for healthy daily function.

 

Am I getting enough b vitamins?

B vitamins may not give you an immediate boost in energy but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. From cellular metabolism to DNA synthesis all of the different b vitamins play an essential role in our bodies. So, how do we know if we are getting enough b vitamins?

The symptoms of vitamin b deficiency will vary depending on which vitamins you are missing but here are the most common symptoms:

• weakness
• constipation
• confusion
• soreness of mouth or tongue
• unexplained weight loss
• lack of appetite
• tiredness and fatigue
• worsening immune system
• issues with normal balance
• rashes
• cracks around mouth
• anemia
• abdominal cramps

Vitamin b deficiencies are more common in older adults and pregnant women, but If you begin to experience any of these symptoms we suggest you ask your doctor if you are suffering from a vitamin b deficiency.

 

How can I get more vitamin b?

All b vitamins are water soluble meaning they can’t be stored in our bodies. This means we can only use the b vitamins we need and any excess we consume will simply pass through our bodies.

Because people cant store b vitamins we have to make sure our diets contain a wide variety of b vitamins every day.

Some of the best vitamin b sources include:

• Dairy: milk, cheese
• Eggs
• Red Meat and chicken
• Fish: tuna, salmon, and mackerel
• Shellfish: oysters and clams
• Green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale
• Beets, avocados, and potatoes
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Soy products
• Kidney beans and black beans
• Citrus fruits, bananas, and melons
• Wheat germ
• Yeast

While getting vitamins and minerals from the diet is ideal to maintain a healthy lifestyle, its not always easy to meet daily requirements. If you struggle to hit your b complex quota each day another good vitamin b source to include in your diet is supplementation.

 

Vitamin b supplementation

There are many supplements available on the market & often you’ll see b12 supplements vs b complex; b12 on its own doesn’t necessarily support your overall b vitamin needs. In fact, Weight Loss Direct has actually been developing a b vitamin supplement to work hand in hand with our weight loss program.

B-Most Plus is an extremely powerful end chain form of b vitamins to aid in phase 1 & 2 liver detoxification. When taking the end-chain form this allows the body to more easily and readily utilize nutrients at a molecular level. B-Most Plus also helps to assist individuals with methylation issues.

B-Most Plus Supports:

• Liver Health
• Improved Energy Levels
• Improved Mood
• Adrenal Support
• Brain Support

 

Takeaway:

B vitamins may not give you an instant boost in energy, but they are still essential to energy production over time.

Getting adequate amounts of b complex will provide more benefits towards improved energy and overall health than say your everyday energy drink or whatever energy-shortcuts are our there in the market. From digestion to cellular metabolism, b vitamins are present in almost every step of energy production.

B vitamins also play an essential role in our health and development, and it is important to regularly target b vitamins in our diets. This can be from the foods listed above, but it can also come from proper supplementation.

As always Weight Loss Direct is dedicated to ensuring our clients and community can make achievable and effective changes after every article we post. If you are interested in how to apply our expertise to your life, contact us to become a member!