B vitamins are sometimes called the energy vitamins, since they help put a spring in your step and play an important role in maintaining your energy levels. (In fact, they play such a key role that perhaps they should also be called the “Brisk, Bouncy, and Bright” vitamins)  In actuality, there are eight different kinds of B vitamins, and each one has its own distinct job.

How do B Vitamins Help?

These vitamins work as a carefully orchestrated team. Together they play an important role in:

• Regulating moods
• Reducing stress
• Improving cognitive performance
• Contributing to cardiovascular health
• Lowering blood pressure

Protecting and Absorbing Your B Vitamins 

A healthy diet should provide adequate amounts of each B vitamin. However, because they’re water-soluble vitamins, they aren’t stored in your body and are eliminated when you pee. That means you must replace them every day. It also means that the vitamins can be washed away by overcleaning foods. To preserve B vitamins, try not to over scrub produce. Soaking is the best method for cleaning. 

In addition, certain medical conditions can interfere with your ability to absorb B vitamins. For example, people with Hypothyroidism, Crohn’s disease, and Celiac disease are at risk for deficiencies. As well, alcoholics often have low levels. And as you age, your ability to absorb the particularly important vitamins B12 and B6 diminishes. 

The Various B Vitamin Sources and Functions

What does each B vitamin do? Take a look at the benefits and possible sources for each member of the B-complex team.. 

B1 (Thiamine): 

Vitamin B1 helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Without enough B1, we can feel tired and lethargic. This vitamin also plays a role in the flow of electrolytes in and out of our muscles, so low levels can lead to muscle weakness. B1 can also help regulate blood sugar. 

Good sources of B1: Fortified grains, peas, beans, and sunflower seeds.

B2 (Riboflavin): 

Vitamin B2 also helps us convert the things that we eat into energy. It also plays an important role in red blood cell production. Interestingly, one study singled out B2 as being particularly helpful in protecting against postpartum depression. Signs of B2 deficiency include dry, chapped lips.

Good sources of B2: Salmon, almonds.

B3 (Niacin): 

B3 contributes to our metabolic functions. It also helps regulate our nerves. B3 assists with the production of serotonin, so low levels can contribute to depression. 

Good sources of B3: Meat, peanuts, fish, enriched grains.

Although over-consuming B3 won’t happen with food sources, overdoing niacin supplements can lead to flushed skin, nausea, and possible liver problems. 

B5 (Pantothenic acid): 

Research suggests that Vitamin B5 helps to regulate our adrenal glands. That means that maintaining good levels of pantothenic acid can help reduce stress. 

Good sources of B5:  Avocado, mushrooms

B6 (Pyridoxine): 

Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in our metabolism. In fact, it’s involved in over 100 enzyme reactions. It also aids in the production of insulin and hemoglobin. 

Because B6 helps to metabolize estrogen hormones, a deficiency can lead to more intense premenstrual symptoms.

Good sources of B6: Beans, nuts, leafy green vegetables

B7 (Biotin): 

In addition to its role in converting fat and carbohydrates to energy, vitamin B7, more commonly called biotin or sometimes vitamin H, helps our hair shine and our skin glow. In fact, it gets the alternate name of vitamin H from the German words for hair and skin. 

Good sources of B7: Salmon, avocados and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid): 

Folic acid has an impressive list of tasks. It’s essential for hemoglobin production, as well as protein metabolism. It may also help reduce your risk of heart disease. Because folic acid can help repair damaged genes, it may even slow the aging process. Pregnant women should ensure they get enough folic acid, as it can reduce the risk of birth defects. 

Good sources: Spinach, lentils, fish, meats, citrus fruits.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):

Vitamin B12 is one of the key vitamins for converting food to energy. Together with B9, it works to produce red blood cells and help with iron absorption. It also helps to regulate the nervous system. Vitamin B12 plays such an important role in our cognitive function and moods that sometimes patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when they actually are short on B12. 

Because vegans are often unable to get B12 through food sources, they can experience fatigue, nerve issues, and other symptoms of anemia unless they take B12 supplements.

Good sources of B12: Fish and nutritional yeast.

Make Sure You Have Adequate B Vitamin Levels!

As you can see, the B-complex vitamins are essential for good physical and emotional health. If you’re wondering about your B-vitamin levels, it’s best to review your symptoms and diet with a healthcare practitioner. The correct amounts of B vitamins that you should be consuming can depend on many different factors, like your age, gender, and other factors. Together, we can work on a plan to brighten your mood, increase your energy and ensure your body is functioning properly with the help of B vitamins.