B-complex

B-complex
B vitamins are all water- soluble vitamins and work synergistically which is why you often hear about the b-complex and not just each individual B vitamin.   B vitamins are not stored well in our body which is why we need to obtain them through diet and supplementation.  Deficiencies of these vitamins occur easily especially in times of fasting, dieting, excessive intake of sugar, or in times of stress.
B vitamins help maintain health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, mouth and muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function.  They are involved in energy production and act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to react chemically with other substances such as converting carbohydrates to glucose and they are important in fat and protein/amino acid metabolism.
B vitamins are useful in alleviating ANXIETY and DEPRESSION and are essential for elderly as they are not as well absorbed as we age.
B vitamins are so inter-related that is suggested to be taken together and are usually part of a multi-vitamin and are often taken in increased amounts for problems such as:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Hyperactivity

Two to three times more of one single B vitamin may be taken for short period of time.  T
B vitamins are also used for many kinds of SKIN PROBLEMS, especially DRY or ITCHY dermatitis rashes or cracks at the corners of the mouth. 
Other signs of deficiency are:

• Reduced immune function or estrogen metabolism
• Anemia (especially from B12 or folic acid specifically)
• Constipation
• Neuritis
• Skin problems
• Acne
• Hair loss
• Early graying of the hair
• Increased serum cholesterol
• Weakness of the legs

Sources:
B vitamins are found in many foods and often occur together.  In fact, in nature, no B vitamin is found in isolation.  Heating and cooking as well as acid and alkali affect each vitamin differently so be sure to check in tomorrow as we go through each B vitamin and where they are found.  You will notice as we go through each B vitamin individually, symptoms of deficiency will be similar but each one has unique properties. We will go through B1-B12 in the next 8 days.

**Note this post is not meant to diagnose,treat ore cure any illness. Always read and follow the labels when supplementing vitamins.