What are B Vitamins and how do they work?
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that help your body unlock energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Beyond energy, they play vital roles in nerve function, red blood cell formation, and supporting normal cognitive and physiological processes.5
Because they’re water-soluble, the body can’t store B vitamins for long, any excess is excreted. That’s why daily intake is essential, especially for athletes and active people with higher energy demands.
The B Vitamin Complex & Their Benefits:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Involved in carbohydrate metabolism (converting carbs into usable energy) and contributes to normal nerve and muscle function. Found in meat, yeast, legumes, and organ meats.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Supports energy-yielding metabolism helps maintain healthy skin and vision. Sources include dairy, leafy greens, and meats.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Contributes to normal energy production, nervous system function, and maintenance of skin. Common in yeast, meats, and legumes.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Important for synthesising coenzyme A, which is required for fatty acid metabolism and hormone production. Found in meat, fish, eggs, rice, and legumes.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl): Contributes to normal cognitive protein metabolism and reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also helps regulate homocysteine metabolism. Research shows it reduces anxiety and improves motor skills when combined with B1 and B12.6
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin): Vital for normal red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, neurological and cognitive function. Found mainly in animal products like meat and dairy.
Why consistent intake matters?
- Daily replenishment is key: The body can’t store B vitamins, so regular intake is vital.
- Athletes need more: High training loads increase energy turnover and may raise B vitamin requirements.1
Our gels [link to products page] include B vitamins as part of their formulation, helping you meet your daily needs while fuelling your training.
References:
Vitamin B12 / NIH – National Institutes of Health – Read more
Exploring the Relationship between Micronutrients and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Scientific Systematic Review of the Literature in Sports Medicine / MDPI journals – Read more
Thiamin / NIH – National Institutes of Health – Read more
Riboflavin / NIH – National Institutes of Health – Read more
Niacin / NIH – National Institutes of Health – Read more
Pantothenic Acid / NIH – National Institutes of Health (2021)- Read more
Vitamin B6 / NIH – National Institutes of Health – Read more
