When it comes to the issue of vitamin B12 vs B complex, both types of vitamins are crucial. If you're lacking B12, consume more of it via supplements or food. If you're lacking vitamin B in general, consider B complex vitamins instead. Overall, both vitamins are essential nutrients.
The difference between Vitamin B12 and B Complex is that Vitamin B12 is just one of the eight B vitamins that form the B complex. Together, the set of 8 B vitamins that make up the B complex is presented in the optimum balance to provide the recommended daily amount.
Vitamin B12 along with B6 are best for energy. Almost every cell in the body uses B12. Besides helping form red blood cells, B12 converts fat and protein to energy. A B12 deficiency causes tiredness and anemia.
Research shows vitamin B12 and B complex are safe to take together. However, it's important to note that many B complex vitamins already contain B12. If you do want to take both vitamins, make sure to maximize the benefit by finding a B complex blend that contains other essential vitamins.
You're unlikely to get too much vitamin B complex from your diet. That's because B complex vitamins are water soluble. That means they aren't stored in your body but are excreted in your urine daily. You're also unlikely to get too much vitamin B if you're taking any supplementation as directed.
However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B vitamins could lead to serious side effects. High doses of supplemental B3 (niacin) may lead to vomiting, high blood sugar levels, skin flushing, and even liver damage ( 34 ).
High doses of nicotinic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B3, can raise blood sugar levels. This can interfere with diabetes medications. People with diabetes or high blood sugar should not take high doses of nicotinic acid (measuring 1,000 mg or more).
Vitamin C and B12
According to Dr. Airey, some studies have shown that Vitamin C could break down Vitamin B12 in your digestive tract, reducing your B12 absorption. As a result, he says you want to wait at least two hours before taking Vitamin C with your Vitamin B12.
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.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of healthy red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.
Anyone who wants to proactively support their health from the cellular level on up will benefit from taking B vitamin supplements. B-complex supplements may also be especially beneficial to people who are more prone to experience a B-vitamin deficiency, including: Older people over the age of 50.
Likewise, B vitamins serve as essential partners (i.e., “cofactors”) in the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Many people with depression feel better when these neurotransmitters are boosted or when they become better balanced with one another.
One of the best vitamins for lack of energy is vitamin B12, an essential vitamin that the cells need to produce energy. This vitamin helps form red blood cells that transport oxygen in the blood, which is then used for energy production. Another great vitamin for tiredness is Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.
The B vitamins help enzymes in our bodies do their jobs and are important for a wide range of cellular functions, like breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients throughout the body. The B vitamins play an inter-related role in keeping our brains running properly.
Eating plenty of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, green leafy veg and wholegrains should give most people enough B vitamins. But as the B vitamins are important for so many cornerstones of our health, it may also be worth taking a supplement as insurance.
So does vitamin B12 give you energy? While B12 doesn't directly provide energy, it does give the body the tools it needs to convert food molecules into energy. Getting the recommended daily amount of B12 can therefore help ensure that the body is able to make the energy it needs to do everything you need it to do.
No, intake of vitamin B complex does not make you gain unwanted weight. Taking vitamin B12 supplements or injections assist in weight loss rather than weight gain. Adding B complex vitamins to a daily diet helps you regain muscle strength and muscle mass. It is not the same as weight gain.
In contrast to this study, our results show that vitamin B complex, in combination with magnesium and melatonin, has a positive effect on sleep regulation and can be used to treat insomnia.
How long does it take for vitamin B complex to work? The anecdotal effects of B vitamins can be fairly immediate, although research has shown that B vitamins (in addition to vitamin C and minerals) make participants feel more alert within about 2 weeks.
Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins
Some combinations should be avoided, even if they aren't inherently problematic. For example, although it's safe to take vitamin D with vitamin B12, it's not advisable, says Virgilio Sanchez, MD, a board certified family medicine physician at Conviva Care Center in Miami, Florida.
However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.
Cyanocobalamin B12 contains a cyanide molecule that gives it stability in products and the body. Cyanide is a poison, of course, but in the minuscule quantities found in Cyanocobalamin, this is of no consequence – it's perfectly safe to take!
Supports healthy brain function: Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 contribute to homocysteine metabolism, which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 10. Improves mood: Vitamin B6, in particular, is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood.