MultiVita Multivitamin*

Did you know that there is no such thing as ?Vitamin B?? Actually, the ?B Complex? refers to all essential water-soluble vitamins (except for vitamin C). These nutrients ? which include vitamin B1 (known as thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), plus biotin and folic acid ? have been shown to provide a variety of valuable health benefits. Among these are the transformation of fats into energy, healthy nerve function, and hormone and protein production.

You may wonder, ?Do I really need to take all of the B vitamins?? Well, although these nutrients can work independently, many serve the same functions. It is therefore beneficial to find one effective supplement providing a majority of these nutrients. Lifexpand?s Multivita Multivitamin provides these vitamins in their optimal forms and amounts. Let?s take a look at how these products may enhance your health:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) ? considered vital for every cell, it processes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while also enabling nerve cells to function properly. It is crucial for generating metabolic energy. In addition, thiamine assists in carbohydrate digestion, and is essential for the functioning of the muscles, heart and nervous system. It also promotes growth and good muscle tone. Deficiencies can result in loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, paralysis and nervous irritability, insomnia, loss of weight, mental depression and constipation.

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ? this antioxidant plays a vital role in the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids and protein. Riboflavin is vital for activating folic acid and vitamin B6. This nutrient has been shown to be helpful in forming antibodies and red blood cells, as well as for maintaining cell respiration. It is also required for maintaining good vision, skin, nails and hair. Deficiencies may result in the following symptoms: bloodshot eyes, red tongue, burning eyes, cracks and sores in the mouth and lips, dermatitis, retarded growth, trembling, and oily skin.

• Vitamin B3 (niacin) ? an essential nutrient found to play a part in more than 200 bodily processes. These include the release of energy from fats, the processing of alcohol, and the formation of hormones and blood cells. Vitamin B3 is crucial to energy metabolism and nervous system health, as well as for regulating cholesterol. Deficiencies may lead to the (rare) disease known as pellagra. Its symptoms include skin rash, diarrhea, mental changes, appetite loss, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains, low blood sugar, and muscular weakness.

• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) ? a necessary factor in cellular energy production, this nutrient is required for the production of lipids (fats), steroids and neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid is vital for growth, reproduction, and normal physiological functions, such as the activation of the adrenal glands, which help to combat stress. Vitamin B5 also forms cholesterol, which is vital for vitamin D and steroid hormone production. Deficiencies are rare, as this nutrient is found in many foods.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine) ? responsible for producing amino acids, the basic building blocks of proteins and many hormones, this is truly an important nutrient. It is essential for proper neurological health, forms antibodies, and assists in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Other possible benefits include healthy skin and muscle function, and premenstrual relief. Along with vitamin B12 and folic acid, B6 may reduce levels of homocysteine, which may contribute to cardiovascular and other health concerns. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, while rare, may result in deceased immunity, nervousness and/or confusion, insomnia, skin eruptions, muscular weakness, cramps, hair loss, and water retention. Studies show that those with kidney failure or chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as alcoholics, may be at risk for a deficiency.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) ? shown be vital for preventing anemia, this nutrient is crucial for energy production, metabolizing carbohydrates, fat and proteins, and for promoting healthy growth and nervous system function. Plus, it may increase energy and promote growth in children. Deficiencies have been linked to such symptoms as brain damage, nervousness/depression, anemia, poor appetite, lack of growth in children, tiredness, and lack of balance.

• Biotin (vitamin H) ? this essential B vitamin helps utilize protein, folic acid, and vitamins B5 and B12, while also metabolizing fat and carbohydrates. Studies have shown that it may assist in cell and nerve tissue growth and development, and may contribute to healthier pregnancies. It has been shown to provide support for healthy hair and nails, as well as for pregnancies. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that as many as 50% of pregnant women may experience biotin deficiencies, which can lead to birth defects. Deficiencies may also result in muscle pain, appetite loss, extreme exhaustion, depression, and grayish skin color.

• Folate (folic acid) ? perhaps best known for its benefits for pregnancy, this nutrient is considered essential for all women of childbearing age. A published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that folate deficiencies during pregnancy were linked with increased risk of neural tube defects in infant and low birth weights. For men and women, this nutrient is crucial for the production of DNA, RNA and red blood cells. It is also responsible for cell replication and growth, and helps with protein functions. Additionally, folic acid aids in tissue growth and digestive health, and aids in amino acid metabolism. Aside from pregnancy difficulties, deficiencies may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, and premature gray hair.