Vitamin B - What is vitamin B good for?

Vitamin B. You often hear it when it comes to energy, focus or a healthy nervous system. But what is vitamin B for? And how do you get enough vitamin B?

Types of B vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  Helps release energy from carbohydrates and supports the nervous system.

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  Important for energy production and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  Plays a role in energy management, skin health and the nervous system.

• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
  Supports hormone production and helps with stress management.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  Important for protein metabolism, the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
  Known as the 'beauty vitamin', good for hair, skin and nails.

• Vitamin B9 or B11 (folic acid)
  Essential for cell division and during pregnancy for the development of the unborn child.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
  Plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system.

💡 Each B vitamin has its own function, but they often work together and complement each other.

What is vitamin B good for?

Vitamin B is actually a whole family of vitamins. There are eight of them, to be exact. Together they form the so-called vitamin B complex . The different vitamins are involved in different processes in your body, so you will quickly notice when you have a vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B is good for:

• More energy
  Vitamin B helps your body extract energy from the food you eat.
  Not enough vitamin B = not enough "fuel".

• Keeping your brain sharp
  B1, B6, B9 and B12 are especially important for your brain and nervous system. They help you concentrate, improve your mood and support your memory.

• Supporting your resistance
  Some B vitamins (B6, B9 and B12) ensure that your immune system remains strong. Super handy during busy or stressful periods.

• Healthy skin, hair and nails
  Biotin (B7 or B8) is known as the “beauty vitamin” for a reason. It helps your skin glow and keeps your hair and nails strong.

• Production of blood cells
  Folic acid and B12 play a major role in the production of red blood cells. Without enough of these, you can quickly feel tired or weak.

What foods contain vitamin B?

Fortunately, vitamin B is found in many different foods. Below I have listed a few good sources of vitamins for you:

• Whole wheat bread and cereals – B1, B3, B5

• Meat, chicken and fish – especially B6 and B12

• Eggs and dairy products – B2 and B12

• Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) – high in vitamin B9

• Nuts, seeds and legumes – B1, B6 and folic acid

• Fruits like banana and avocado – small amounts of several B vitamins

• Multivit Gummies - the GIMMY Multivit Gummies contain the complete vitamin B complex. Super handy!

💡Please note: vitamin B12 is only found in animal products . Do you eat vegan or almost entirely plant-based? Then supplementation is definitely recommended.

How do you notice a vitamin B deficiency?

A vitamin B deficiency can manifest itself in different ways . Because B vitamins have so many different functions in your body, the symptoms can also be very different.

A few signs to look out for:

• You often feel tired or listless , even when you sleep well.

• You feel irritable, forgetful or depressed.

• You experience a tingling sensation in your hands or feet.

• You have pale skin or bruise easily.

• Your hair is dull and your nails break more easily.

• Your tongue is redder than normal or feels like it is burning .

Sound familiar? Then it would definitely be useful to adjust your diet or supplement intake.

Can you just take vitamin B?

Yes, B vitamins are water soluble , which means that your body excretes the excess through your urine. So, in principle, you cannot overdose on vitamin B.

However, it is smart to use supplements responsibly:

• If you're not sure which B vitamin you need, go for a balanced B-complex .

• Take the correct dose . This is often indicated on the packaging of your supplement.

• Be careful with supplements if you are pregnant or taking certain medications . Always consult a doctor or send an email to info@gimmy.be.