Befact: full range of food supplements

Why are B vitamins so important?

B vitamins are water-soluble, do not accumulate in the body, and are easily excreted by the kidneys. They play a role in numerous processes, such as energy production, the normal functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. They help reduce fatigue, support the immune system, and are involved in cell division and hormonal activity¹.

B vitamins are found in many foods. Dairy products, fish, and meat are particularly rich sources. Grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables also contain B vitamins, but in smaller amounts.

Vitamin B12, on the other hand, is found only in animal-derived products.

Each B vitamin has specific functions:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – contributes to normal energy metabolism and supports the normal functioning of the nervous system, heart, and muscles.

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – contributes to normal energy metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the maintenance of red blood cells. It also helps protect cells from oxidative stress, reduces fatigue, and supports skin, mucous membranes, and vision.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – essential for normal protein and glycogen metabolism, cysteine synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism. Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems, the formation of red blood cells, psychological functions, hormonal regulation, and the reduction of fatigue.

• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) – plays a crucial role in maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, homocysteine metabolism, normal amino acid synthesis, and cell division. Adequate intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) – contributes to normal energy metabolism, normal nervous system function, psychological functions, homocysteine metabolism, red blood cell formation, and the immune system. It also plays a role in the process of cell renewal.

Although B vitamin deficiency is relatively rare, it can occur in certain situations: excessive alcohol consumption, malnutrition, or congenital metabolic disorders that disrupt vitamin absorption.

Prolonged use of medications, such as metformin (for diabetes) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (for gastric issues), can reduce the availability of B vitamins, mainly B9 and B12 in the latter cases.

Older adults are at increased risk due to a less varied diet, reduced digestive absorption, and multiple medication use, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive decline, or peripheral neuropathy.

Special attention should therefore be given to these at-risk populations.

Focus on Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in the body. Deficiency is rare and occurs mainly in specific situations, for example, in infants with certain metabolic disorders, in people who consume excessive alcohol, or in patients undergoing long-term treatment with certain medications.

Possible signs of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency include skin problems, such as dermatitis and rashes, as well as neurological issues such as tingling or numbness in the limbs. Interestingly, these symptoms can resemble those seen with prolonged intake of excessively high doses of vitamin B6.

Excessive and prolonged intake can saturate the body’s ability to metabolize vitamin B6, leading to an accumulation of free forms and a risk of neurotoxicity. The most common manifestations are sensory and sometimes motor disturbances, accompanied by pain, tingling, burning sensations, or itching in the arms and legs. In the scientific literature, these effects have been observed after months or years of high-dose use².

It is therefore important to follow the recommended intake of vitamin B6 and tailor supplement administration to individual needs, with regular monitoring if necessary.

Conclusion

The importance of B vitamins in energy metabolism, nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and fatigue reduction is clear. Although deficiencies are uncommon, certain at-risk populations – such as older adults, patients on long-term medications, or people suffering from malnutrition – may be affected.

With the launch of Befact Piano, Laboratoires SMB expands their range of B vitamin supplements. This extension now provides a solution suitable for both occasional needs and situations requiring longer-term support.

Befact: a complete range for targeted B vitamin support, adapted to individual needs.

Befact Duo and Befact Piano are dietary supplements. To be used as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Discover the range at SMBlab.be > Products > Dietary Supplements.

¹ Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of the Commission of 16 May 2012

² Prescrire, Vitamin B6: neuropathies again due to chronic overdoses, 2019; 39 (431), accessed on 05/08/2024.