Katie, CVT, DN-CET, HABc, CPCN

Apr 1, 20202 min

The Importance of B Vitamins: A Crucial Look at Their Role in Overall Health.

Updated: Jul 30, 2022

B vitamins are essential for health and I don't think there is nearly enough discussion on their importance.

They regulate mood, energy, metabolism, & adrenals.

B Vitamins help to fight free radicals, maintain proper cell functions, support reproductive health, and even gut health!

Being water soluble, they must be obtained through diet regularly. They are not stored by the body for later use. There for, a well-rounded diet is VERY important for the body and it's daily functions.

There are many forms of B vitamins, including co-factors:

  • Thiamin (B1)

  • Riboflavin (B2)

  • Niacin (B3) - coenzyme

  • Choline (B4)- coenzyme

  • Pantothenic acid (B5)- part of coenzyme

  • Pyroxidine (B6)

  • Biotin (B7)- Coenzyme, also known as Vitamin H

  • Inositiol (B8)- not a true vitamin

  • Folate (B9)

  • PABA (Bx)

  • Pteryl-hepta-glutamic acid (B10)

  • Salicylic acid (B11)- unofficial vitamin

  • Cobalamin (B12)

  • Orotic acid (B3)- unofficial vitamin

  • Pangamic acid (B15)- unofficial vitamin

  • Amygdalin (B17)

Now, as you can see, some are not TRUE vitamins, but they all have important jobs and work together to build healthy nerves, skin, eyes, and hair. They also support cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and mental health- including anxiety and behavior.

Deficiency in certain B vitamins can cause

  • IBD

  • Diabetes

  • Skin problems

  • Irregular mood

  • Heart disease

  • Digestive issues

  • Birth defects

  • Lowered immune function

  • Fatigue

  • Cancer and more!


Imbalance

It is too often we see disease as a single organ dysfunction, when really- it is a complete bodily imbalance.

If the body lacks a certain nutrient it can create a domino effect..

While some B Vitamins are not even considered a vitamin, they are in fact an important co-factor to true B vitamins and other nutrients which facilitate proper absorption and utilization of other compounds. When we do not have all of these components, things go awry..

Enter, SYMPTOMS.

Provided with proper nutrients, whole foods, and appropriate supplements, the body can work in synergy to carry out its normal functions, and maintain homeostasis.

Great natural sources of B vitamins include:

  • Grass-fed Beef

  • Eggs

  • Dark leafy greens

  • Mushrooms

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Citrus fruits

Since most pets eat a heavily processed diet, even if these foods are in the ingredients, the nutrients of them can be depleted.

Consider supplementing whole foods to boost your pets health!


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