So many vitamin supplements are on the market today; trying to choose the right ones for you can feel impossible. Among the most popular options are vitamin B12 and a B complex. If you want to select the right one, knowing what each option offers is essential.
What Are B Vitamins?
Before we compare B12 to a complex, it’s essential to understand all the B vitamins and how they benefit you. B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that help your bodily functions. This group of vitamins enables you to maintain skin health, healthy hair and eyes, and proper brain and nervous system function.
There are eight B vitamins, and they all do different things for your body:
- B1 (thiamin): Helps convert food into energy; promotes proper muscle and nerve function.
- B2 (riboflavin): Helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; maintains healthy skin and eyes.
- B3 (niacin): Helps lower cholesterol; maintains healthy skin, nerves, and digestion.
- B5 (pantothenic acid): Helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; maintains healthy hair, skin, and eyes.
- B6 (pyridoxine): Helps produce red blood cells; promotes proper brain function and the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters.
- B7 (biotin): Helps break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins; maintains healthy hair, skin, and nails.
- B9 (folate): Helps produce healthy red blood cells; benefits pregnant women by promoting healthy fetal development.
- B12 (cobalamin): Helps produce red blood cells; promotes a healthy nervous system and DNA synthesis.
Benefits of B Vitamin Supplementation
There are numerous benefits to proper vitamin B intake. B vitamins promote good health and can help prevent various health conditions. This is why a healthy diet should include these essential vitamins. Some of the best ways these vitamins play a role in a healthy life include the following:
- Higher energy levels
- Healthy skin, hair, eyes, and nails.
- Improved brain function
- Reduced risk of birth defects
- Reduced risk of heart disease
A Detailed Look at Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins, sometimes called cobalamin. This vitamin is found in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy, unlike the other B vitamins found in plants. Your body only needs a small amount of B12, but it’s an essential supplement. Vitamin B12 helps form red blood cells, among other uses.
Importance of B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for creating red blood cells, which help carry oxygen through your body. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause you to become anemic, which leads to excess fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. This vitamin also promotes a healthy nervous system. It maintains the protection around nerve cells and helps produce neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and cognitive functions.
Other Benefits of B12
Among the necessary functions that vitamin B12 helps with, there are some extra benefits to having the right amount of this B vitamin in your body. Proper supplementing can help improve your energy levels, boost your metabolism, and even help with weight loss. Some research also shows it may prevent heart disease and improve bone health.
A Detailed Look at Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex combines all eight B vitamins into one supplement. Since these vitamins are water soluble, they aren’t stored in your body. This means you need to replenish them through your diet and supplements. Vitamin B complex supplements are a popular way to ensure you get all the vitamin B you need. Commonly, a B complex supplement will include all eight B vitamins.
Benefits of B Complex
B complex supplements are known for helping boost energy and have many health benefits, like a healthy immune system and brain. Some people also notice better mood and cognitive function when taking complex vitamins. Research suggests a B complex can help reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia.
Comparing Vitamin B12 to Vitamin B Complex
So which one is right for you? Vitamin B12 supplements can help vegetarians and vegans ensure they’re getting enough B12 since it comes from animal products. However, for the most benefits, a vitamin B complex is the way to go for most people. With a complex supplement, you’ll benefit from B12 and the other seven B vitamins.
A B complex supplement is best for you if you struggle with various B vitamin deficiencies. Common deficiencies include:
- Riboflavin deficiency (vitamin B2)
- Too little folic acid (vitamin B9)
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
On the other hand, if your biggest concern is a vitamin B12 deficiency, a B12 supplement will be best for your well-being. This option is best for those who don’t get enough B21 through food sources.
Potential Side Effects of Vitamin B Supplements
B complex supplements are safe for most people to consume, but too much B vitamins may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some users. It’s also possible for this supplement to react with certain medications, so you should check with your doctor before you start any dietary supplements.
High doses of B12 may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea in some users. Some medications may also interact negatively with the supplement, including certain antibiotics and medications used for acid reflux and diabetes. As with all supplements, check with your healthcare provider before taking B12 supplements.
Add the Maximize B Complex Skin Patch to Your Routine
Several B vitamins can be found in food sources, so a nutritious diet will give you the amount you need. However, if you struggle to meet the levels of B vitamins you need, a supplement like the Maximize B Complex Skin Patch can help supplement your deficiencies.
This product is beneficial for those with digestive disorders, gastric bypass patients, vegans, and anyone who is at a high risk of vitamin B deficiency. A B complex skin patch is easier for those who don’t like taking B complex vitamins in pill form. You can’t beat the ease of a B complex skin patch.
Sources
Client website
https://www.takecareof.com/articles/b-complex-vs-b-12
https://www.azivmedics.com/blog/comparing-b-complex-and-b12-which-is-best-for-you
