B is for Big Benefits!

B Vitamins are renowned for making energy, but do you know what else these little guys can do for you? Check it out and don’t forget it. Different types of B have different roles in our body. B Vitamins need to be activated to do their part.  Methylation is a process that activates hormone, energy and detoxification systems in the body impacting almost  every cell in our body.  It is estimated that 2/3 of Americans are unable to activate B vitamins properly. B vitamin help all tissues grow and body cells work optimally.  Folate prevents certain birth defects, including spina bifida and neural defects. Folate works in tandem with B12 and vitamin C to make and use proteins.  B vitamins play critical roles in  manufacturing red blood cells (drivers oxygen throughout your body) and DNA (genetic architecture).  Methyl is needed to activate b12 and folate (key b vitamins) and allow them to do their job.  Methyl-related nutrients include folate, methionine, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6.  Improper B Vitamin activation is linked to risk of heart disease, infertility, emotional conditions and different types of cancer. Studies published by the American Journals of Epidemiology and the American Journal of Nutrition suggest a diet rich in activated B Vitamins may help you avoid cancer plus many other health problems.  Proper methylation is a problem for up to 2/3 of America. Food and nutrient formulations that have the correct ingredients matter.

Key Players: Folate & B12 & B6

The synthetic forms of folate is folic acid, and of B12 is cyanocobalamin.  These inactive forms are often found in supplements or  fortified foods. Folate is key in producing and maintaining the cells in your body.  It also makes genetic material and prevents DNA from changing.  B12 makes red blood cells which deliver oxygen throughout our body. B12 deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells, characterized by fatigue and weakness. Vitamin B vitamin deficiency also leads to nerve damage, memory loss and affects thinking. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is needed for proper protein metabolism, nerve health, red blood cell functioning, collagen formation and hormone regulation. Like Folate and B12, activating B6 may also be a problem for some people. B6 must be converted by the liver into Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (P5P) to be effective. P5P is 10 times more effective than Pyridoxine.   However, high doses of pyridoxine causes numbness or tingling in the extremities. This occurs when the body does not convert Pyridoxine to Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate very efficiently.

Risks

If your body is not methylating properly, increased homocysteine levels are a lab marker that will indicate there is a potential problem. Because, without proper methylation homocysteine does not undergo processing correctly. Lack of exercise, depression, family history of heart, nerve and liver diseases, smoking or birth control  use causes related risks that impact homocysteine levels. Diet also impacts increased homocysteine. Processed foods, fast foods are devoid of the methyl-containing nutrients your body needs. Also, alcohol may prevent your body from properly absorbing methyl-related nutrients. Overdoing supplementation is not the answer.  Another university study by Oregon State links high doses of methyl-containing formulas to high levels of trimethylamine which may cause vomiting, salivation, increased sweating and a fishy-smelling body odor. Discuss your specific dietary needs with a qualified health practitioner along your journey to health and wellness.