In the role call of super supplements, B vitamins often don’t get the attention they deserve. But, for those in the know, B vitamins are the nutritional powerhouses responsible for the optimal functioning of our brain and nervous system. 

Therefore, B vitamins impact the body’s performance as a whole.

 

What Do B Vitamins Do?

B-complex vitamins are a group of water-soluble compounds and there are eight main ones; B1 (Thiamine) B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin) and B9 (Folic Acid), and B12 (Cobalamin)

Cells depend on B vitamins for their proper development, particularly cells in the heart, liver and nerves. They also help convert food into energy, form red blood cells and enhance the immune system.

Vitamin B benefits the general health of your skin, bones, hair and muscle. It also helps for the optimal function of your bowels and intestines, for the improved health of your liver and cardiovascular system and for relief of moodiness and insomnia, from skin problems and from PMS.

But let’s get more specific.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Benefits:

  • Supports energy metabolism
  • Helps maintain a healthy nervous system

Potential Negatives:

  • Excessive intake is generally safe; however, very high doses may cause some side effects.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Memory problems

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Benefits:

  • Supports cell growth and repair
  • Aids in energy production

Potential Negatives:

  • Excess intake typically doesn’t cause adverse effects.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Cracked lips
  • Redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and tongue

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Benefits:

  • Helps lower cholesterol levels
  • Supports skin health
  • Aids in DNA repair

Potential Negatives:

  • High doses can cause skin flushes (redness and warmth of the skin).

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Pellagra, characterised by diarrhoea, dermatitis, and dementia

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Benefits:

  • Essential for synthesising fatty acids
  • Supports adrenal gland function

Potential Negatives:

  • No known adverse effects from excessive intake

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramps

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Benefits:

  • Supports brain development and function
  • Helps regulate mood
  • Aids in haemoglobin production

Potential Negatives:

  • High doses over an extended period can lead to nerve damage in older adults.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Anaemia (low levels of red blood cells)
  • Depression
  • Confusion

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Benefits:

  • Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails
  • Supports the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

Potential Negatives:

  • Excess intake is typically safe.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss
  • Skin rashes

Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid)

Benefits:

  • Essential for DNA synthesis
  • Important during pregnancy for foetal development

Potential Negatives:

  • High intake from supplements may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Anaemia
  • Neural tube defects in babies

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Benefits:

  • Supports nerve function
  • Aids in red blood cell formation
  • Lessens the effects of liver damage

Potential Negatives:

  • Generally, no harm from excess intake.

Signs of Deficiency:

  • Fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
a bunch of vitamin tablets in a hand

 

How Do I Get B Vitamins?

B vitamins are not naturally stored in the body. Therefore, they need to be delivered, on a daily basis, from food sources or supplements

Good dietary sources of these vitamins include cereal grains, green vegetables, beans and peas, liver and some nuts. However, sometimes your diet isn’t enough.

Taking vitamin B supplements in pill or capsule form is a common way to increase your intake. These supplements are available over the counter and can provide precise doses of specific B vitamins.

IV therapy delivers vitamins directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for quicker absorption. Intravenous vitamin B drips are often used for therapeutic purposes and can be customised to address specific deficiencies or health concerns.

Vitamin B12 injections are an effective way to increase B12 levels, especially for individuals with pernicious anaemia or malabsorption issues. These injections are administered by a healthcare provider.

As our levels of B vitamins have to be replenished daily, many of us are suffering from deficiencies in these valuable vitamins without even realising. This is especially true if you are following a stringent weight loss diet or, conversely, have high intakes of sugar, processed food or alcohol, way past the recommended daily allowance.

Other people at risk of B vitamin deficiencies include those suffering from stress or those on certain medications such as the birth control pill or HRT.

 

Which B Vitamin Should I Have?

B vitamins all play distinct roles and provide individual benefits. Here’s a list of what the most important B vitamins do:

  • B1Thiamine – converts food into energy, boosts the immune system and is a valuable defence against stress, eliminating irritability and mental confusion. It has been clinically indicated for use in Alzheimer’s and many anxiety disorders.
  • B2Riboflavin – works as a valuable antioxidant so useful in fighting the ageing process.
  • B3Niacin – is recommended for lowering cholesterol and is good for those suffering from circulatory problems. One study has discovered that niacin IV treatments are able to improve dietary fat storage in the body with its ability to suppress the metabolic process, known as lipolysis, in the visceral adipose tissue.
  • B6Pyridoxine – is effective in treating anxiety and depression and is often described as the ‘anti-stress vitamin’. This vitamin is also good for maintaining a healthy digestive system, improving skin condition and overall good health.
  • B7Biotin – more and more is being discovered about this vitamin, but it is important in pregnancy as it plays a valuable role in embryo development. Also good for the health of your skin, nails and hair.
  • B9 – also known as Folic Acid, this vitamin is recommended for pregnant women as it supports the growth of the baby and helps to prevent neurological birth defects. It is also good for fighting depression and preventing memory loss.
  • B12Cobalamin – fights depression, memory loss and chronic fatigue.

Experiencing fatigue? Consider vitamin B1. Worried about ageing? Then vitamin B2 is the one for you. Dealing with depression? Explore the benefits of vitamin B12 and B6. Expecting a baby? Incorporate B9 and B7 into your prenatal regimen. Having problems with high cholesterol? B3 may be able to help.

 

How Can We Help

IV Boost offers a range of revitalising services to help you optimise your health and well-being:

B12 Vitamin Shot:

Combat fatigue and revitalise your energy levels with our B12 shots. Experience increased focus and alertness while boosting your metabolism, which can support your weight loss journey.

Vitamin B Complex Shot:

Get a comprehensive dose of all the essential B vitamins your body needs for metabolism and sustained energy in one convenient shot. Vitamin B complex benefits the body all in one go.

Energy IV Booster:

When your energy reserves are running low, recharge with our Energy Boost IV. This revitalising drip is packed with nutrients like Taurine, L-Lysine-HCI, Glycine, and more, including B vitamins (Thiamine-HCL, Riboflavin-5-phosphate, Nicotinamide, and more). It’s the ultimate energy boost for when you need it most.

Immunity Booster IV Drip:

Strengthen your immune system with our Immunity Booster IV Drip. This infusion provides essential vitamins and minerals to support your body’s immune function, helping you stay healthy and resilient.

The Myers Cocktail IV:

Our Myers Cocktail IV is a highly sought-after vitamin cocktail that includes vital nutrients like Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, magnesium chloride, Vitamin C, and Folic Acid. This infusion can provide a wide range of benefits, from enhanced energy to improved overall wellness.

Hair Vitality IV Therapy:

Hair Vitality Infusion is a sophisticated blend of essential vitamins and minerals essential for promoting strong and robust hair follicles.

At IV Boost, our goal is to help you feel your best, whether you’re looking to boost your energy levels, support your immune system, or optimise your overall health.

Dr Berkowitz and two nurses from the clinic