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<p>During times of stress, your body may need increased levels of vitamin B</p>
Stressed? You may need more B Vitamins.
The research into the importance of B Vitamins for dealing with stress is well documented. One study coming out of Swinburne University in Melbourne found that participants taking a Vitamin B-Complex supplement reported a 20% reduction in work related stress. This is in contrast to the control group in the study, who were given a placebo and reported no significant change in stress levels.
Vitamin B is not one vitamin, rather it is a group of vitamins that can help support our bodies during stressful times. Let’s look at each of the B Vitamins that can help support your body during stressful times, and why each is important.
VITAMIN B1: THIAMINE
Foods rich in thiamine include fish, nuts, seeds and green peas.
Thiamine is needed for:
- maintaining nerve health.
- mood regulation
- energy production
- may play a role in memory and concentration.
VITAMIN B3: NIACIN
Foods rich in niacin include beetroot, beef liver & kidney, fish and seeds.
Niacin is needed for:
- supporting the digestive system.
- mood regulation (B3 deficiency can lead to depression, irritability, stress and mood disturbances).
- Energy production.
- Control of blood sugar and nerve health.
VITAMIN B6: PYRIDOXINE
Food sources of pyridoxine include bananas, beef / turkey liver, tuna and chick peas.
Pyridoxine is needed for:
- helping manufacture neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which aids in the body’s ability to cope with depression, stress and anxiety.
- immune system support.
VITAMIN B9: FOLATE / FOLIC ACID
Food sources of folate include broccoli, spinach and dried legumes (chick peas, lentils, beans).
Folate is needed for:
- energy production.
VITAMIN B12: CYANOCOBALAMIN
Food sources include fish, meat (especially liver), poultry and dairy.
Vitamin B12 is needed for:
- general brain support.
- supports melatonin and serotonin production (both of which are critical to mood, relaxation and sleep.
CONSIDER A VITAMIN B COMPLEX SUPPLEMENT
The B group vitamins are not stored b y the body like many other vitamins and minerals. Whatever B Vitamins you eat that are not absorbed by your body are excreted within hours. As such, a Vitamin B Complex like Nature’s Way Mega-B taken daily might be of benefit, particularly during times of stress when we tend to neglect our body and diet. Taking a Vitamin B Complex supplement is a good way to ‘top up’ your daily vitamin B levels and, research suggests, may be an effective way to reduce stress levels (or at least better equip our bodies with the right nutrition to deal with stress).