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).