Supplying the body with adequate levels of B vitamins is essential so that metabolic processes can proceed naturally, especially in the nerve cells. Like vitamin C, B vitamins are water-soluble. With the exception of vitamin B12 (which is stored in the liver) the human body cannot store them for long. When too much of a water-soluble vitamin is supplied to the body it is excreted via the kidneys.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is involved in energy, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Getting adequate amounts is especially important for cardiac function, and the nerves and memory. Vitamin B1 stimulates the appetite, aids good digestion, relieves pain, ensures emotional well-being, and helps with wound healing. Deficiency leads to forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and irritability, among other symptoms. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important for protein metabolism, blood formation, the nervous system and the immune system. Typical signs of deficiency include reddened, flaky skin, intestinal complaints, fatigue, despondency or menstrual complaints (premenstrual syndrome). Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is involved in the creation of genetic material (DNA) and is necessary for cell formation, blood formation and energy metabolism. For example, it ensures the normal development of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

B-vitamin deficiencies can occur as a result of poor diet (fast food, high vitamin losses when cooking foods), in certain phases of life (pregnancy and breastfeeding, advanced age), due to following a strict vegan diet over a long period of time, as a consequence of other conditions (infection, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal diseases with malabsorption, requiring dialysis, cancer), through intensive athletic activity or hard physical labor, as a consequence of taking medications, e.g., the Pill, drugs that combat gastric acid formation (protein pump inhibitors), diuretic drugs (furosemide), as well as with the consumption of indulgence foods and tobacco (beer, wine, cigarettes).

Vitamin deficiency is widespread among the elderly, for example. It is estimated that 60 to 80% of people over the age of 64 have a B-vitamin deficiency related to a changed diet. This can be caused by many things: insufficient production of gastric acid, difficulty chewing (food is not ground small enough), degeneration of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract (malabsorption), unbalanced diet with no vitamins or minerals, altered sense of taste with a preference for sweet foods, taking medications. People involved in sports have a greater need for vitamins and minerals. This is due in part to a higher energy consumption, accelerated metabolism, and rapid tissue formation. This applies in particular to endurance and competitive athletes. B vitamins help the release of energy and cell renewal to function smoothly. The function of B vitamins in homocysteine metabolism is particularly important. Homocysteine is an amino acid that occurs as an intermediate product in protein metabolism and at higher concentrations it damages blood vessels. Homocysteine is therefore seen as a risk factor for arteriosclerosis (vascular calcification) and its serious consequences for the cardiovascular system. B vitamins (especially vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid) can help reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. B vitamins, especially the “neurotropic” vitamins B1 and B6, are used to treat polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy is defined as nerve damage that usually is most noticeable in the hands and feet. The most common causes are diabetes mellitus and toxic effects (e.g., caused by alcohol abuse). Other causes include infections (e.g., diphtheria, Lyme disease), taking medications (tuberculosis medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs) or another marked vitamin deficiency. B vitamins can therefore be an important part of the treatment for many health problems.

For short-term use (up to four weeks), take 1-2 tablets a day, during meals. Swallow the tablets whole. For chronic cases (longer than four weeks), take 1 tablet a day.

For the treatment of confirmed deficiencies of vitamins B1, B6 and B12. For risks and side effects read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.