Vitamins are the unsung heroes that support your immunity and overall health. We’re shining the spotlight on vitamin B complex and vitamin B12, showing how they’re essential for preventative care and so much more.

What Is Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B complex is made up of eight B vitamins. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body doesn’t store them — they must be replenished on a regular basis. B vitamins are associated with an array of health benefits, and they include:

1. B1 (Thiamine): Helps metabolism by converting nutrients in the body into energy.
2. B2 (Riboflavin): Aids in converting nutrients into energy and acts as an antioxidant.
3. B3 (Niacin): Helps metabolism along with DNA production and repair.
4. B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Assists the body with converting food into energy and is also involved in hormone production.
5. B6 (Pyridoxine): Is involved in the production of red blood cells and the creation of neurotransmitters.
6. B7 (Biotin): Helps metabolize fat and carbohydrates and aids in regulating gene expression.
7. B9 (Folate): Needed for the formation of white and red blood cells, metabolism of amino acids, cell growth and cell division.
8. B12 (Cobalamin): The most well-known of all B vitamins. It’s essential for red blood cell development, DNA production and proper neurological functioning.

Though these vitamins share several characteristics, they’re all needed in the body because they perform different functions.

Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B is present in many foods and is a common part of the average diet. The result is that most people get adequate amounts of this vitamin from their diet exclusively. That said, it’s approximated that up to 15% of the population has deficiencies in vitamins B and B12.

The main reason for this deficiency is poor absorption for medical reasons. Vegetarians and elderly individuals are especially at risk. In addition, people who have had previous gastrointestinal surgery also have a high risk of developing vitamin B deficiency.

A vitamin B deficiency is usually characterized by such symptoms as:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Confusion and dementia
• Neurological changes
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Poor memory
• Megaloblastic anemia

How Much Vitamin B Do I Need?

The amount of vitamin B you need for optimal health varies throughout the eight B vitamins. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the following RDA amount in milligrams for each B vitamin complex:

1. Vitamin B1: 1.1 mg
2. Vitamin B2: 1.1 mg
3. Vitamin B3: 14 mg
4. Vitamin B5: 5 mg
5. Vitamin B6: 1.5 mg
6. Vitamin B7: 30 mcg
7. Vitamin B9: 400 mcg
8. Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg

The only way to know for sure if you have a vitamin B deficiency is through a lab test. At Arizona IV Medics, we can perform blood tests in our labs to ascertain whether you’re deficient. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll get your results in no time. Our nurses will then recommend ways to supplement your intake depending on your lifestyle and habits.

Ways to Supplement Your Vitamin B Intake

There are four ways to supplement your Vitamin B intake:

• Oral supplements
• Vitamin B shots
• IV therapy
• Diet

Let’s dissect each option carefully.

Oral Supplements

You can get oral supplements online or from your local store. Oral supplements are absorbed by the digestive system, and this process varies from one person to another due to such factors as circulatory problems, individual metabolism and gastric function. The body uses a small portion of the supplement and discards the rest.

Vitamin B Shots

More effective than oral intake, a vitamin B shot delivers supplementation through intravenous treatment directly into the bloodstream, achieving 100% absorption. You can get the shot as a quick boost whether you’re at home, in a hotel or somewhere else.

IV Therapy

IV bags contain several ingredients blended in a saline mix. These ingredients vary based on an individual’s needs and health goals, and they can be custom-made to address a variety of conditions. Just like shots, the IV therapy bypasses the digestive system and vitamins are delivered directly to your bloodstream for immediate use by your cells.

IV therapy takes 30 to 45 minutes to administer in the comfort of your own home. In addition to delivering vitamin B, IV therapy offers additional health benefits. IV therapy contains essential fluids for hydration and allows you to add additional vitamins to your treatment, such as magnesium, zinc and vitamin C, for maximum benefit.

Diet

Vitamin B is present in many foods, and most people can get their vitamin B entirely through diet. Natural sources of Vitamin B include eggs, meats, cereals, grains and dairy products. The body absorbs animal-based sources faster than it does plant-based, which is why IV infusions and vitamin B shots are ideal for vegetarians and individuals with poor absorption.

Vitamin B IV Therapy by Arizona IV Medics

Get instant relief with vitamin B IV treatment delivered to you in the comfort of your home, office or hotel. AZ IV Medics provides vitamin B therapy all over Arizona and beyond. Our specially formulated vitamin B IVs contain all the B complex vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fluids, antioxidants and electrolytes to re-hydrate your body and provide relief from deficiency.

Our appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes and can be scheduled in advance. You don’t have to trek to your local clinic or hospital. We’re excited to help you get the vitamin B you need to reach optimal health from the comfort of your location anywhere in Arizona. Call or text (623) 521-5034 to schedule your appointment today.