SPOTLIGHT ON SUPER B-COMPLEX

The very small, easy to swallow tablets are designed to allow for split dosing, which helps ensure maximum absorption and therapeutic effect, and maintains optimal levels of B-vitamins throughout the day to enhance health benefits. Suitable for both general health (one-a-day) and more intensive health support (twice daily). Igennus Super B-Complex is one of the most advanced B-Complex supplements available.

THE IMPORTANCE AND ACTIONS OF B-VITAMINS

B-vitamins are essential micronutrients that act as co-factors for the many hundreds of enzyme-mediated functions that occur within the body. B-vitamins help with the release of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats, are required for the production of neurotransmitters, the synthesis of neuronal proteins, they are involved in numerous methylation and detoxification processes, and aid in cell cycle regulation.

As water-soluble micronutrients, the B-vitamins must be consumed daily through the diet; as they are particularly sensitive to physical and chemical factors (including heat, moisture and exposure to air or light), modern food processing, distribution and storage methods can significantly affect their stability and function. Unless you regularly eat raw, fresh (local) and organic whole foods, the quality of the B-vitamins in your food is likely to be sub-optimal, insufficient for the demands of modern life. Supplementation with a good quality vitamin B-complex formula is therefore an important addition to a healthy diet.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A B-COMPLEX SUPPLEMENT    
When seeking a supplement that offers the greatest efficacy, it is vital to consider a combination of three key factors: the forms of key nutrients, their bioavailability and dose used. B-vitamins exist in multiple forms and in some cases it is only the reduced form that is able to exert specific co-factor functions. In addition, certain forms are absorbed more effectively than others or absorption is reduced by taking high doses in one go.

We make every effort to ensure the ingredients used in all of our supplements are in their most bioavailable, active and, most importantly, effective forms. We actively encourage split dosing, and our tablets contain a sustained release matrix, which helps ensure B-vitamin release and levels are sustained throughout the day to overcome the decreased absorption of vitamin B12 associated with high single doses.

Ingredient	Role	Unique benefits of the form we use
Thiamine – vitamin B1   (thiamine hydrochloride)	– needed to produce cellular energy from food   – required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA – supports cardiovascular function	Thiamine hydrochloride is highly water-soluble and absorbed by both diffusion and active transport mechanisms, whereby it undergoes rapid metabolism to thiamine pyrophosphate.
Riboflavin – vitamin B2   (riboflavin-5-phosphate)	– plays a role in maintaining healthy cellular energy production   – supports antioxidant activity in the body	As with many B-vitamins, riboflavin must be converted to its active form – riboflavin-5-phosphate – in order for it to be utilised by the body. As absorption of riboflavin occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, a compromised digestive system can adversely affect the body’s ability to convert riboflavin to riboflavin-5-phosphate.   Riboflavin-5-phosphate is then itself converted to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), required for participation in the citric acid cycle to produce energy.
Niacin – vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)	– supports over 200 chemical reactions in the body including cellular energy production and fatty acid synthesis	Whilst niacin can lower cholesterol, the dose required is higher than the amount usable in a B-complex and can also induce side effects that include flushing and itching of the skin. For this reason we use the non-flushing nicotinamide form that has anti-inflammatory benefits and is especially useful in the management of inflammatory skin disorders such as acne vulgaris.
Pantothenic acid – vitamin B5   (calcium D pantothenate)	– supports fatty acid synthesis and cellular energy production in the body   – plays a crucial role in maintaining the nervous system and neurotransmitter function	Calcium D pantothenate is the commercially available form of vitamin B5 and is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in B-complex formulations
Vitamin B6   (pyridoxal-5-phosphate)	– involved in over 100 cellular reactions throughout the body   -the pyridoxine form is required to metabolise amino acids and glycogen, for normal nervous system, hormone and red blood cell function	Vitamin B6 exists in 6 forms but only the pyridoxal-5-phosphate form has cofactor activity. Several inborn errors of B6 metabolism exist, which can compromise vitamin B metabolism to pyridoxal-5-phosphate – required for approximately 100 enzymes that are important in the metabolism of neurotransmitters and other neuroprotective compounds.
Biotin – vitamin B7   (D-biotin)	– important for the health of hair, skin and nails   – supports healthy carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism	There are eight different forms of biotin, but only one of them – D-biotin – occurs naturally and has full vitamin activity.
Folate – vitamin B9   Folate ([6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) vs folic acid	– required for DNA synthesis, the formation of red blood cells and for the metabolism of amino acids   – plays a critical role in the formation of the spinal cord and nervous system during foetal development	Folic acid refers to the oxidised synthetic form of vitamin B9 that is used in many dietary supplements and in food fortification. Folate refers to the various tetrahydrofolate (THF) derivatives naturally found in food. Unlike natural folates, which are metabolized to (THF) in the mucosa of the small intestine, folic acid undergoes initial reduction and methylation in the liver, where conversion to the THF form requires dihydrofolate reductase. The low activity of this enzyme in the human liver, combined with high intake of folic acid, may result in unnatural levels of unmetabolised folic acid (UMFA) entering the systemic circulation. There are increasing safety concerns surrounding high intake of folic acid, due to the presence of UMFA.   The MTHFR gene is responsible for producing methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, the enzyme that converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate required for homocysteine breakdown.   Several mutations in the MTHFR exist that can compromise an individual’s capacity to produce 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and can lead to unhealthy levels of circulating homocysteine. Quatrefolic provides the metabolically reduced folate form utilised and stored in the human body, as (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and may benefit certain genetic defects that influence folate metabolism. Quatrefolic overcomes issues related to MTHFR gene mutations as well as accumulation of unmetabolised folic acid (UMFA) arising from standard folic acid supplementation, which has no biological function and whose effects are not yet known.
Vitamin B12   (methylcobalamin)	– plays a critical role in the pathways of the body that produce cellular energy   – needed for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and for healthy nervous system function	Methylcobalamin is the natural form of vitamin B12, whereas cyanocobalamin (the cheaper cyanide-containing form of vitamin B12 found in abundance in most vitamin B-complex supplements) is a synthetic source of vitamin B12.   Methylcobalamin is the specific form of B12 needed for nervous system health; unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is better absorbed and is retained in higher amounts within tissues.

FORMULATED TO PROVIDE CLINICALLY EFFECTIVE DOSES FOR HOMOCYSTEINE REGULATION
The dose of each vitamin in Super B Complex reflects the potentially low content of many modern diets and is designed to meet the government recommended intakes (RIs) but falling, where relevant, within safe effective levels below the upper tolerable limits (UTLs) to prevent risk of side effects or mask other deficiencies. Particular focus has been placed on the doses of vitamins B6, B12 and folate, which are provided at levels proven to lower homocysteine, and thereby support the folate, methylation and transsulfuration cycles. The addition of vitamin C provides further support for antioxidant, HPA-axis and immune pathways. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate are a unique trio that work together to break down excess homocysteine, thereby reducing the risk of arterial build-up, a risk factor for poor cognitive function and cardiovascular complications.

Designed for split dosing, our small tablets allow clients wishing to just top up levels to opt for a ‘one-a-day’ dose, whereas those needing more intensive support can take the higher dose of two daily. The levels of vitamins within each tablet also mean that the product is suitable at a one-a-day dose for children aged 7 and over.

Super B Complex is designed to support the following mechanisms:

• healthy homocysteine levels
• cardiovascular function and red blood cell formation
• methylation pathways
• DNA and protein synthesis
• detoxification pathways
• energy release
• neurotransmitter production
• neurological function

Super B Complex is the ideal product for the nutritional management of the following health conditions

• mood
• memory
• diabetes
• skin disorders
• hormone & thyroid issues
• cardiovascular issues
• fertility issues
• neurodegenerative disease
• cancer
• CFS/FMS/ME
• osteoporosis

ABOUT DR NINA BAILEY
Nina is a leading expert in marine fatty acids and their role in health and disease. Nina holds a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and received her doctorate from Cambridge University. Nina’s main area of interest is the role of essential fatty acids in inflammatory disorders. She is a published scientist and regularly features in national health publications and has featured as a nutrition expert on several leading and regional radio stations including SKY.FM, various BBC stations and London’s Biggest Conversation. Nina regularly holds training workshops and webinars both with the public and health practitioners.