The B family

October 2, 2003

B-Complex

Vitamins

When assessing Cellular Nutrition with Acu-Cell Analysis, only

essential, biological elements that have

their own cell receptors are measured. They are neurologically

arranged into left-sided and right-sided

groups and are discussed in associated pairs, as they function as an

inseparable, interdependent unit:

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CalciumMagnesiumPhosphorusSodium

IronManganeseZincPotassium

SeleniumSulfurTinIodine

GermaniumSiliconBismuthLithium

NickelCobaltChromiumCopper

FluorideChlorideVanadiumMolybdenum

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Boron Bromine Strontium B-Complex Bioflavonoids Vit

C, E, B12, B15

Trace mineral symptoms of excess or deficiency are generally one-

sided, depending on their ratios to

other chemical members, and depending which group they are

neurologically assigned to. In the event

of calcification, it is not a high calcium level that results in the

formation of a stone or spur, but calcium

being high in ratio to associated or interactive elements.

For instance, phosphorus and zinc have both left-sided cell

receptors, so if either level is low in ratio to

calcium, calcification would only take place on the left side of the

body, whereas the cell receptors of

manganese or magnesium are right-sided, as a result, any

calcification would develop on the right side

of the body only.

The same rules apply to most nutrition-related inflammatory or

degenerative conditions, so successful,

non-symptomatic treatments require the application of those same

principles. Since intracellular and

serum levels of nutrients represent different physiological and

pathological processes, abnormal levels

seen in one medium are not necessarily reflected in the other, so

they need to be interpreted differently.

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B-Complex Vitamins: Of the many B-complex (Bx) formulations offered

by various manufacturers,

different effects are generally being experienced by different

individuals, depending not only on the

daily amount, but also the specific type of formulation supplemented.

An Equalized B-Complex contains the same amount with most B-vitamins

(100mg of Vit B1, 100mg

of Vit B2, 100mg of B3, etc..., and 100mcg of biotin, 100mcg of B12,

and 400mcg -1mg of folic acid).

So-called B-Stress Formulations are designed to presumably help

people handle stress better,

however many people end up feeling more stressed out after taking

them. Starting in the 80's, when

" Stress Tabs " became quite popular, a large percentage of patients I

had seen came with medical

symptoms exclusively related to excessive B-complex intake (see

below). Ironically, whoever came

up with the notion that large amounts of B-vitamins reduced stress

had it all backwards, nevertheless

a lot of self-styled nutritionists perpetuated that myth, and Vitamin

Companies quickly jumped on the

bandwagon and each produced their own brand-specific " Stress

Formulations, " consisting mainly of

high B-complex vitamins, with many companies also adding Vitamin C

and zinc.

Supposedly the best choice is a Balanced B-Complex vitamin

formulation where a different mg or

mcg amount is used for each B vitamin - sort of putting them in the

proper (natural) ratio to one another.

However - what ratios are best for which individual, and how would

the manufacturer know?

An individual who is prone for gout might need more pantothenic acid

(Vitamin B5) but less lecithin,

while anyone with a tendency for iron overload would need less

Vitamin B1, but much more Vitamin B2.

Some of those suffering from hypoadrenalism ('s disease) would

benefit from extra Vitamin B1

and/or choline for their sodium-raising properties, while sodium-

sensitive individuals or anyone with a

tendency for hyperadrenalism (Cushing's disease) might benefit from

extra Vitamin B2 and folic acid,

which have a sodium-lowering effect.

Anyone suffering from low blood sugar episodes should avoid larger

amounts of Vitamin B6 and C,

which can cause blood sugar to drop even more, but they are generally

helped with extra niacinamide

and/or biotin. There are claims that diabetics may benefit from

larger amounts of biotin, but patient

feedback and blood sugar measurements have been to the contrary.

Those with a tendency for mild Hyperthyroidism (see also Acu-

Cell " Bromine " ) may benefit from

PABA, another member of the B-vitamin complex, but they should be

careful taking extra Vitamin B6.

Higher amounts of Vitamin B6 will also increase magnesium retention,

although this only takes place

following long-term oral supplementation, while regular Vitamin B6

injections will quickly result in a

high magnesium / low calcium ratio.

If not matched to a patient's requirements (which happens frequently

when Vitamin B6 + B12 injections

are given at Weight Loss Clinics), a severe calcium deficiency

develops. This by itself - or when

aggravated by an overstimulated thyroid from regular Vitamin B6 + B12

shots - can result in insomnia,

heart palpitations, chest pains, anxieties, depression, mood swings,

joint / muscle pains, and/or other

symptoms.

In someone suffering from Hypothyroidism and low sodium, Vitamin B6

supplementation on a long-

term basis has the potential to eventually lower thyroid functions

even more, although a brief boost will

still take place every time Vitamin B6 is injected or taken orally.

In addition, Vitamin B6 will only affect

T4 (thyroxine) levels, but no conversion to T3 (triiodothyronine)

takes place - causing a T3 / T4 thyroid

ratio conflict, so rather than trying to boost thyroid functions with

Vitamin B6 injections for weight loss

purposes, iodine, as well as selenium and tyrosine status should be

checked and corrected instead.

Another consideration when supplementing larger doses of Vitamin B6

as pyridoxine is the inhibiting

effect on Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), which is the natural form of

Vitamin B6, so if amounts larger

than 50mg are taken per day, or if they are taken on an ongoing

basis, the pills should also contain a

small percentage as pyridoxal-5-phosphate to avoid the potential of

causing neurological damage.

However, regardless of the type, excessive intake of both - P5P or

pyridoxine - when not needed, may

also lead to nerve and/or spinal degeneration, specifically affecting

T1 (with right-sided symptoms in the

upper back / shoulder area) and at L2, along with general osteo-

arthritic changes in various joints.

As a result, Vitamin B6 therapy should only be used for someone with

an otherwise difficult-to-manage

low magnesium / high calcium ratio. (see also Acu-Cell " Calcium &

Magnesium " and " Mineral Ratios " ).

Individuals with insufficient stomach acid and intrinsic factor may

require 1000mcg+ of Vitamin B12 per

day (oral intake), or regular Vitamin B12 shots, while some of those

with a disposition for panic-anxiety

disorder or right-sided coronary artery spasms would have to avoid

Vitamin B12 shots altogether, but

may benefit from extra Vitamin B15 (calcium pangamate or pangamic

acid), DMG, or inositol instead.

(For detailed information on the association of Vitamin B12 with

Cobalt, and the close interactions of

Vitamin B12 with Vitamin B15, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, see Acu-

Cell " Cobalt & Nickel " ).

If someone were to start out with a (theoretically) perfect mineral

profile, and then take an equalized

high B-complex formulation (all B vitamins are the same mg, except

for biotin, Vitamin B12, and folic

acid), that individual will slowly reshape his or her intracellular

chemistry to look something like this:

Of course, someone's chemical profile is unlikely to be straight

across before starting on B-complex

vitamins, so the end results will be different from one individual to

the next. However, the inhibiting or

lowering effect of an equalized B-Vitamin complex on iron and

manganese levels (as seen in the graph

above) will in people predisposed to iron-deficiency anemia and/or

reactive hypoglycemia cause a

pronounced worsening of their symptoms (feeling tired). Even in

otherwise " healthy " individuals, taking

mega-doses of B-vitamins can eventually lead to either " nervous

energy " -like symptoms (like a hyper-

active child), or just plain fatigue. Perhaps this " tiring " effect

was at some point erroneously interpreted

as having the potential to reduce stress, hence the subsequent Stress

Tab designation.

Since one major effect of taking high B-complex vitamins for a

lengthy time period is an increase in

zinc and potassium uptake, this could become quite detrimental for

someone who is prone for ovarian

cysts, painful menstruation, prostatitis, chronic bladder infections,

or inflammatory gallbladder disease,

however it might benefit someone with mild cirrhosis of the liver,

some types of hepatitis, or any other

number of high iron / manganese-storage types of medical conditions.

High B-complex vitamins would be totally contraindicated with ovarian

or testicular cancer, which go

hand in hand with very high cellular zinc and/or potassium levels,

whereas a low potassium-related

bladder problem (weak bladder muscles) or enlarged, but benign

prostate condition might benefit

from extra B-vitamins.

B-complex raises total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may

be an unwelcome effect for some

individuals, but advantageous for those whose levels are on the low

side. While B-complex vitamins

may help with high estrogenic-types of PMS, larger amounts will

worsen low estrogenic-types of PMS

or even lead to suicidal tendencies in some women. A higher intake

of B-vitamins can trigger heart

palpitations with congestive heart disease or above-normal thyroid or

adrenal functions, and it may

aggravate insomnia, anxiety or stress disorders. Some individuals

experience " burning " muscles or

a general increase in muscle tension as a result of excessive B-

complex supplementation.

On average, individuals with low cardiac output, or whose zinc and

potassium levels are naturally on

the low side (and thus exhibit a sluggish metabolism), are best

suited to supplement higher amounts of

B-vitamins, as their system would actually benefit from the stress-

inducing and metabolism-stimulating

effect of B-complex, provided none of the above contraindications

apply.

If other supplements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, or Vitamin A,

C, E...etc. are added, the entire

mineral profile will of course change again and re-shape some of the

B-vitamins' artificially created

highs and lows. Unless someone is certain that they exhibit a

chemical profile which would benefit from

a higher B-complex intake, I would personally stay on the safe side

and not exceed a 10 -15mg range.

Some B-vitamins, particularly folic acid, Vitamin B6, B12, choline,

and PABA reduce blood levels of

Homocysteine, which is an amino acid that contributes to

cardiovascular disease by damaging the

endothelium, which is a thin layer of cells that protect the artery

walls.

Less than 1mg of folic acid / day is sufficient to help protect

against excessive levels of homocysteine,

and it is also helpful against neural tube defects and some other

birth defects in newborns, for which

up to 5mg / day may be supplemented in high risk cases, however

supplementation should ideally be

started 2-3 months before conception takes place.

Some individuals - on their own, or following the suggestions of

uninformed practitioners - supplement

very high doses (10mg+) of folic acid, falling victim to the notion

that more is better, and assuming that

there is no harm in ingesting such high amounts. Ironically - unless

these individuals suffer from excess

sodium retention, large amounts of folic acid can not only damage

their kidneys, but create a significant

increase in LDL cholesterol, which is particularly prevalent in low

sodium / low aldosterone types.

Studies showed that in individuals who presented with high

homocysteine levels, folic acid brought

down the homocysteine levels, however there was no improvement with

Coronary Heart Disease,

so low sodium or low aldosterone types who believe in mega-

supplementing folic acid encourage the

very type of medical situation they were trying to prevent:

Cardiovascular disease! ¤

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Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the latest term replacing daily

dietary reference values such as

Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated

Average Requirements (EAR),

Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance /

Intake (RDA / RDI).

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine:Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin:

DRI (RDA):DRI (RDA):

0-6 months0.3mg0-6 months0.4mg

6-12 months0.5mg6-12 months0.6mg

1-18 years1-1.5mg1-18 years1-1.5mg

18 years +1.5mg18 years +1.7mg

pregnant / lactating+ 0.5mgpregnant / lactating+ 0.5mg

Therapeutic Range:50mg - 1000mg+Therapeutic Range:50mg - 500mg+

Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:

Beriberi, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea,Light sensitivity,

cracks / inflammation of lips,

vomiting, fatigue, depression, low adrenals,tongue, corners of mouth,

dizziness, insomnia,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Heart palpitation, insomnia, agitation, high bloodNausea, vomiting,

fatigue, anemia, low blood

pressure, skin eruptions, hypersensitivity,pressure, [yellow urine],

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Vitamin B3/4 - Niacin / Niacinamide:Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid:

(also called Calcium Pantothenate)

DRI (RDA):DRI (RDA):

0-6 months6mg0-6 months2.5mg

6-12 months8mg6-12 months3mg

1-18 years10-15mg1-18 years4-7mg

18 years +15-20mg18 years +10mg

pregnant / lactating+ 4mgpregnant / lactating+ 3mg

Therapeutic Range:100mg - 2,000mg+Therapeutic Range:250mg - 20g+

Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:

Pellagra (dementia, death), nausea, vomiting, lossInsomnia, joint

pains, gouty arthritis, edema,

of appetite, fatigue, swollen red tongue, dermatitis,kidney stones,

burning feet,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Flushing (Vit B3), nausea, vomiting, headaches,Edema, severe fatigue,

joint pains, reduced

high blood sugar, high uric acid, jaundice, sweating,protein

metabolism, gastrointestinal symptoms,

skin rash, raised stomach acid, insomnia, joint pains,raised VLDL

triglycerides, calcification,

calcium loss, increased choline requirements,dehydration, depression,

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Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine / P5P:Vitamin B7 - Biotin:

DRI (RDA):DRI (RDA):

0-6 months0.3mg0-6 months35mcg

6-12 months0.6mg6-12 months50mcg

1-18 years1-2mg1-18 years100-200mcg

18 years +2-2.5mg18 years +300mcg

pregnant / lactating+ 0.6mgpregnant / lactating+ 50mcg

Therapeutic Range: *50mg - 1,000mg+*Therapeutic Range:50mcg - 15mg

* When supplementing more than 50mg of Vitamin B6 / Pyridoxine per

day, the tablets should contain

a small percentage of the Vitamin as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P).

Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:

Numbness (pins and needles) in hands and/or feet, Skin disorders,

hair loss, brittle nails, anemia,

depression, mental disorders, seborrheic dermatitis,seborrheic

dermatitis in infants, depression,

PMS, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, kidney stones,fatigue,

nausea, loss of appetite, muscular

abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), anemia,pains, increased total

cholesterol levels,

convulsions, edema (water retention), hypothyroid,hypoglycemia,

glossitis,

migraine-headaches, glossitis, lymphopenia,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Numbness in hands and/or feet (from high intake ofReduced / slowed

insulin release, increased

pyridoxine, not pyridoxal-5-phosphate), depression,Vitamin C

requirements, increased Vitamin B6

suicidal tendencies, severe fatigue, low blood sugar,requirements,

skin eruptions, increased blood

mood swings, migraine-headaches, heart palpitations,sugar,

hyperthyroid, hypothyroid (long-term supplementation),

spinal / nerve degeneration (all forms of B6),

muscle spasms / cramps, osteoporosis, arthritis,

abnormally high phosphorus-sodium ratio (low pH),

abnormally high magnesium-calcium ratio, PMS,

higher blood pressure (short-term supplementation),

lower blood pressure (long-term supplementation),

increased stomach acid,

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Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid / Folate:*Vitamin B12 - Hydroxy /

Cyanocobalamin:

(also available as adenosyl / methylcobalarnin)

DRI (RDA):DRI (RDA):

0-6 months30mcg0-6 months0.5mcg

6-12 months50mcg6-12 months1.5mcg

1-18 years100-400mcg1-18 years2-4mcg

18 years +400mcg18 years +4-6mcg

pregnant / lactating+ 400mgpregnant / lactating+ 1mcg

Therapeutic Range:400mcg - 20mg+Therapeutic Range:50mcg -10mg

* Folate is the natural form, folic acid is the synthetic form.

Folic acid is about twice as potent as folate.

Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:

Hemolytic and megaloblastic anemia, low energy,Pernicious anemia

(numbness and tingling in

abnormal fetal development (neural tube defect),hands and feet /

nerve damage), shortness of

high homocysteine levels / vascular degeneration,breath, severe

fatigue, sore tongue, nausea,

mental disorders, confusion, forgetfulness, insomnia,loss of

appetite, weight loss, confusion, poor

irritability, depression, cervical dysplasia, higher riskmemory,

dementia, depression, headaches,

of developing several types of cancer,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Kidney damage, abdominal bloating / distention,Can cause folic acid-

related anemia if low,

nausea, loss of appetite, increased cholesterolnumbness or tingling

in right arm or right side

LDL / HDL ratio, increased zinc and potassiumof face, anxieties,

panic-anxiety attacks, heart

requirements, may mask pernicious anemiapalpitations, hyperthyroid,

insomnia, increased

from Vitamin B12 deficiency,pangamic acid requirements,

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Vitamin B8 - Inositol - Vitamin B11 - Choline:Vitamin B10 - PABA:

(Para-aminobenzoic Acid)

DRI (RDA):40mg (B8)200mg (B11)DRI (RDA):25mg

Therapeutic Range:100mg - 3,000mg+Therapeutic Range:50mg - 1000mg+

Low Levels / Therapeutic Indications:Low Levels / Therapeutic

Indications:

Oxidative cell damage, cardiovascular disease,Vitiligo

(depigmentation of some areas of the

liver disease, low bile production, low total andskin), hyperthyroid,

increased estrogen break-

low HDL cholesterol, low blood pressure,down by the liver,

gallstones (choline), kidney stones (choline),

peripheral neuropathy (inositol), panic-anxiety

attacks (inositol), mental / mood disorders,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, high blood pressure,Liver disease,

jaundice, nausea, vomiting,

liver disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease,increased

Vitamin C requirements, increased

increased magnesium requirements, may increaseVitamin B6

requirements, decreased estrogen

potassium requirements,breakdown by the liver,

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Lecithin:Vitamin B15 - Pangamic Acid:*

(also called Calcium Pangamate)

DRI (RDA):*500mgDRI (RDA):* 25mg

* estimated / suggested daily intake* no USRDA, may be substituted

with DMG.

Therapeutic Range:1,200mg - 7,200mg+Therapeutic Range:50mg - 500mg

Low Levels / Therapeutic Indications:Low Levels / Therapeutic

Indications:

Oxidative cell damage, cardiovascular disease,Angina (right-sided),

coronary artery spasms

high LDL cholsterol, high VLDL triglycerides,(right-sided), some

types of panic-anxiety

atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, calcification,disorders,

headaches, Vitamin B12 overdose

osteoarthritis, edema, fatigue, kidney stones,(from Vit B12

injection), some types of high

joint pains, burning feet, tardive dyskinesia, blood pressure,

shortness of breath, asthma,

increased lactic acid, learning difficulties,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms

and/or Risk Factors:

Gout, kidney disease, nausea, high blood pressure,Severe fatigue,

pernicious anemia (long-term

dizziness, kidney stones, insomnia, osteporosis,very high intake),

depression, headaches, skin

joint pains, edema, burning feet, increased zincrash, shortness of

breath, nausea,

requirements, increased calcium requirements,

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Vitamin B12 sources:

Meat, dairy, eggs, seafood. [Vit B12 is only found in animal

products, but has been obtained through

insect / feces-contaminated grains, fruits, or vegetables],

Typical food sources for all other B-Vitamins:

Brewer's yeast, unrefined whole grains, liver, all meats, eggs, green

leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds. ¤

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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid

stomach problems and promote

better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in

the middle of a larger meal. When

taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of

some tablets causing irritation, or

eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any

pills.

When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is

better to split it up into smaller doses to

not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or

nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.

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