B vitamins
The B vitamins are necessary to:
- Support and increase the rate of metabolism[1]
- Maintain healthy skin, hair and muscle tone[2][3]
- Enhance immune and nervous system function[4][5]
- Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
- Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer - one of the most lethal forms of cancer[6] - when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form.[7][8]
All B vitamins are water-soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body.
Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any excess is excreted in the urine.[9] This can result in the urine produced being a bright green-yellow colour.
B vitamins have also been hypothesized to reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.[10]