Providing quality and effective health products for Filipinos.

Health Products

Pharmaceutical Products Provider

Pharmaceutical Marketing Firm

Health Firm

Health Products Distributor

Pharmaceutical Products Distributor
Pharmaceutical Marketing Firm Philippines

Tag: B Vitamins

Vitamin B Complex

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: The Essential Role of Vitamin B Complex in Child Development

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Vitamin B complex plays a key role in enhancing a child’s growth, especially in the development of their brain and nerves. B vitamins are crucial for learning, memory, and overall brain function. They act as nutrients for brain development in children, improving their ability to think and learn.

Boosting Brain Power:
B vitamins are essential for making neurotransmitters, which are important for brain signals. Regularly taking B-complex vitamin syrup for kids is linked to better brain function and learning skills.

Strengthening Immunity:
B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, also strengthen children’s immune systems. They are important for fighting infections and for overall growth. B vitamins can make their immune systems stronger and more responsive, especially as they grow.

Supporting Nerve and Brain Health:
B vitamins support the health of the nervous system. They help keep the brain and nerve cells healthy, which is crucial for overall brain, neurological health, and mental well-being.

Enhancing Memory and Concentration:
Vitamin B complex supports memory and thinking skills. Taking these vitamins regularly can lead to better memory, focus, and cognitive abilities in children.

Vitamin B complex is therefore fundamental in a child’s diet, supporting brain growth, cognitive development, and overall neurological health. Ensuring a balanced and consistent intake of B vitamins can greatly benefit a child’s development and learning potential.

Vitamin B Complex

References

Axelrod AE. Role of the B vitamins in the immune response. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1981;135:93-106. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-9200-6_5. PMID: 7010964. B vitamins and Brain Health. Brain Balance

Achievement Centers. (n.d.). Kenedy, D. O. (2016, January 28). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.

National Library of Medicine. Munteanu, C., & Schwartz, B. (2022, November 22). The relationship between nutrition and the immune system. Frontiers.

Venkatramanan, S., Armata, I. E., Strupp, B. J., & Finkelstein, J. L. (2016, September 7). Vitamin B-12 and Cognition in Children. National Library of Medicine.

Livervitan box with elements and graphics on the right side.

Livervitan Capsule

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Did you know that our liver performs more than 500 vital functions, including metabolism of food, medications, and even alcohol that we consumed, to support healthy body functioning?

Give this hard-working organ the help and support it needs by taking natural, high quality hepatoprotective nutrients.

Livervitan is a silybin-based food supplement with 9 nutrients specially formulated to promote liver health.

• Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine  is a complex of 2 widely-known liver protectors, Silybin, the major component of Silymarin/Milk Thistle, and Phosphatidylcholine, also known as Lecithin.

When combined with Phosphatidylcholine, Silybin is significantly better absorbed by the body with 4.6x higher bioavailability than when given alone. Among the various components of Silymarin, Silybin is recognized to have the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

•  Vitamin E and Zinc are powerful antioxidants that help protect the liver against the damaging effects of toxins and free radicals.

•  Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12  help the liver metabolize substances, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Get all 9 high quality nutrients in every capsule of Livervitan, available in leading drugstores nationwide

Read More
Middle aged woman holding a pill and glass of water.

Do You Need Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B1, B6, and B12?

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Among the B vitamins, the most widely recognized include vitamins B1, B6, and B12. 

While each of these B vitamins has its own functions in the body, the three have interrelated actions and work together in synergy to deliver common benefits to keep the body healthy, especially the brain and nerves. These B vitamins are also known as neurotropic B complex because of their particular importance in supporting brain and nerve health.

Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are nutrients known to play a vital role in promoting growth, energy production in the body, good health and well-being. They are also essential in promoting the health of the blood, immune system and various organs of the body especially the heart and blood vessels.

These B vitamins can usually be obtained from various food sources such as milk, meat, eggs, cheese, fish, shellfish, beans, nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruits, whole grain and cereals. However, dietary intake may still be inadequate. It has been reported that even in developed countries, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, deficiency is around 6% in the general population and around 20% in the elderly population.

Being water-soluble nutrients, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body and must be provided on a daily basis. Lack of a steady supply of these nutrients brings risk for nerve problems, anemia, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline including memory loss. Even if people are taking enough B vitamins from the food they eat, there are certain conditions or diseases that put the individuals at risk for vitamin B deficiency. Here are some identified risk factors associated with the development of deficiencies for these B vitamins:

  • People on fad diets or those with inadequate dietary intake (e.g., anorexia or poor appetite, restrictive or deficient diet while recovering from illnesses and surgical operations)
  • Excessive vomiting and intractable diarrhea may prevent absorption of B vitamins
  • Old age due to poor intake and decreased ability to absorb nutrients
  • Pregnancy due to increased bodily demands. Some pregnant women may also have excessive vomiting
  • Strict vegetarians are likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency as B12 is mainly found in animal food such as meat, eggs and milk
  • Heavy alcoholic and coffee drinkers may also suffer from B deficiency as these beverages prevent the absorption and also increases the urinary excretion of B vitamins.
  • Certain medications such as omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors for acid-related diseases, isoniazid for tuberculosis and metformin for diabetes, are known to interfere with the utilization of B vitamins and may reduce the body’s ability to absorb B vitamins.
  • Persons with autoimmune disease, impaired kidney function, infections such as HIV and tuberculosis
  • Surgical removal of portions of stomach or intestines can reduce the area where vitamin B12 is absorbed
  • Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease that affect the intestinal lining impairing the ability to absorb nutrients
  • Hormonal imbalances associated with pre- or post-menopausal syndrome as some hormones may affect the utilization of B vitamins.

Consequently, people who are deficient in vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may experience a range of signs and symptoms. Following are the manifestations of Vitamin B Deficiency that people have to watch out for:

  • Mood changes, anxiety, mental fatigue or brain fog, forgetfulness, and restlessness, particularly with vitamin B6 deficiency.
  • Rashes, low energy, dry, cracked lips, sweating, warm or cold feeling and weak immune system.
  • Anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, and nerve damage are usually seen with vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Individuals with nerve damage or neuropathy linked to B deficiency may experience numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle twitching and inability to move a part of the body.
  • Those with anemia associated with Vitamins B6 and B12 deficiency may experience fatigue, shortness of breath & dizziness, mental confusion or forgetfulness.

These symptoms, which may signal B deficiency, can also reveal other health problems. Consult your doctor for prompt diagnosis and management that may include appropriate Vitamin B supplementation.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

References:

  1. Ali MA, Hafez HA, Kamel MA, Ghamry HI, Shukry M, Farag MA. Dietary Vitamin B Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex Differences. Nutrients. 2022; 14(19):3940. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193940

2. Lavriša Ž, Hristov H, Hribar M, et al. Dietary Intake and Status of Vitamin B12 in Slovenian Population. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):334. Published 2022 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/nu14020334

Lady smiling vibrantly with B vitamins text and vitamin elements on side.

Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

A person’s mood and emotional state are influenced by health conditions and body compounds such as hormones, brain chemicals, and nutrients. The nerve-nourishing nutrients Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 have been found to play key roles in keeping a healthy mood as explained by the following:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) keeps the brain active and energized  

The brain, being considered as a metabolically active organ accounting for over 20% of the body’s total energy expenditure, is selective when it comes to its source of energy. It almost exclusively relies on glucose obtained from the carbohydrates that we eat or are processed by the body. The process of converting glucose into brain energy essentially requires Vitamin B1 or Thiamine.  This makes Vitamin B1 a crucial nutrient to keep the brain energized.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps the brain form the neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals responsible for one’s mood and mental function

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that influence mood and mental function. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine contributes to a healthy brain function by being an essential nutrient for the production of a number of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline and melatonin. Dopamine plays a role in reactions involved on how pleasure is felt while serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being. GABA is needed to regulate or calm brain activity and help reduce anxiety. Noradrenaline helps in coping with stress and in becoming active while melatonin is important in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. 

Vitamins B6 and B12 (Cyanocobalamin) help clear away metabolic by-products linked with depression

Whenever the body processes or metabolizes protein, it produces a substance known as homocysteine. Homocysteine accumulation has been linked to the development of depression.  It was reported that up to 30% of depressed patients were found to have elevated homocysteine levels. Thankfully, the body is able to naturally clear away homocysteine through reactions involving Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Vitamins B12 (Cobalamin). Maintaining healthy levels of Vitamins B6 and B12 may therefore be seen as a way to prevent homocysteine buildup. 

Supplementation with B vitamins has been suggested to support a healthy mood and mental well-being

Seeing that B vitamins play numerous roles in keeping a healthy mood, it is no surprise that deficiencies of these B vitamins may lead to mood disorders. Studies have shown that deficiencies in B vitamins are associated with the development of various mood disorders and supplementation of B vitamins support a healthy mood.

 In a study done on 35,000 older adults, it was shown that higher intakes of Vitamin B6 and B12 were associated with a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms by about 7 years. In another clinical trial, treatment with vitamin B complex for 3 months led to lower levels of perceived personal strain and sad mood compared to those who were not given vitamin B complex. 

These studies suggest that intake of nerve-nourishing B vitamins is supportive of mental well-being given their various roles in multiple brain processes involved in regulating mood. Click here to learn more about B-vitamins.

For individuals feeling symptoms of depression, it is always best to seek professional help or to consult a doctor.

References: 

Young LM et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress Effects on Healthy and ‘At-Risk’ Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2232. Published 2019 Sep 16. doi:10.3390/nu11092232

Stough C et al. The effect of 90 day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011;26(7):470-476. doi:10.1002/hup.1229

Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy -A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Published 2016 Jan 27.doi:10.3390/nu8020068

Seppälä J et al. Association between vitamin b12 levels and melancholic depressive symptoms a Finnish population-based study. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:145. Published 2013 May 24. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-145

Sangle P et al. Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Preventing Onset and Improving Prognosis of Depression Cureus. 2020;12(10):e11169. Published 2020 Oct 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.11169

A woman holding and massaging her left palm surrounded with nerve elements, B vitamins, and blue circles around her hand.

How B Vitamins Help Keep Our Nerves Healthy and Safe from Nerve Damage

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Among the B vitamins, there is a group called nerve vitamins due to the important role these vitamins play in nourishing and maintaining the health of our nerves and these are: B1, B6, and B12.  

Vitamin B1, or Thiamine, allows our body to convert the sugar and other carbohydrates we eat into energy that is essential for the brain and nerves to function. The importance of this role is further highlighted considering that our brain and nerves almost exclusively rely on carbohydrates as their chief fuel source for energy.

Vitamin B6, or Pyridoxine, plays a vital role in the formation of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerves to properly transfer impulses and communicate with each other and even be responsible for maintaining a healthy mood. Some examples of neurotransmitters include dopamine and serotonin, the so-called “happy hormones”.

Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, supports the formation and maintenance of healthy nerve tissues, specifically the myelin sheath. The nerves are like cables or wires that carry the electrical impulses between your brain and the different parts of the body. Just like how cables are coated with rubber insulators to efficiently conduct the transmission of electricity, the nerves have myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is an insulating layer around nerves that also allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve fibers. 

Deficiencies involving B vitamins due to improper nutrition or diseases result in nerve damage or neuropathy, which may be felt as numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, or weakness particularly affecting the hands and feet.  Certain conditions like diabetes, traumatic nerve impingement or aging may also cause neuropathies and would need supplementation of nerve vitamins to allow nerve healing and recovery. 

Use of B-complex vitamins formulated with high doses of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 have been shown by numerous clinical studies to help relieve symptoms of neuropathies and promote nerve recovery.

For proper advice and to know more on how to take care of your nerves before it is too late, it is always best to consult your doctor.

Lady holding her temples, with a laptop.

Ways to Prevent and Control Migraine Headache

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Migraine headache is a common condition characterized by headaches with severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. The headache is also often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe and may interfere with your daily activities. Aside from drug therapy, prevention of triggers is important to control painful attacks.

Preventing migraine  

Some people can prevent migraines simply by avoiding the following triggers:

• Changing weather: rising humidity, heat
• Lack of sleep or oversleeping
• Fatigue
• Emotional stress
• Sensory triggers: bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food
• Dietary triggers such as missing a meal, alcohol, chocolate, nitrates in cured meats and fish, aged cheese, and an increase or decrease in caffeine

Several studies have also documented the role of B vitamins in preventing and alleviating pain in migraine attacks. Some researchers found that taking higher doses of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9 (folic acid) reduced headache frequency, severity, and duration. 

Also, if you spot a migraine in its very earliest stages, you may be able to control it with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If your headache persists, you need to consult your physician for prescription drugs that are needed. Always work with your doctor to find the appropriate treatment that works best for you.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/headache-when-to-worry-what-to-do

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

Liampas IN, Siokas V, Aloizou AM, Tsouris Z, Dastamani M, Aslanidou P, Brotis A, Dardiotis E. Pyridoxine, folate and cobalamin for migraine: A systematic review. Acta Neurol Scand. 2020 Aug;142(2):108-120. doi: 10.1111/ane.13251. Epub 2020 Apr 30. PMID: 32279306. 

D’Onofrio F, Raimo S, Spitaleri D, Casucci G, Bussone G. Usefulness of nutraceuticals in migraine prophylaxis. Neurol Sci. 2017 May;38(Suppl 1):117-120. doi: 10.1007/s10072-017-2901-1. PMID: 28527067.

Man holding left leg wearing gray running shoes.

Tips to Avoid Leg Cramps

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

The sudden, involuntary, and intense muscle pains affecting your calf, foot or thigh are what we refer to as leg cramps. Sometimes the cramp may cause your leg to spasm or tighten uncontrollably.

Although leg cramps can strike at any time, they become more common as people age. Among people over 60, almost half report having leg cramps, while about a third say they are awakened by cramps at night, and 15% report weekly episodes.

Here are some tips to prevent painful episodes of leg cramps:

1. Exercise your legs.

2. Stretch your muscles before and after you exercise to improve flexibility.

3. Stay hydrated; drink 6-8 glasses of water each day and don’t take in as much alcohol and caffeine.

4. Sleep in a proper position; use pillows to keep your toes pointed upwards if you sleep on your back, or if you lie on your front, try hanging your feet over the end of the bed.

5. Gently stretch your leg muscles before you go to sleep.

6. Keep blankets and sheets loose around your feet so that your toes are not distorted.

7. Wear shoes that fit you well and support your feet.

8. Consider taking daily Vitamin B complex; studies suggest that taking a capsule daily containing B vitamins may prevent cramps. 

If your leg cramps persist despite the strategies above, a consultation with your doctor should be sought so that your condition will be promptly managed with appropriate medications.

References:

Is there hope for leg cramp sufferers? Harvard Health Publishing. 14 February 2017

Leg cramps. Cleveland Clinic. 3 August 2020

Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor.

Healthy foods and white beans on gray table.

The Importance of Micronutrients

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are vital to the healthy development of the body, well-being, and disease prevention. However, not everyone manages to eat a healthy diet. Dietary supplementation can play an important role when nutritional requirements are not met through diet alone.

Though micronutrients are only needed by the body in small amounts, their impact on our health is critical. Therefore, regularly taking the recommended amount is important. Failing to maintain even those small quantities required by the body may cause severe and even life-threatening conditions.

Some of the functions of essential micronutrients are outlined below:

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy.

Iron

Iron is the essential component of hemoglobin, the compound which allows red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the different parts of the body.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight, skin, and immune system functions.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important in building strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a role in wound healing and controlling infections. It is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals that are harmful to the body.

Vitamin E

Its main role is to act as an antioxidant, scavenging “free radicals” that can damage body cells. Vitamin E also enhances the immune function and prevents clots from forming in the arteries.

Zinc

Zinc promotes immune system functions and helps the body resist infectious diseases including diarrhea and pneumonia.

References: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/micronutrients/index.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/micronutrients-have-major-impact-on-health

www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b6/art-20363468

Get the latest health and wellness tips and newest product launches delivered to your inbox.

SHOP POLICY

OUR COMPANY

LINKS

SOCIAL