What does Coenzyme B Complex do?

B vitamins are a family of water-soluble vitamins, similar in molecular structure, yet chemically distinct. They are largely recognized for their contribution to metabolism whilst having their own unique activities. In a complementary manner, B vitamins are mostly grouped rather than found singularly in foods.

The physiological roles of B vitamins lie in enzymatic reactions, major examples; energy production, hormone production, methylation, nervous system function and psychological function.

Supplemental B vitamins are often in a form that need to be converted into the active form in the liver, generally an individual in good health is very efficient at this. However, some individuals may struggle with the conversion, such as those with liver damage, methylation defects, chronic fatigue, chronic myalgia or simply do not respond to regular B Complex supplementation due to genetic mutations, subsequently, such an individual may choose to use the active form of B vitamins.

An individual may supplement with B vitamins when their needs are not met by their diet for example; to support an area of weakness or a condition, such as; cognition, energy, detoxification, cellular repair and replacement, cardiovascular health, nerve health and stress. B6, B12 and folate (B9) support homocysteine recycling, subsequently it is suggested that reducing elevated homocysteine in the brain contributes to improved cognitive performance. It is suggested that replenishing low levels of B5 in periods of stress improve the individual’s ability to cope and that B5 will affect both the structure and the function of the adrenal cortex. Changes in adrenocortical function are highlighted by a decrease in adrenal cholesterol concentration which occurs with B5 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is incremental in the conversion of L-dopa to dopamine, furthermore it was shown that generating a B6 deficiency in experimental studies reduced serotonin, thus suggesting that the normal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin may improve an individual’s ability to cope with stress.

Similarly low levels of B6, B12 and folate are shown to correlate with high homocysteine, however studies that investigated the replenishment of such vitamins showed improved cardiovascular markers as well as reduced homocysteine values. Furthermore, the recycling of homocysteine to produce methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is involved in different genetic regulatory mechanisms that include those in brain development. Numbness of the skin, hands or feet, muscle weakness and impaired motor coordination are indicative of the degeneration of myelin in the spinal cord. This is associated to B12 deficiency.

The National Diet and Nutrition Surveys concluded that the UK population achieves a basic B vitamin intake, but the quantities are likely to be inadequate. Thus, B vitamin deficiency is rare, yet more could be done to achieve optimal dietary intakes of these nutrients.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally produced by the body via the cholesterol synthesis pathway driven by HMG Coenzyme A Reductase in the liver. CoQ10 is known to work within the mitochondria in the production of energy via the electron transport chain. Furthermore, CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant through its ability to store electrons and so, Low CoQ10 status is associated with cardiovascular events, low energy and myalgia conditions. It is known that statins inhibit the production of cholesterol and hence CoQ10, therefore CoQ10 supplementation may be useful for those taking statins.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, known as NADH is the reduced form of NAD+ and is produced during aerobic energy production. Furthermore, it can also be produced from dietary tryptophan and through a buffers the potential adverse consequences of free radicals produced during oxidative phosphorylation (energy production) in the inner mitochondrial membrane complex pathway from vitamin B3. Therefore, NADH is considered the active form that acts as a potent antioxidant and energy currency. In oxidative stress, NADH donates its hydrogen molecule to quell the free radical activity. In its role as energy currency, NADH is phosphorylated to NADPH and donates a phosphate group to recycle ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), producing a unit of energy.

COGNITIVE HEALTH - Negative symptoms of schizophrenia which respond minimally to antipsychotic medications have previously been associated with reduced blood folate levels. randomized control trial assessed the use of folate supplementation on individuals with stable schizophrenia and MTHFR C677T. An inverse relationship was observed between schizophrenic episodes and serum folate status . Thus, the greater serum folate status correlated with reduced schizophrenic episodes.

Another study evaluated the mental and psychomotor development of a group of children compared to the maternal dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folate. Children of mothers who had a dietary deficiency of folate and were carriers of the homozygous 677TT variant scored lower on the mental development index.

Subjectively, the patients felt less tired, their general activity tolerance increased and dyspnea at rest disappeared. Furthermore, heart rate fell significantly, and beneficial physiological changes were reported in the heart muscle that were indicative of an improved myocardial performance.

Dosage: Adults: one capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Safety: B vitamin toxicity is generally deemed difficult to achieve, as normal excretion pathway is via the kidneys. Therefore, no adverse effects have been recorded at the levels provided in this product.

Contraindications: Not to be used in those with kidney disease or reduced kidney function unless recommended by a healthcare practitioner.