Q: What does this product do?
A: This formula helps in energy metabolism and in tissue formation. It helps normal growth and development. It helps to form red blood cells. It helps to maintain healthy hair, nail, mucous membranes and/or skin. These are the Health Canada approved uses (NPN 80112908). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What are B vitamins and why do I need them daily?
A: B vitamins are a group of eight essential water-soluble vitamins that play fundamental roles in cell metabolism. They are numbered B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Because they are water-soluble, B vitamins are not stored in the body in significant amounts and excess is excreted in urine. This means consistent daily intake is important. B vitamins work as coenzymes, meaning they are required for enzymes to function. Without adequate B vitamins, the enzymatic reactions they support cannot proceed normally.
Q: What does "active forms" mean and why does it matter?
A: Most B complex supplements use the cheapest, most common forms of each B vitamin. These standard forms must be converted by the body into their active forms before they can be used. For most people this conversion works adequately. However, for people with genetic variants (such as the MTHFR polymorphism affecting folate conversion), compromised digestion, liver issues, or metabolic conditions, this conversion may be impaired or reduced. Active forms are the forms the body actually uses — they do not need to be converted. This formula uses the active or superior form of each B vitamin, meaning the nutrients are available for use directly after absorption.
Q: What form of B1 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble derivative of thiamine. Most B1 supplements use thiamine hydrochloride, a water-soluble form. Benfotiamine has better cell membrane penetration and higher bioavailability than thiamine HCl. It is also less toxic at higher doses.
Q: What form of B2 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses Riboflavin 5'-phosphate (R5P), the active coenzyme form of riboflavin. Standard B2 supplements use riboflavin, which must be converted to R5P before the body can use it. People with compromised digestive systems may have impaired conversion from riboflavin to R5P. This formula uses R5P directly, bypassing the conversion step.
Q: What form of B3 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses Inositol hexanicotinate, a form of niacin that releases niacin more slowly than standard nicotinic acid. Standard niacin (nicotinic acid) causes skin flushing in many people, particularly at higher doses. Inositol hexanicotinate reduces the flushing effect. Note: people sensitive to nicotinic acid may still experience mild, transient flushing.
Q: What form of B6 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P-5-P), the active coenzyme form of B6. Standard B6 supplements use pyridoxine hydrochloride, which must be converted to P-5-P in the liver. People with liver issues or metabolic abnormalities may have impaired conversion. This formula uses P-5-P directly at 100mg per capsule.
Q: What form of B9 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) at 1,000mcg per capsule. Most B9 supplements and fortified foods use folic acid, a synthetic form that must be converted to L-5-MTHF through a multi-step process involving the MTHFR enzyme. Approximately 40 to 60% of the population carries a genetic variant (MTHFR polymorphism) that reduces this conversion by 30 to 70%. L-5-MTHF is the form that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is the form directly used by the body. This formula is particularly suited to those with known or suspected MTHFR variants who may have difficulty converting folic acid.
Q: What form of B12 does this formula use and why?
A: This formula uses Methylcobalamin at 1,000mcg per capsule. Most B12 supplements use cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form that must be converted to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin in the body. Methylcobalamin is the active form found in human blood and tissues and is directly usable without conversion.
Q: What are Choline and Inositol and why are they included?
A: Choline and Inositol are B-complex associated nutrients that are not classic B vitamins but are closely related and often included in B complex formulas. Choline (as Choline bitartrate, 30mg) is essential for cell membrane structure, neurotransmitter synthesis (acetylcholine), and fat metabolism. Inositol (as Myo-inositol, 100mg) is involved in cell signaling pathways and is sometimes referred to as B8, though it is not an essential vitamin as the body can synthesize it.
Q: How do I take this product and how long will 120 capsules last?
A: Adults: 1 capsule per day. Take with food. At 1 capsule per day, 120 capsules = 120 day supply (4 months). Taking with food improves absorption of B vitamins and reduces the chance of nausea that can occur with high-dose B vitamins on an empty stomach.
Q: Is this product suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
A: Yes. The capsule shell is Hypromellose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), a plant-derived material. The other non-medicinal ingredients (Magnesium Stearate and Microcrystalline Cellulose) are also plant-derived. There are no animal-derived ingredients in this formula. This product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is also non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, and dairy free.
Q: Are there any cautions I should know about?
A: People sensitive to nicotinic acid may experience flushing of the skin that is generally mild and transient. Verify the complete contraindications, known adverse reactions, and duration of use against the NPN 80112908 licence before publishing and update this answer with the complete verbatim cautions. Keep out of reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
