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Evidence
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BioActive Vitamin B™

How it Works:

The preferred forms of B-vitamins

One of the biggest challenges to supplementing with B-vitamins is conversion. Many people (some estimate up to 30% of the population) cannot fully utilize B-vitamins from food and supplements, because these forms of B-vitamins must be converted into the active form before they will function. So getting the right forms of B-vitamins – especially those which need no conversion by the liver – is vitally important.1-3

Some individuals, owing to genetic factors, have difficulty absorbing the crucial B-vitamins they need; so much of the value of ordinary supplemental B-vitamins is lost before they can provide any benefits. Plus, as we age, malabsorption of vitamin B12 becomes more prevalent due to changes in protein and enzyme levels and in the digestive tract. For instance, if pancreatic enzymes are in short supply, a specialized protein in the stomach, called intrinsic factor, won’t be able to help the body absorb vitamin B12. This is not an uncommon situation. In fact, it affects about 10% to 15% percent of individuals over 60 years old.1 This is a concern for many reasons, including keeping healthy homocysteine balance. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. High levels are associated with cognitive and cardiovascular health concerns, but vitamins B6, B12, and folate can help keep these levels in proper balance.*

Additionally, many prescription medications deplete B-vitamin status, and liver health is a factor in B-vitamin conversion as well. So getting the right forms of B-vitamins – especially those which need no conversion by the liver – is important.

BioActive Vitamin B™ provides vitamin B12, folate and B6 in their active forms – methylcobalamin, methylfolate, and P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate). These forms require no conversion by the liver, so they can be used by the body much more easily and effectively. This combination supports energy levels, cardiovascular health, nerve function, carbohydrate metabolism, and amino acid production.* This formula also provides the levels of B-vitamins and folate needed by women who are pregnant and nursing.*

Methylcobalamin
The vitamin B12 found in most supplements isn’t all that usable by the body. However, by providing methylcobalamin – which doesn’t need to be converted by the body before use – instead of cyanocobalamin, the B12 in BioActive Vitamin B™ can much more easily support healthy blood pressure levels already within normal limits, healthy homocysteine balance, nerve cell function, carbohydrate metabolism, energy levels, and much more.* 1,4-5

Methylfolate
This active form of folate, like the other bioactive B-vitamins in the formula, also requires no conversion by the liver. Aside from its support of healthy fetal development, folate can help support healthy brain and nervous function in adults, too.* 2,6-8

P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 is available in more than one form, but only one of them is bioidentical to the vitamin B6 in the human body – Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, or “P-5-P”. By providing this necessary nutrient in the P-5-P form, it doesn’t require conversion by the liver, so it can bypass that step.  P-5-P supports serotonin production and mood and nervous system function, and can help relieve the stress associated with premenstrual syndrome. It also supports heart health and healthy muscle function – especially for individuals working in tasks requiring repetitive movement.*9-14

References

  1. Baik HW, Russell RM. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. Annu Rev Nutr. 1999;19:357-77.
  2. Miller AL. The methylation, neurotransmitter, and antioxidant connections between folate and depression. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):216-26.
  3. Buvat DR. Use of metformin is a cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69:264.
  4. Vitamin B12. In: Hendler SS, ed. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Physician’s Desk Reference; 2008: 644-652.
  5. Reynolds E. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and the nervous system. Lancet Neurol. 2006 Nov;5(11):949-60.
  6. Folate. In: Hendler SS, ed. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Physician’s Desk Reference; 2008: 225-234.
  7. Guaraldi GP, Fava M, Mazzi F, la Greca P. An open trial of methyltetrahydrofolate in elderly depressed patients. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 1993 Jun;5(2):101-5.
  8. Ramos MI, Allen LH, Haan MN, Green R, Miller JW. Plasma folate concentrations are associated with depressive symptoms in elderly Latina women despite folic acid fortification. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Oct;80(4):1024-8.
  9. Vitamin B6. In: Hendler SS, ed. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Physician’s Desk Reference; 2008:639.
  10. Bartel PR, Ubbink JB, Delport R, Lotz BP, Becker PJ. Vitamin B-6 supplementation and theophylline-related effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;60(1):93-9.
  11. Ellis JM, Folkers K, Levy M, Shizukuishi S, Lewandowski J, Nishii S, Schubert HA, Ulrich R. Response of vitamin B-6 deficiency and the carpal tunnel syndrome to pyridoxine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1982;79(23):7494-8.
  12. Keniston RC, Nathan PA, Leklem JE, Lockwood RS. Vitamin B6, vitamin C, and carpal tunnel syndrome. A cross-sectional study of 441 adults. J Occup Environ Med. 1997;39(10):949-59.
  13. Ebadi M. Regulation and function of pyridoxal phosphate in CNS. Neurochem Int. 1981;3(3-4):181-205.
  14. Robinson K, Mayer EL, Miller DP, Green R, van Lente F, Gupta A, Kottke-Marchant K, Savon SR, Selhub J, Nissen SE, et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia and low pyridoxal phosphate. Common and independent reversible risk factors for coronary artery disease. Circulation. 1995 Nov 15;92(10):2825-30.

FAQ's

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BioActive Vitamin B™

Q: Q. Is it true that many prescription drugs deplete the body of the B-vitamins?

A. Yes, many prescription drugs actually deplete B-vitamins from the body, including birth control pills, certain diabetes, epilepsy, blood pressure and ulcer medications, steroids, and antibiotics—even over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. People using these kinds of drugs must be especially vigilant about making sure they are getting enough B-vitamins.

Q: Q. How do you know if a person has difficulty converting B-vitamins?

A. Some people may have difficulties with B-vitamin conversion if they have concerns with healthy blood pressure levels and energy overall, but they may consider having their blood levels of homocysteine tested by a licensed healthcare practitioner. The results may indicate that they need a more efficient form of B-vitamin supplementation, which BioActive Vitamin B™ can provide.

Q: Q. Is BioActive Vitamin B™ safe for women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant?

A. Yes. In fact, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant take folate to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida in their babies. Additionally, these B-vitamins are especially necessary for their own health due to nutrient depletion during and immediately after their pregnancy.

Did You Know?

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BioActive Vitamin B™

The term folate comes from the Latin word folium for "leaf." It is not surprising, because many leafy green vegetables including kale, spinach, arugula, and dandelion greens are rich sources of the nutrient. 

BioActive Vitamin B™

Biologically Active Forms of Vitamin B12 – Folate – B6*

Product Number: 18006 - 60 Capsules

Dietary Supplement

1 capsule daily.

BioActive Vitamin B™ supplies vitamin B6, folate and B12 in their biologically preferred forms for enhanced utilization in the body. These B vitamins are essential for optimal health, particularly:

• Brain and nervous system function
• Heart health
• Cognitive function*

SUPPLEMENT FACTS

Serving Size: 1 Capsule

Servings Per Container: 60 Capsules Amount/Serving Daily Value

Vitamin B6
(from pyridoxal-5-phosphate)

25 mg 1,250%

Folate

800 mcg 200%

(as (6S)-5-methylfolate) (equivalent to 1,600 mcg of (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt)†

Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)

1,000 mcg 16,667%


† US Patent No. 7,947,662

Other Ingredients: rice flour, vegetable cellulose and vegetable magnesium stearate.

Contains no: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, or preservatives.

If pregnant or nursing, consult a health care practitioner before using.

Made in the USA

Europharma

EUROPHARMA USA LIBRARY DISCLAIMER

The research articles and study abstracts that you are about to view in the EuroPharma USA Library were prepared by independent authors and researchers. They are being reproduced on this site in their entirety. No such article or study abstract is intended to promote a particular manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement. This information is not intended to replace the advice of your health care practitioner. If you have any medical conditions, or are taking any prescription or nonprescription medications, see your physician and discuss all aspects of your treatment before altering or discontinuing any course of therapy. Accordingly, individuals must necessarily assume responsibility for their own actions, safety, and health, and the company is not liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information posted on this cite.

THIS INFORMATION IS BEING PRESENTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 5 OF THE DIETARY SUPPLEMENT HEALTH AND EDUCATION ACT OF 1994-------THE "E" IN DSHEA—BROUGHT TO YOU AS A PUBLIC SERVICE BY EUROPHARMA USA.