Activated B-Vitamins

The B vitamins are in the natural feed in the biologically active form bound to phosphate. Since most of the B vitamins cannot be absorbed in their active form, they must first be chemically converted.

A sufficient supply of B vitamins is important for the energy metabolism and the conversion of food into energy, among other things. Other important areas of activity are the nervous system, especially in times of stress and exhaustion, the muscle tone of the intestinal tract as well as skin, hair and mucous membranes.

Combinations of B vitamins are always involved in all of these functions. For optimal synergy it is therefore important that the B vitamins are taken as a complex and in a sufficiently high dose. But why in some cases should active forms of these vitamins be used?

Active coenzymatic form

For an optimal absorption of B vitamins, it is not only important that a significant amount is offered and that the mutual synergy of these vitamins is used as much as possible. Rather, a well-running biochemical conversion process must also be made possible. Inactive B vitamins must first be converted into the biologically active form in the body. This applies, among other things, to vitamins B2, B6, B11 and B12.

Direct supplementation of B vitamins in their coenzymatic form can avoid conversion problems, which leads to higher biological availability, better absorption by the body cells and less stress on the liver. This is of great advantage especially in the case of liver problems and can also be helpful if the metabolism is otherwise sensitive. Therefore, the following is an overview of the most important active forms within the B complex.

Riboflavin-5-phosphate (Vitamin B2)

As a component of the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide, vitamin B2 is involved in cellular energy metabolism and in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It is also important for glutathione synthesis, among other things. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants in our body.

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 is made up of various compounds, of which P-5-P is the most biologically active form. As a cofactor of more than 140 enzymes, P5P is involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions, including, for example, protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency can cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which among other things can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A marginal vitamin B6 status (P5P level 20-30 nmol / l) or a vitamin B6 deficiency usually go unnoticed, but in the long run can contribute to the development of various chronic diseases.

5-Methyl tetrahydrofolate (Folic acid)

Folic acid is converted into the active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the body under the influence of the enzyme methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). However, studies show that a significant part of the population is affected by an inefficient action of the enzyme MTHFR, so that they produce too little active 5-MTHF.

Methyl- and adenosyl cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Even with vitamin B12 (cobalamin), the conversion process to active methyl- and adenosylcobalamin is slow and inadequate. Cobalamin can only be absorbed with the help of intrinsic factor (IF), a protein made by the lining of the stomach. However, a common problem is a deficiency in IF, which can have various causes, such as an autoimmune reaction directed against IF or atrophy of the gastric mucosa. The latter occurs regularly in older people, as a result of which the absorption of vitamin B12 is often significantly reduced in them.

In order to avoid these and other disadvantages of the often complex conversion processes, vitamin B-containing supplements with active coenzymes are preferred.