If you ask people about vitamins, they will probably tell you about Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. Mom used to say, “Eat some carrots. Your eyes need vitamin A. Load up on the Vitamin C in oranges to prevent scurvy and boost your immune system. And sit out in the sun for Vitamin D to support strong bones!
Few people mention the B Vitamins. But don’t overlook them! These vitamins power everyday life. They help synthesize and break down numerous biomolecules. For this reason, they are popular additives to energy drinks. Life would not be the same without the B Vitamins!
Key B Vitamin players are B3, B6, B12, and B5.
Vitamin B3
Over 400 reactions occurring in the human body use substrates derived from Vitamin B3, aka niacin. Vitamin B3 plays crucial roles in metabolism, synthesis of biomolecules, protecting the body from oxidative stress, and so much more!
Studies show Vitamin B3 increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels and decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Vitamin B3 also helps reduce blood pressure and protect skin cells.
It’s also crucial to brain function. Niacin deficiency leads to brain fog and other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Recommended Daily Amount
Experts recommend 16 mg of Vitamin B3 daily for males and 14 mg for females, with an upper limit of 35mg.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is involved in over 100 reactions that release energy from food. Your body needs B6 to break down amino acids and synthesize red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B6 is crucial for the body to synthesize neurotransmitters that regulate emotions like serotonin and dopamine. Those who are vitamin B6 deficient have an increased risk of depression and depressive symptoms due to a lack of these neurotransmitters.
B6 also reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, and age-related macular degeneration.
Recommended Daily Amount
For adults, experts recommend 1.3-1.7 mg of Vitamin B6 daily.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is essential to DNA replication and repair. B12 is also key to nerve function and red blood cell biosynthesis!
Cobalamin helps the body produce red blood cells that are the correct shape. People who are B12 deficient suffer from megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue.
Studies show that B12 is important for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and enhancing bone health. Vitamin B12 is also used to synthesize serotonin. One study found that Vitamin B12 deficient people were two times more likely to suffer from severe depression.
Recommended Daily Amount
Experts recommend 2.4 mcg of Vitamin B12 daily. There is currently no upper limit recommendation. No adverse side effects are known for taking high amounts of B12.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is involved in fatty acid synthesis and breakdown. Studies show that B5 can help maintain healthy blood fat levels and lower cholesterol.
Vitamin B5 is also necessary to synthesize Coenzyme A. The body uses Coenzyme A to metabolize and release energy from glucose. Many hormones are also derived using Pantothenic Acid.
It also allows the body to use other vitamins and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. The immune system needs Vitamin B5 to produce antibodies and fight infection. Doctors call it the “anti-stress” vitamin because it supports the body under stressful conditions.
Recommended Daily Amount
For adults, experts recommend 5mg of Vitamin B5 daily.
Teacher Power Energy Drinks
To help metabolize food and keep energy levels high, B vitamins are a big deal. And as a teacher, being less than energized is not an option.
If you need a tasty way to get your B vitamin energy, try Teacher Power’s healthy energy drinks! They’re a great coffee alternative loaded with B Vitamins. One scoop of Teacher Power Energy Drink Mix has
- 20 mg of Vitamin B3,
- 2 mg of Vitamin B6,
- 6 mcg of Vitamin B12, and
- 10 mg of Vitamin B5.
Teacher Power Energy Drinks are the perfect budget-friendly, sugar-free way to fuel your day. Our products are conveniently available for purchase on our website or on Amazon.com.
The content of Teacher Power’s website is for information only, not advice or guarantee of outcome. Information is gathered and shared from reputable sources; however, Teacher Power is not responsible for errors or omissions in reporting or explanation. No individuals, including those taking Teacher Power products, should use the information, resources or tools contained within to self-diagnosis or self-treat any health-related condition. Teacher Power gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability of the content.
By: Emeline Haroldsen
Sources:
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Haroldsen, Jae O. “Why do Energy Drinks Contain Vitamin B?”. Teacher Power. 2021. https://teacherpower.org/blogs/blog/energy-drinks-contain-vit-b?_pos=1&_sid=642e6f9fa&_ss=r
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