01/11/2026
FUN FACTS About B Vitamins
B vitamins are your body’s “spark plugs.”
They help convert food into energy, support the brain and nerves, and keep hormones, red blood cells, and detox pathways running smoothly.
The B-Vitamin Family (Kinds + What They Do)
B1 – Thiamine
• Helps turn carbohydrates into energy
• Supports nerve and heart function
• Low levels can cause fatigue, brain fog, and nerve symptoms
B2 – Riboflavin
• Activates other B vitamins
• Supports mitochondria (cell energy factories)
• Important for skin, eyes, and migraine prevention
B3 – Niacin
• Critical for energy production and DNA repair
• Supports cholesterol balance and circulation
• Can cause flushing in some people
B5 – Pantothenic Acid
• Needed to make adrenal hormones and cortisol
• Supports stress response and metabolism
B6 – Pyridoxine / P5P
• Helps make neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA)
• Supports histamine breakdown and hormone balance
• Too much of the wrong form can irritate nerves
B7 – Biotin
• Supports hair, skin, nails, and glucose metabolism
• Can interfere with lab tests (thyroid, troponin)
B9 – Folate (NOT folic acid)
• Critical for methylation, detox, hormones, and brain health
• Needed to make red blood cells and DNA
• Synthetic folic acid can block real folate in some people
B12 – Cobalamin
• Supports nerves, brain, and red blood cell formation
• Required for methylation and energy
• Absorption declines with age and gut issues
How B Vitamins Work (MOA – in simple terms)
• Act as co-enzymes → they “turn on” chemical reactions
• Drive energy production (ATP)
• Support neurotransmitter production
• Help the liver detox hormones and chemicals
• Regulate homocysteine (cardiovascular and brain health)
Without enough B vitamins, reactions slow down—even if calories are adequate.
Why Some People Feel Worse on B Vitamins
1. Wrong Form
• Folic acid instead of methylfolate
• Pyridoxine instead of P5P
• Cyanocobalamin instead of methyl- or hydroxy-B12
2. Genetics (“Dirty Genes”)
• MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MAO, DAO variants
• Can cause anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or headaches when over-stimulated
3. Overmethylation or Undermethylation
• Too much = anxiety, racing thoughts, irritability
• Too little = fatigue, depression, poor detox
4. Histamine Intolerance
• B6, B12, and folate can increase histamine temporarily
• DAO deficiency makes this worse
5. Gut Absorption Issues
• Low stomach acid
• SIBO, mold exposure, celiac, IBD
• Post-menopause and chronic stress reduce absorption
6. Dose Is Too High
• More is NOT better
• High doses can overwhelm sensitive nervous systems
Key Takeaway
B vitamins are powerful.
They are essential—but they must be: • The right form
• The right dose
• Matched to your genetics, gut, hormones, and histamine tolerance
This is why “one-size-fits-all” B-complex supplements often fail.
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