Vitamins B7, B9 and B12

B7 (Biotin)

Biotin is a B vitamin made by the flora of your gastrointestinal tract. It is involved in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Excessive amounts of biotin synthesize with bacteria and kill it. If you take antibiotics all of the time, the bacteria that synthesizes biotin are killed off and you will not make enough.

Functions of B7 in your body

• Increases insulin sensitivity
• Needed for fatty acid synthesis
• Strengthens nails
• Used in energy metabolism

Diseases / disorders that can be treated with B7

• Brittle nails
• Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Seborrheic dermatitis

B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B9 has many functions in the body but is especially important for energy production and the immune system. Part of the B9 you need is made in your intestine, while the rest can be found in food or supplements. The synthetic form of B9 is folic acid; the natural form found in food is called folate.

Functions of B9 in your body

• Detoxifies hormones (such as estrogen)
• Detoxifies phenols (by-products of manufacturing) from the environment
• Essential for central nervous system function
• Essential for DNA synthesis
• Involved in methylation (which decreases homocysteine)
• Metabolic conversion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter
• Needed for proper health of all tissues, especially mucous membrane tissues of the digestive tract, vagina, and cervix
• Needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin
• Produces complex phospholipids for neurological function
• Produces S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), an important compound found in all living cells
• Protects baby from neural tube defects, such as spina bifida

Side effects and contraindications

Dosages should not exceed 400 micrograms per day since folic acid supplementation may mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency. Large doses can cause insomnia, irritability, and gastrointestinal problems. If you are taking phenytoin (an anticovulsant), do not take high doses of folic acid. Folic acid also interferes with seizure medications such as valproic acid, carbamazepine, and primidone, so consult your doctor before taking this vitamin if you are on any of these medications.

B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is called either cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, and is synthesized by bacteria. It performs many important functions in the body, and exists in most animal foods. Vegetarians and vegans should take B12 supplements or eat fortified breakfast cereals, which are a valuable source of this vitamin. Hydrochloric acid releases B12 from food, at which point the vitamin can be absorbed by the body.

Functions of B12 in your body

• Facilitates the metabolism of folic acid
• Functions as a methyl donor, which lowers homocysteine levels (high levels of which can be a risk factor for heart disease and memory loss)
• Helps synthesize proteins
• Involved in the production of neurotransmitters
• Needed for carnitine metabolism (which breaks down fat to provide energy)
• Needed for nervous system function
• Needed for red blood cell metabolism
• Required for proper digestion

Causes of B12 Deficiency

• Antacids (which can decrease absorption from food but not from supplementation)
• Colchicines (gout medication)
• Digestive disorders
• Nitrous oxide
• Potassium citrate and chloride
• Some oral hypoglycemic agents (which lower blood sugar)

USANA Vitamins Body Rox contains balanced amounts of essential vitamins and co-factors that young people need. The Body Rox™ supplement is specially formulated by USANA to help meet the nutritional needs of growing adolescents.