Eureka! Institutional Repository

The B complex vitamins have been used as single therapy or combined to other drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, in different clinical situations, such as degenerative spinal diseases, rheumatologic diseases, polyneuropathies and in different postoperative situations. This study aimed at identifying in the scientific literature most recent evidences of the use of B complex vitamins. B-Complex is referred to as the energy vitamins and stress fighters. They get this reputation because they are intimately involved in cellular energy metabolism, namely the glycolytic, Krebs cycle and pentose pathways. The B vitamins act as cofactors in convertingcarbohydrates into glucose which the body burns to produce energy. B vitamins are also vital in the metabolism of fat and protein. They are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system and may be the single most important factor for the health of the nerves. During stressful situations the nervous system can become depleted of B vitamins. Stressful situations include physical or emotional overwork, infection or injury, fad or poor dieting, excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs and intense sports workouts. In addition, the B-Complex vitamins are sometimes called the beauty vitamins because they are essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. The primary benefit of suitable B1 in diet is that it assists in repairing any damage that occurs in our skin. For the vitamin B2, it has been noted that, its deficient develop profound macroscopic and microscopic architectural disorganization of the skin. Niacin - or B3 is one of the best-known B vitamins for skin. Researchers have pointed out that a topical application of vitamin B3 helps to stabilize the epithelial barrier, reducing moisture loss, increasing smoothness and improving the signs of wrinkles. B5 or pantothenic acid plays a role in moisture control, aiding the process that prevents it from escaping into the environment, leading to dry, itchy skin. One of the many roles vitamin B7 has in the body, is the creation of fatty acids that maintain the health of cells, including the hair and skin. Vitamin B12 it has a key role to play in skin pigmentation. Deficiencies in this B vitamin have been found to lead to hyperpigmentation. It is also has similarly effects on the hair (changing colour or losing condition)