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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and The B-Complex vitamins covered her include:
The special importance of B-12 for patients with Multiple Sclerosis has already been discussed. Other B-Complex vitamins discussed elsewhere include: Choline, Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and Inositol. GENERAL INFORMATION The B-vitamins form a complex - they interact with each other as well as performing other "outside" functions. High doses of one B-vitamin may lead to depletion of another so taking a balanced mix is generally recommended. All of the B-complex vitamins are water soluble. Oral contraceptives, Estrogen and Caffeine all increase the body's need for B-vitamins. THIAMIN / B-1 Thiamin acts as an antioxidant. It is required for normal immune system function and production of antibodies. It also help counteract the damaging effects of lead on the brain and nerves. Published recommendations suggestion 100 mg daily, or more. There does not appear to be any significant side effects. RIBOFLAVIN / B-2 Riboflavin also has antioxidant properties and is required for normal immune system activity and antibody production. It speeds up conversion of vitamin B-6 to its active form. Riboflavin is also required for the regeneration of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants and detoxifiers. NIACIN / B-3 Niacin acts as an antioxidant and is required for normal brain function. Synthesis of Prostaglandins from the essential fatty acids requires Niacin. Sustained Release forms have been shown to cause liver damage and should be avoided. Inositol-hexaniacinate is the recommended form. FOLATE / B-4 Folate is necessary for normal brain and spinal cord development. Conversion of Methionine to Cysteine (see NAC) requires folate, and also B-6 and B-12. Too much Methionine can cause a folate deficiency. PANTOTHENIC ACID / B-5 Pantothenic Acid must be converted into Pantethine which is the active (and stable) form of the vitamin. The brain contains the highest concentration of B-5 in the body. Pantothenic acid helps increase the level of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids in the brain. These are required for production of myelin and nerves. B-5 is also essential for normal adrenal gland function necessary to produce the anti-inflammatory hormones called glucocorticoids. Published dosage recommendations range from 100 mg to 500 mg per day. To support the adrenal gland it should be taken with Magnesium, Zinc and B-6. PYRIDOXINE / B6 Pyridoxine is essential for Prostaglandin production from essential fatty acids. It is necessary in the manufacture of the brain neurotransmitters. Pyridoxine is very important for normal immune system activity. It also inhibits clumping of platelets to form blood clots. Pyridoxine must be converted into Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, its active form by the liver. Many people have a deficiency in this conversion process. Many authors recommend taking at least part (20% or more) of B-6 supplements as the active form, of the vitamin: Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate. CAUTION Even though it is water soluble, Pyridoxine can still cause side effects, primarily nerve toxicity. This seems most likely to occur if the Pyridoxal accumulates because the liver does not convert it to the active form quickly enough. Dosages of 500 mg daily for several months are reported to cause symptoms of toxicity DOSAGE: Recommendations range from 50 mg to 400 mg per day. SUPPLEMENTATION B-Complex vitamins are usually supplied combined in a single tablet. Ideally, least some B-6 will be in the form of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate. Niacin as a single supplemt should be taken as Inositol-Hexaniacinate. Magnesium and Zinc may help maximize benefits of the B-complex. |
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