How Do B-Vitamins Affect Your Energy?

B-vitamins certainly give the body energy, but probably not in the way that you think. Taking B-vitamins is not like drinking an energy drink or a double espresso; instead, B-vitamins help convert dietary energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy that your body uses, carried out by your cells.¹ B-vitamins help break down the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats you eat and convert them into energy your body can use throughout the day.

B-complex vitamins are well known for supporting energy metabolism*, but how do they really work?

Let’s dive into what the B-complex vitamins are, if and how they support your energy, and the best places to find them.

What vitamins make up the B-complex?

The vitamin B complex is made up of eight B-vitamins:

• B1 (thiamin)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (niacin)
• B5 (pantothenic acid)
• B6 (pyridoxine)
• B7 (biotin)
• B9 (folate or folic acid)
• B12 (cobalamin)

What are the benefits of B-vitamins?

Each B-vitamin has a unique purpose on a cellular level. Some of the general benefits of B-vitamins include helping with cell development, growth of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and renewal, brain health, fetal development, and energy metabolism.*²

Which foods contain B-vitamins?

Here’s the good news: if you eat a balanced diet, the chances are that you are getting the B-vitamins you need, as most of them are readily found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources of B-vitamins include meat (especially liver), seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy green vegetables, seeds, and fortified foods. 

However, certain B-vitamins – such as B12 – may be more difficult for the body to absorb, inhibiting you from getting the benefits you need. B12 is also found mainly in animal products – although it has also been found in some forms of algae – making it particularly elusive for people who follow plant-based diets. If you think you may be deficient in vitamin B12, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

Best B-vitamin supplements

Although B-vitamins are readily found in many different foods, taking a B-vitamin supplement is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the right amounts of each B-complex vitamin. Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites:

Sundown^Ⓡ Dissolvable Vitamin B12 Microlozenges

These cherry-flavored microlozenges are a quick and tasty way to ensure you’re getting the vitamin B12 you need. Using a body-ready form of B12, this formula is also vegan, non-GMO^{^}, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors.

Sundown^Ⓡ Sublingual Liquid B-Complex

Vegan-friendly and non-GMO^{^}, this formula provides a range of B-complex vitamins that help support energy metabolism and a healthy nervous system.*

Sundown^Ⓡ Vitamin B12 Timed-Release Tablets

This unique B12 vitamin uses timed-release technology to give you the energy support benefits of B12 throughout your day.* 

Sundown^Ⓡ Vitamin B12 Gummies

What tastier way to get your daily dose of vitamin B12 than through raspberry, mixed-berry, and orange-flavored gummies? Each serving of these non-GMO^{^} and gluten-free gummies offers 500 mcg of vitamin B12 per serving.

Breaking it down

B-complex vitamins are essential for various reasons, including helping to turn the food you eat into energy. Although B-vitamins will not give you the burst of energy a caffeinated drink will, they will help support sustained, healthy energy levels throughout your busy day. Most B-vitamins are found in various plant and animal foods, but the easiest way to ensure you are getting enough of each B-vitamin is by taking a B-complex supplement. 

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