B vitamins for women’s health: Complete leadership
B vitamins are a complex of eight water -soluble vitamins playing a key role in maintaining general health and well -being, especially for women. They participate in numerous metabolic processes, including energy production, the functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and maintaining the health of the skin, hair and nails. The deficiency of group B vitamins can be manifested by various symptoms that can seriously affect the quality of life of a woman.
1. Tiamin (vitamin B1): Energy and nervous system
Tiamin plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism, converting carbohydrates into the energy necessary to maintain physical activity and cognitive function. It is also necessary for the correct functioning of the nervous system, transmitting nerve impulses and protecting the nerve cells from damage.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Increase in energy: Helps to fight fatigue and fatigue, especially during stress or intensive physical activity.
- Improving mood: It supports the health of the nervous system, which can help improve mood and reduce the risk of irritability and anxiety.
- Heart of heart: Promotes the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Metabolism of carbohydrates: It is important for the effective converting of carbohydrates into energy, which can help in weight control and maintain blood sugar.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irritability and depression
- Loss of appetite
- Problems with digestion
- Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs (Beri-Bury)
- Tiamin sources:
- Whole grain products (brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread)
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
- Nuts and seeds (sunflower, almonds)
- Pork
- Enriched products (bread, cereals)
- Recommended daily dose: 1.1 mg
2. Riboflavin (vitamin B2): cellular growth and metabolism
Riboflavin is necessary for cellular growth, development and functioning. It participates in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, converting them into energy. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of the skin, eye and nervous system.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Health of the skin and mucous membranes: It helps to maintain the health of the skin, mucous membranes (for example, in the mouth and genital tract) and eyes.
- Prevention of migraines: Studies show that riboflavin can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- Antioxidant Protection: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Visual support: It is necessary to maintain good vision and prevent cataracts.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Inflammation of the lips and cracks in the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis)
- Language inflammation (glossitis)
- Itching and redness of the eyes
- Photophobia
- Anemia
- Riboflavin sources:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Eggs
- Meat (especially the liver and kidneys)
- Green sheet vegetables (spinach, broccoli)
- Enriched products (bread, cereals)
- Recommended daily dose: 1.1 mg
3. Niacin (vitamin B3): heart health and cholesterol
Niacin plays an important role in energy metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system and the health of the skin. It also helps to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which contributes to the health of the heart.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Close -to -level decrease in cholesterol: Helps to improve the lipid profile, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Skin health: Supports skin health, reducing inflammation and improving its appearance.
- Improving blood circulation: It expands blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
- Brain function: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia) – is rare in developed countries
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Problems with digestion
- Sources of Niacin:
- Meat (chicken, beef, fish)
- Nuts and seeds (peanuts, sunflower)
- Whole grain products
- Enriched products (bread, cereals)
- Mushrooms
- Recommended daily dose: 14 mg
4. Pantotenic acid (vitamin B5): metabolism and hormones
Pantotenic acid is involved in the synthesis of coherent A (COA), which plays a key role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is also necessary for the production of hormones and cholesterol.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Energy exchange: It supports normal energy metabolism, helping the body transform food into energy.
- Hormonal balance: It is necessary for the production of hormones, including sex hormones.
- Health of the skin and hair: It can help improve the health of the skin and hair.
- Reducing stress: Participates in the production of hormones that help to cope with stress.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Rare deficiency, since vitamin is widespread in food
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs
- Sources of pantothenic acid:
- Meat (chicken, beef, pork)
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Vegetables (broccoli, avocado, mushrooms)
- Whole grain products
- Legumes
- Recommended daily dose: 5 mg
5. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): brain, immunity and hormones
Pyridoxine plays an important role in the development and functioning of the brain, as well as in maintaining the immune system. It participates in amino acid metabolism, the synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine) and the formation of red blood cells. In women, it is especially important for the regulation of hormonal balance and reduce PMS symptoms.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Reducing the symptoms of PMS: It can help reduce PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, bloating and chest soreness.
- Brain health: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system, participates in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
- Strengthening immunity: It supports the immune system, helping the body fight infections.
- Prevention of anemia: Participates in the formation of red blood cells.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anemia
- Skin inflammation
- Convulsions
- Sources of pyridoxine:
- Meat (chicken, fish, beef)
- Potato
- Banans
- Nuts and seeds (sunflower, walnuts)
- Enriched products (bread, cereals)
- Recommended daily dose: 1.3 mg
6. BIOTIN (vitamin B7): Hair, skin and nails health
Biotin is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It also plays an important role in maintaining the health of hair, skin and nails. Although the biotin deficiency is relatively rare, its sufficient consumption can help improve the appearance and strength of hair and nails.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Improving hair health: It can help strengthen hair, reduce loss and improve its shine.
- Strengthening nails: It can help strengthen the nails and prevent their brittleness.
- Skin health: Supports skin health, improving its moisture and elasticity.
- Blood sugar regulation: Some studies show that biotin can help regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Hair loss
- Fragility of nails
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Sources of biotin:
- Eggs (especially yolk)
- Liver
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Salmon
- Avocado
- Sweet potato
- Recommended daily dose: 30 μg
7. Folic acid (vitamin B9): fetal development and hematopoiesis
Folic acid plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, preventing defects in the nervous tube (for example, spinal hernias). It is also necessary for the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Women planning pregnancy or pregnant women are recommended to take additives with folic acid.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- Prevention of defects in the nervous tube: Critically important for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent serious defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.
- The formation of red blood cells: It is necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells, preventing anemia.
- Heart of heart: It can help reduce the level of homocysteine, amino acids associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Mental health: Some studies show that folic acid can help improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Anemia (megaloblastic)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irritability
- Difficult breathing
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Folic acid sources:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, Romen salad)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
- Enriched products (bread, cereals)
- Avocado
- Recommended daily dose: 400 μg (600 μg for pregnant women, 500 μg for nursing)
8. Kobalamin (vitamin B12): nervous system and energy
Cobalamin is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. He plays an important role in maintaining the health of the myelin shell, which protects the nerve fibers. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems and anemia. It is especially important for vegetarians and vegans to monitor sufficient consumption of vitamin B12, since it is mainly found in animal products.
- Advantages for women’s health:
- The function of the nervous system: It is necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system and the prevention of neurological problems.
- The formation of red blood cells: Participates in the formation of healthy red blood cells, preventing anemia.
- Energy: Helps to fight fatigue and fatigue, supporting the energy exchange.
- Improving mood: It can help improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
- Deficiency symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Depression
- Anemia (megaloblastic)
- Sources of cobalamine:
- Meat (beef, chicken, fish)
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Enriched products (vegetable milk, cereals)
- Food yeast (enriched)
- Recommended daily dose: 2.4 μg
Factors affecting the need for group B vitamins in women:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The need for folic acid, vitamin B12 and other vitamins of group B increases significantly during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Age: With age, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases.
- Diet: Vegetarians and vegans may experience a deficiency of vitamin B12, since it is mainly found in animal products.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and autoimmune gastritis, may violate the absorption of vitamins of group B.
- Medication: Some drugs, such as metformin (for the treatment of diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (for the treatment of heartburn), can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can violate the assimilation and metabolism of B vitamins of group B.
- Stress: Chronic stress can increase the body’s need for vitamins of group B.
How to ensure sufficient consumption of group B vitamins:
- Balanced nutrition: Use a variety of products rich in group B vitamins, such as whole grain products, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables and fruits.
- Enriched products: Choose enriched products such as bread, cereals and vegetable milk that contain added B vitamins B.
- Supplements: If you cannot get enough group B vitamins from food, consider the possibility of taking additives. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine which additives you need and in what dosage.
- Vitamin level check: Regularly check the level of group B vitamins in the blood, especially if you are at risk in deficiency.
The interaction of B vitamins B:
B vitamins work synergically, that is, their effectiveness increases with joint admission. They are often contained in the complexes of B vitamins, which provide balanced consumption of all eight vitamins.
Cautions:
Although group B vitamins are waterproof and excess is usually excreted from the urine, high doses of some vitamins of group B can cause side effects. For example, high doses of niacin can cause redness of the skin, itching and nausea. High doses of vitamin B6 can cause neurological problems. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking high doses of B vitamins B.
Conclusion:
B vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health and well -being of women. Enough consumption of these vitamins can help improve energy, mood, skin, hair and nail health, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and prevent defects in the fetus in the fetus. Balanced nutrition, enriched foods and additives (if necessary) can help ensure sufficient consumption of group B vitamins. It is important to take into account individual needs and factors that can affect the need for group B vitamins, and consult a doctor or a nutritionist to obtain individual recommendations.