Why is a B-Complex Important?
The B group of vitamins is essential for proper bodily function, a complex containing all of them greatly contributes to a healthy nutritional program. Some of the important functions of B- Vitamins are:

• Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) is necessary for proper function of the nervous system, and muscles, including the heart muscle. It is involved in glucose metabolism and is essential for energy production.

• Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) is important for healthy skin, mucous membranes and energy metabolism.

• Vitamin B-3 (Niacin or Niacinamide) works in the glycogen energy cycle, oxidating fatty acids for energy.

• Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine and the active Pyridoxal 5'Phosphate) is essential for amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin formation, and healthy nervous system.

• Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) is essential for all cells, including red and white blood cells, as well as a healthy nervous system. It is also essential to help prevent harmful homocysteine levels.

• Folic Acid is important for healthy cell Production, including red and white blood cells. It also helps prevent and reduce harmful homocysteine levels, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. There is growing evidence of anticarcinogenic properties of folic acid, especially against lung, cervical and colon cancer.

• Pantethine or Pantothenic Acid (B-5) has multiple roles in energy metabolism, is a coenzyme, and is important for proper neurotransmitter health. It is also known as the "stress vitamin".

• Biotin is important for gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis, and is essential for healthy hair, skin and muscle tissue.

• Choline Bitarate is important for nerve transmission to the brain and a healthy nervous system, as well as regulation of the gallbladder and proper liver function.

• Inositol, a lipotropic, works with Choline and biotin to control hypertension and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolizing fatty acids, lowering cholesterol and controlling fatty deposits on the liver.

• Niacinamide is a vasodilator with an affect on cholesterol, hormones and growth.

• Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) a component of folic acid, is an antioxidant, and helps maintain healthy flora balance of the intestine.

What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid which is part of a group of amino acids that contain Sulphur called the "Sulphur-bearing amino acids."  The main sulphur-bearing amino acids are Methionine, Cystine, & Cysteine.  Homocysteine is a temporary amino acid made by the body in the process of turning the essential amino acid Methionine into 3 other sulphur-bearing amino acids that the body needs, (Cysteine, Cystine, & Cystathionine).  Three B-vitamins, Folic acid, B-6, and B- 12, are necessary to properly metabolize Homocysteine to Cysteine, Cystine, & Cystathionine.

Without these B Vitamins to convert homocysteine, excessive amounts build up to harmful levels that cause arteriosclerosis.  High levels of Homocysteine can damage the endothelium lining exposing the underlying layers of blood vessels forming clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This correlation between high Homocysteine levels and increased risk of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes has been documented in more than 30 major medical studies, including those published in The New Eng. Med. Journal, JAMA and Lancet. It has also been well documented that the supplementation of folic acid, as well as B-6 and B-12 can prevent and reverse high homocysteine levels. The general dose recommended is between 400-800 mg. per day. (2 B-Complete or 1 B-Complete plus 1 Vita-Minz-Plus or Super Antioxidant Formula).   High levels of Homocysteine can be corrosive &  damage the inner surface of the blood vessel  linings, (endothelium) exposing the underlying layers of blood vessels forming clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This has been noted in many medical studies in journals, including New England Medical Journal, JAMA and Lancet. Homocysteine naturally occurs from sulphur-bearing amino acid metabolism.  The sulphur-bearing amino acids are Methionine, Cystine & Cysteine.  (Taurine is also a sulphur-bearing amino acid but can not be metabolized to Homocysteine). Whether one has high or low levels of homocysteine depends upon whether one has high or low levels of three B vitamins - B-6, B-12 and Folic acid. Adequate intake of B-6, B-12 and Folic acid are necessary to prevent excessive buildup of homocysteine levels, which can cause arteriosclerosis.

Why are Antioxidants Important?
Antioxidants are molecules that help attack "free radicals", which can damage healthy cells and lead to aging and degenerative diseases. They are anticarcinogenic, important for cardio-vascular health, and have many other beneficial properties. The antioxidants included for increased protection in this unique B-COMPLETE complex are:

• ALPHA LIPOIC ACID is a powerful antioxidant that helps destroys more "free radicals" than any other antioxidant, and enhances the effects of other antioxidants.

• BILBERRY EXTRACT has powerful anti-aging properties.

• LYCOPENE (found in tomatoes) has high antioxidant properties, and is especially important for prostate health.

• GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT has free radical scavenging properties, and platelet activating factor, contributing to protection of vascular endothelia. It also helps protect brain functions associated with memory and may prevent hypoxic damage and other changes in neurotransmitter functions caused by aging.

• TAURINE, (an amino acid) helps combat "free radicals" found in smog, and potentiates the action of Vitamin E.

• PINE BARK EXTRACT (a flavonoid) helps prevent nitric oxide deficiencies, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also potentiates other antioxidants, such as C, E and Glutathione.

• GRAPE SEED EXTRACT is high in flavonoids and free radical scavenging activity. It inhibits stomach mucosal injury, and may help prevent gastric ulcers and intestinal adenomas, as well as increasing glutathione levels. It is anticarcinogenic and helps prevent cataracts.

• ZINC is a mineral that is a free radical terminator and is involved in numerous biological actions.

• MAGNESIUM OXIDE is important for enzyme activity. It is also essential for calcium and potassium uptake and is necessary for cardiovascular health.

SOME BENEFITS OF B-COMPLETE

• B-COMPLETE has a full spectrum of the highest quality B Vitamins, in a capsule, for quick assimilation.

• The active forms of B-2 and B-6 are included in this formulation.

• ANTIOXIDANTS are included in this unique complex for extra protection against free radical damage.

• Sufficient amounts of folic acid, B-6, and B-12 are included for prevention and reduction of harmful homocysteine levels. (Take 2 Capsules of B-Complete or 1 B-Complete plus 1 Vita-Minz-Plus)

• Desiccant pads are included to insure maximum freshness.

RECOMMENDED FOR:

• Combined with important antioxidants, including Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pine Bark Extract, Lycopene, Bilberry Extract (from blueberries), Grape Seed Extract, Ginkgo Biloba, as well as Taurine, Zinc and Magnesium Oxide, to promote good nutritional health, and protect against the damage of harmful "free radicals".

• Sufficient amounts of folic acid, B-6 and B-12, which helps prevent high homocysteine levels, associated with heart attacks.

• Important as a co-enzyme in nucleic acid, protein and lipid synthesis.

• Helping to metabolize amino acids, carbohydrates and lipid synthesis.

• Maintaining proper neurotransmitter function and a healthy nervous system.

• Helps to combat stress.

• B-Complete, has desiccant pads, as do all of Montiff's highest quality nutraceutical Products, to insure optimal freshness.

REFERENCES:

1. Packer, Lester, Ph.D., Colman, Carol, The Antioxidant Miracle Dec., 1999.

2. Clayman, Charles, B. MD., Medical editor, The American Medical Assoc.. Family Medical Guide, 1994.

3. Wilson, Peter, WF, “Homocysteine, Vitamins, and Cardiovascular Disease”, Reuters Medical News, 2000.

4. Welch, GN, Loscalzo J., “Review: Homocysteine and Atherothrornbosis”, New England J. of Med., 1998.

5. Kim, Y. MD., Folic Acid, "J. Nutri. Biochem.”, Feb. 1999.

6. Balch, J. MD., Balch P., CN, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997.