Bariatric Advantage B-50 Complex is a high-potency capsule for those in need of additional B-vitamin nutrition. Their small, easy-to-digest capsules contain all the essential B-vitamins in substantial doses plus the accessory B vitamins choline, inositol, and PABA. They have included the activated forms of several key B-vitamins to support increased bioavailability and function.
The group of vitamins collectively known as B-complex includes all of the essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C.
When first discovered, it was thought that this group of vitamins was a single nutrient, and it was given the name vitamin B. Later, it was discovered this was actually a group of compounds with unique structures, features and functions, and they were given individual names and numbers.
Today, we consider the following B-vitamins to be essential to human health: thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12). Three other nutrients choline, inositol, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) - are considered by most nutritional experts to be part of the B-complex group, although they have not been established as essential in humans.
B-complex vitamins are essential for a vast range of functions in the body from energy production, to cellular replication, to metabolism, and more. Several of the B vitamins, including B12, folate, and thiamine have been shown to be deficiency risks with weight loss surgery. Under certain conditions such as stress, poor dietary intake, and malabsorption there may be an increased need for B vitamins above and beyond the RDA.
Some physicians, therefore, will recommend the use of a B-complex product over and above the levels in a multi-vitamin.
I couldn't stand the B50 I'd previously gotten, so wasn't taking them. Thrilled to find these! Easy to swallow and no taste.
When I ordered the B-50, I was under the impression that I ordered chewable tablets; so I was very surprised to receive capsules instead. I was a bit worried about being able to swallow them, but they were in a small size and actually quite easy to swallow. I do prefer chewables, so the next time I will read the description more closely.