Vitamin B: The Ultimate Super-Nutrient?

06/11/2014 12:36 | Updated 20 May 2015

Do you suffer from migraines, sleep issues and anxiety? There's a vitamin responsible for changing that - in fact there are eight of them.

Salmon sandwich

The B vitamin group is essential for supporting cell metabolism, liver function, the brain and nervous system. They keep hair, skin and eyes healthy and are also connected to energy production, memory and mood.

"B vitamins help to maintain energy and reduce the feelings of tiredness, stress and anxiety," Neal's Yard's natural health director Susan Curtis told us.

B12 is the one we hear about more than most but because we don't make our own (it can be found in animal products like eggs, beef, fish and cheese) the levels in our bodies can easily plummet, particularly in vegetarians and vegans.

So, how can you tell if you're deficient? Fatigue or feeling run down is a common sign, which is where supplements come in.

Neal's Yard's SuperNutrient Vitamin B is the latest supplement to know about. It provides a complete blend of the eight B vitamins and the latest version has been boosted with natural antioxidant PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) to help maintain healthy skin and hair.

"This new supplement is a synergistic blend of B vitamins to support our nervous system and energy production, helping the mind and body keep up with life's ups and downs," Curtis explained.

It's idea for hectic lifestyles," she added.

However, as with all vitamin supplements, it's important to know what you're buying.

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"Rather than price, you should look for the quality of the supplement and opt for a trusted brand," Curtis said. "Check the labels to ensure that there are not any synthetic fillers or binders with no GM ingredients."

It's also worth noting improving your diet or taking beauty vitamins won't make a difference over night. Founder of Wild Nutrition Henrietta Norton told us she usually sees an improvement "within a couple of weeks and certainly by six weeks," when it comes to taking supplements.

Of course, a balanced diet is always the starting point for ensuring you're getting the vitamins and minerals you need.

Fed up with feeling sluggish? Try eating these energy-boosting foods...

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