Research
Research suggests magnesium is critical to normal human homeostasis playing many roles in energy metabolism: as an enzyme cofactor, in maintaining electrolyte balance, and in the maintenance of properties of various cell membranes. As one of the four most abundant cations in the body, magnesium is present in more than 300 enzymatic systems. Magnesium activates many enzyme systems including those involved in digestion and energy production.2,3 Magnesium also plays an important role to maintain muscle function and the absorption of calcium.2,4
Pantothenic acid is integral to many of the activities of enzymes in the human body and helps metabolize nutrients. Pantothenic acid is required for the breakdown of fats and for the release of energy from carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid is a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is involved in the metabolic release of energy from macronutrients, especially fats.1,5
Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin obtained from our diet. Riboflavin is important for human metabolism, as well as protecting against cancer and cardiovascular disease. The body requires more riboflavin in cases of increased metabolic demand such as weight loss or high stress. In such cases, the supply may be rapidly depleted so it is important to ensure frequent and adequate supply of this essential vitamin.6,7
Thiamine is a water soluble vitamin that is essential in metabolic energy production and the metabolism of fats. It also contributes to the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Since humans are unable to synthesize thiamine, this vitamin must be obtained from exogenous sources. The body requires more thiamine in cases of increased metabolic demand such as weight reduction or high stress. In such cases, the supply may be rapidly depleted so it is important to ensure frequent and adequate supply of this essential vitamin.8,9
Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate which is: the catalytically active form of vitamin B6, a cofactor in more than 140 different enzyme reactions and has a critical function in cellular metabolism and stress response. It is a potent antioxidant that effectively quenches reactive oxygen species and is thus of high importance for cellular well-being.10,11,12
Resources
1 Rébeillé F, Ravanel S, Marquet A, et al. Roles of vitamins B5, B8, B9, B12 and molybdenum cofactor at cellular and organismal level. Nat Prod Rep. 2007;24:949-62.
2 Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate. Product Monographs. Magnesium. 2007. Available at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Accessed Jan 5, 2011.
3 Fox C, Ramsoomair D, Carter C. Magnesium: Its Proven and Potential Clinical Significance. South Med J. 2001;94(12).
4 Fox C, Ramsoomair D, Carter C. Magnesium: Its Proven and Potential Clinical Significance. South Med J. 2001;94(12):1195-201.
5 Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate. Product Monographs. Pantothenic Acid 2007. Available at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Accessed Jan 4, 2011.
6 Powers HJ. Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) and health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77(6):1352-60.
7 Woolf K, Manore MM. B-vitamins and exercise: does exercise alter requirements? Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006; 16(5):453-84.
8 Gagnolf M, Czerniecki J, Radermecker M. Thiamine Status in Humans and Content of Phosphorylated Thiamine Derivatives in Biopsies and Cultured Cells. PLoS ONE. 2010; 5:10,e13616.
9 Singleton CK, Martin PR. Molecular mechanisms of thiamine utilization. Curr Mol Med. 2001;1(2):197-207.
10 di Salvo ML, Contestabile R, Safo MK. Vitamin B(6) salvage enzymes: Mechanism, structure and regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010;[Epub ahead of print].
11 Mooney S, Leuendorf JE, Hendrickson C, et al. Vitamin B6: a long known compound of surprising complexity. Molecules. 2009;14(1):329-51.
12 Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate. Product Monographs. Pyroxidine-5-phosphate. 2007. Available at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Accessed Jan 4, 2011.