B Vitamins and PCOS

Vitamin B-Complex Formulas

The B vitamins are very important in helping to correct the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a very complex hormonal and systemic metabolic disorder. Vitamins and minerals are essential if optimal metabolism is to occur. Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals may improve the following PCOS disorders: acne, depression, diabetes, hair loss, heart disease, hirsutism, hormone imbalances, infertility, miscarriage risk, and overweight.

Vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6 are particularly useful for controlling weight: Vitamin B2 helps to turn fat, sugar and protein into energy; B3 is a component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is released every time blood sugar rises, and Vitamin B3 helps to keep the levels in balance; Vitamin B5 has been shown to help with weight loss because it helps to control fat metabolism; B6 is also important for maintaining hormone balance and, together with B2 and B3, is necessary for normal thyroid hormone production. Any deficiencies in these vitamins can affect thyroid function and consequently affect the metabolism. The B vitamins are also essential for the liver to convert ‘old’ (which are not required in any metabolic process) hormones into harmless substances, which can then be excreted from the body.

Biotin: Biotin is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins. It improves disordered glucose metabolism by stimulating insulin secretion in response to blood sugar and by improving the liver’s ability to process glucose. Biotin appears to improve insulin resistance. Biotin is crucial for proper hair and nail growth. In high doses, biotin can be effective in restoring head-hair growth, with no known side effects.

Folic Acid (Folate): Folate and folic acid are forms of the same Vitamin B. Folate is found naturally in food and folic acid usually found in vitamins. Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis and optimal neurological function. It works in tandem with Vitamin B12. Folic acid may be helpful in reducing homocysteine, which is a metabolic byproduct that is too high in some PCOS women, especially if they are taking metformin medication.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is involved in numerous metabolic processes, blood sugar metabolism being one of the important processes affected by PCOS. Vitamin B6 affects receptors for estrogen, androgen, and progesterone. Vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of serotonin. Mild deficiency of Vitamin B6 in PCOS women is common.

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin commonly found in a variety of foods such as fish, shellfish, meats, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is necessary for DNA synthesis and neurological health. It works in conjunction with folic acid. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, metformin (glucophage) and other PCOS medications may make Vitamin B12 absorption more difficult. Metformin dosage for 12 months leads to depletion of B vitamins, which are essential for good health. This can be overcome by ‘burns’. Burns are tiny pieces of protein food, which are eaten in tiny amounts every 15 minutes. It improves the Vitamin B level in the body and helps the struggling PCOS slimmer to shed unwanted pounds (as it improves protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism).

– Authored by A.S.; March 6, 2006.
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