Ross Hauser, M.D.,
Marion Hauser, M.S.,R.D
and Nicole Baird

Breakfast and B Vitamins For Energy
and Looking Good!

Do not skip breakfast
If you are a fast oxidizer how can you expect to get through the day without breakfast? Otters tend to have low blood sugar in the mornings, after 8 or so hours of no food your body needs some energy. Having a high protein breakfast is essential to consistent energy levels throughout the day. And yes, a high protein breakfast takes the place of the cup of coffee in the morning – it gives you real energy, not a short term stimulated version of it!

Get Your B Vitamins
The B vitamins, there are 8 of them, act as coenzymes, meaning they react with another compound to form an active enzyme. These enzymes then act as a catalyst in the chemical reactions that transfer energy from the basic food elements to the body. These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which provides us energy, the breakdown of fats and proteins, which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, and healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Since these vitamins affect such important elements of your body, a source that provides them all in a single daily supplement is recommended.

The B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. This means that whatever the body can not use at the time these vitamins are put in the body is excreted in the urine and can be quickly depleted from the body. Also, our body can only absorb a small percentage of what we need at a certain time. This is why some vitamin supplements are required more than once a day.

Below is a list of each B vitamin and some of their specific functions:

B1 (thiamine): needed for release of energy from carbohydrates; aids in functioning of nervous system; helps maintain stomach acidity and normal appetite.

B2 (riboflavin): needed for converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy; necessary for healthy skin and eyes.

B3 (niacin): needed for release of energy from food; maintains health of skin, mouth and digestive tract; necessary for normal mental function; can increase circulation and reduce high blood pressure.

B5 (pantothenic acid): needed for release of energy from food; helps in the functioning of the adrenal gland and in the formation of antibodies.

B6 (pyridoxine): needed for metabolism of protein, hence requirements related to protein intake; helps to maintain fluid balance, a requirement for healthy red blood cells.

B12: needed for red blood cell production and maintenance of protective sheath around nerves.

Folic acid: Essential for growth and reproduction of cells, particularly red blood cells.

Biotin: involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Required for healthy skin and hair.

The B vitamins are important for the proper formation of every cell in your body, particularly nerve cells. This is why being deficient in any of the B complex vitamins can adversely affect a person’s health. For instance Vitamin B1 deficiency affects the functioning of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and peripheral nervous systems. Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is a compound that functions in all cells, but especially in the cells of the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the bone marrow. Vitamin B12 helps the development of our red blood cells and if it is lacking, pernicious anemia can arise. Lastly, and maybe most importantly research studies have shown that the B vitamins, particularly Folate, B12, and B6 help lower homocystein levels, an amino acid shown to increase the risk of heart attacks.

The information in this website are the opinions of the authors and should not be used as a self-help guideline. We are not responsible for the use or misuse of this information. The information presented here does not constitute a physician-patient consultation. Every attempt is made to insure accuracy, however, it is up to the reader to confirm any information through other sources. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Although there are many studies suggesting the benefits of nutritional and herbal supplementation, there is not enough evidence to suggest that supplements, in general, have any beneficial effect on health and disease. Not everyone will benefit from taking supplements.

© 2010 The Hauser Diet is part of Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services is an internationally recognized center for nutrition, natural medicine, and Prolotherapy.