To be your best self, take vitamin B

A promising combination of highly concentrated B vitamins and a superfood for better performance during times of stress.

Stress. We all experience it, regardless of our job, geographic location, or family situation. Stress is the body's reaction to environmental stimuli (stressors). Stress is natural and healthy to a certain extent; it can motivate us and help us move forward in life. However, too much stress and an inability to manage it well can have dramatic health consequences. Nutrition can play an important role in how we cope with stress and perform under pressure.

Why Vitamin B?

B vitamins are coenzymes associated with numerous physiological functions in human health, particularly those of the nervous and brain systems, and energy production through the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These functions are essential for life, and a deficiency in B vitamins can manifest as symptoms like low energy levels, poor mental function, or an inability to manage stress and anxiety.

The secret of B vitamins is that they work together, synergistically, in their function within the body. While it's true that certain B vitamins may be needed in higher amounts for specific conditions, such as vitamin B₁₂ for specific cases of pernicious anemia or B₁₂ deficiency, individual B vitamins always need the rest of the B family to perform their roles effectively. Often, a deficiency in one B vitamin can be a sign of deficiencies in other B vitamins.

Individuals experiencing low to normal levels of stress can take a multivitamin with 5 to 25 mg/mcg of each B vitamin to meet their daily needs. Those experiencing above-normal stress may take a "B-50" complex containing 50 mg/mcg of each individual B vitamin. People experiencing intense mental and physical stress may need to take a "B-100" complex containing 100 mg/mcg of each B vitamin, at least during specific periods of intense stress or anxiety. This group of highly stressed individuals may include athletes, office workers, and women experiencing the discomforts of menopause.

While taking extra B vitamins can be beneficial for people experiencing stress, there is a traditional Peruvian food source that can meet this additional demand. For thousands of years, maca root has been harvested and used in Peru as a nutritional food and natural medicine. Today, the field of natural medicine recognizes it as a "superfood" due to its wide range of health uses.

• Maca root contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, iodine, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. It is a true "superfood."

• Maca root is an adaptogen. It helps the body function normally during stressful situations by balancing the body's hormone production. Maca root helps regulate hormone levels that are too low or too high. It nourishes the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. This balancing effect helps women cope with PMS, menopause, and hot flashes, and men with libido issues.

By combining high amounts of B vitamins with maca root, even the most stressed among us will find everyday life easier to manage.