B Vitamins, Very Energizing

Many of you may be familiar with the link between B vitamins and energy because of their renewed rise in status due to designer waters and energy drinks. While I'm not an advocate of either of these beverages there is a connection. Thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine (B6), and biotin are involved in the creation of energy during exercise. Folate and B12 are needed to build red blood cells, make protein and repair tissue. Severe deficiency of B12 and folate may result in anemia causing poor endurance and easily fatigued muscles. The research to date has been limited but does indicate that exercise may increase your needs for these vitamins by as much as twice the recommended amount. However, B vitamins should be plentiful in your athletic carbohydrate rich diet that includes breads, whole grains and cereals, green leafy vegetables, fortified orange juice and red meat. There's no need to reach for the drinks with hyped up names. Sorry Red Bull, Monster and Vitaminwater, no plugs for you!