Do Bodybuilders Need More B Vitamins ?

The B vitamins include B-1 ( thiamine ), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin) , B-6(pyridoxine), B-9(folacin) and B-12, The B vitamins help supply the cells with energy, promote normal growth, improve resistance to infection, increase appetite and repair cells. Twenty years ago many strength athletes included a vitamin B complex shot in their supplement repertoire. Athletes today are more sophisticated about nutrition and realize the massive doses of vitamins won’t improve performance. However, intense training coupled with a poor diet can deplete some B vitamins, Which can decrease exercise performance and suppress the immune system. About 40 percent of Americans take vitamin supplements. There’s little evidence to support taking more than a general multivitamin and mineral supplement once a day. ( International Journal Sports Nutrition Exercise Metabolism, 16:453-484, 2006)