AOR guarantees that no ingredients not listed on the label have been added to AOR Advanced B Complex. AOR Advanced B Complex contains no wheat, gluten, corn, nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish or any animal byproduct.

AOR Advanced B Complex Suggested Use
Take one capsule three times daily, or as directed by a qualified health consultant.

AOR Advanced B Complex Main Applications
* Aging
* AGE Inhibitor
* Brain Support
* B Vitamin Deficiency
* Diabetic Neuropathy
* Diabetic Complications

Source
Multi-Sourced

Pregnancy / Nursing

Due to lack of studies involving Benfotiamine, best to avoid.

A recent study by researchers at Oxford and Oslo universities in 266 patients (70 plus years age) with mild cognitive impairment showed that taking a B complex supplement lessened the symptoms of dementia. The improvement of memory (both word recall and fluency of words) was attributed to the reduction of a toxic amino acid called homocysteine.

Since 1969 Kilmer McCully a pathologist noticed that high homocysteine levels were responsible for heart disease.  Subsequent research showed that taking various B vitamins, notably folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 reduced homocysteine levels.

This new study shows that a B-Complex supplement reduced homocysteine levels by 30%. The toxic amino acid is also strongly linked to atrophy or shrinking of the brain and may be the cause of dementia. The mechanism of action is thought to be due to the various B vitamins acting as co-factors in the breakdown of the homocysteine.

AOR’s Advanced B Complex has a balanced ratio of all the B vitamins but in addition all the B vitamins are present in their already active forms thus enabling a rapid and a powerful action. Moreover, certain percentage of the population have difficulty in converting specific nutrients into the active form e.g. folic acid into the more active 5 Methy Tetrahydro Folate.

The B Complex is an officially recognized grouping of eight essential vitamins. Some sources dispute that number, claiming that there are in fact nine or ten (or more) vitamins within the B Complex, yet within most official, academic, and scientific circles, the number is generally accepted as eight, and these are:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid
• Biotin
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Folic Acid (folate)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

There is a great deal of biological activity for which this group of vitamins is responsible, and there is also a great deal of overlap between the respective functions of each vitamin in the B Complex family. However, most of the overlap is centered around the metabolism of the three macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat). Other tasks more specific to certain members of the B Complex group of vitamins include support for the brain and central nervous system, the growth and development of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy skin and muscle tone, immune function and hormone activity. Metaphorically speaking, the B Complex family of vitamins can be described as the ‘transmission fluid' of the complex automobile that is the human body.

Vitamin B1 ( a.k.a. thiamin): Thiamin is required to convert glucose and amino acids into energy as well as to develop red blood cells and maintain muscle tissue. Thiamin is converted by the body into its active coenzyme form thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP). TPP is a catalyst for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key enzyme responsible for the conversion of pyruvate into the all-important acetyl-CoA, which is central to the Kreb's Cycle that in turn generates cellular respiration. In ‘underdeveloped' countries, Vitamin B1 deficiencies are usually found where foods made from white flour are staples. In the ‘developed' world, where such foods are often fortified with thiamin, the main reasons for deficiencies are alcohol consumption (which impairs thiamin absorption) and poor dietary choices. The most serious deficiencies can lead to degenerative nerve disorders such as beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, diseases also common among chronic alcoholism.

Thiamin deficiency has also been linked to Type II Diabetes, particularly in the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which occur at an abnormally high rate among diabetics. Simply put, AGEs are cellular proteins that are damaged as a result of being exposed to glucose without the mediating action of a co-enzyme. Increased AGE occurrence is also commensurate with the Aging process. Benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble form of thiamin that has been shown in studies to be 5 times more bioavailable than regular thiamin. In fact, clinical trials have demonstrated that Benfotiamine can improve nerve function by 30% and decrease nerve pain by 50% among diabetics.

Vitamin B2 (a.k.a. Riboflavin): While playing a role in the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins,  Vitamin B2 is particularly active in skin and vision health.  Vitamin B2 has long been used as an adjunct in the treatment of neonatal jaundice and has recently been added to anti-migraine protocols as well. Ariboflavinosis is the specific condition caused by riboflavin deficiency and its symptoms include sores around the mouth and swelling of the throat, cheilosis (cracks on the lips), and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).

Vitamin B3 (a.k.a. Niacin): The derivatives of Vitamin B3 form the basis of the oxidized and reduced forms of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ and NADH). The interaction between these coenzymes forms part of the basis (along with the aforementioned acetyl-CoA) of the Kreb's cycle, generating cellular respiration and energy in the form of ATP. B3 also plays an essential role in DNA repair, removing toxic chemicals from the body, and assisting in hormone production. Niacin is also effective at inhibiting the release of low-density lipoproteins (or LDL [bad] cholesterol) into the blood from the liver, making it a treatment of choice for hyperlipidemia.

Deficiency in Vitamin B3 (combined with a deficiency in the essential amino acid tryptophan) can lead to a disease known as pellagra, characterized by deramatitis, insomnia, diarrhea, weakness and progressive dementia. Most niacin supplements are in nicotinic acid form, which has been associated with a ‘flushing' effect, an unpleasant warming and itching of the skin when taken at significant doses. Inositol hexanicotinate is a form of niacin that is free of this effect.

Vitamin B5 (a.k.a. Pantothenic acid): Vitamin B5 is needed to form coenzyme A (later becoming acetyl-CoA), which is central to cellular respiration and energy production. Vitamin B5 has also been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, including lowered total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B6 (a.k.a. Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is most commonly known as pyridoxine, but in fact Vitamin B6 is comprised of three organic forms, namely pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. Each represents a different stage in the body's metabolism of this important vitamin. Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, or P5P, represents the advanced stage of this metabolism, the stage at which Vitamin B6 has been converted into a coenzyme, a catalyst for at least 113 known essential enzymatic reactions in the body. These include the metabolism of all endogenous amino acids, including such particularly crucial ones as tyrosine, glutamine, cysteine and glycine. P5P is also important for the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids as well as the formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters, making P5P a factor in optimal cognitive function as well. Notable features of the latter include the fact that P5P is required to convert tryptophan into serotonin as well as to release glucose from glycogen.

Indeed, a deficiency in Vitamin B6 can lead to anemia, depression, dermatitis, hypertension, elevated levels of homocysteine and water retention, insomnia, premenstrual tension, irritability, muscle twitching, convulsions, and kidney stones. B6 has been successfully studied for its ability to enhance the immune system and alleviate the symptoms of autism, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), anemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hyperhomocysteinemia and other conditions. While the aforementioned studies used conventional Vitamin B6 supplementation (mainly pyridoxine hydrochloride), it must be remembered that only the P5P converted from pyridoxine can be used for nitrogen and protein metabolism and heme synthesis. This underlines the potential for P5P in supplement form, especially in cases where the body's ability to synthesize it from its organic Vitamin B6 forms is compromised in any way. In fact, it was found that in patients with impaired liver function, only 33% responded to pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation with an increase in plasma P5P, where as all of the patients receiving P5P supplementation experienced an increase.

Vitamin B12 (a.k.a. Methylcobalamin): Vitamin B12 has distinguished itself among the B-vitamins with the volumes of research attributable to its specific effects on neurological health. Vitamin B12 is also very important to the methylation cycle. The successful studies with B12's neuroprotective and neurogenerative benefits were conducted with the methylcobalamin (the active coenzyme) form of Vitamin B12.

Folic Acid is needed for the synthesis of new red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body) and DNA. Folic Acid is often prescribed during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the fetus. A deficiency can also lead to megaloblastic anemia, a specific form of anemia caused by the inhibition of DNA synthesis in red blood cell production, as well as elevated levels of homocysteine. Biotin is another B vitamin that is inolved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and finally, although not strictly a vitamin, choline is an essential nutrient that is often grouped with B Complex. Choline is a nitrogen-based organic compound that is found in the lipids of cell membranes. As such, it plays an important role in the structural integrity of cells as well as in the movement of essential lipids across cell membranes and in the synthesis of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

In summation, the B Complex family of vitamins is essential to processing and disseminating the fuel required to keep the evolutionist miracle known as the human body in constant operation. Maintaining the proper intake of this group of vitamins is indeed essential for keeping that operation as optimal as possible for as long as possible.

Dietary vitamin b6 intake and the risk of colorectal cancer.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Jan;17(1):171-82.
Theodoratou E, Farrington SM, Tenesa A, McNeill G, Cetnarskyj R, Barnetson RA, Porteous ME, Dunlop MG, Campbell H.

Vitamin B6, a coenzyme in the folate metabolism pathway, may have anticarcinogenic effects. Laboratory and epidemiologic studies support the hypothesis of its protective effect against colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this large Scottish case-control study, including 2,028 hospital-based cases and 2,722 population-based controls, was to investigate the associations between dietary and supplementary intake of Vitamin B6 and CRC. Three logistic regression models adjusted for several confounding factors, including energy, folate, and fiber intake, were applied in the whole sample and after age, sex, cancer site, folate, MTHFR C677T (rs1801133), MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131), MTR A2756G (rs1805087), and MTRR A66G (rs1801394) stratification (analysis on genotypes on 1,001 cases and 1,010 controls less than 55 years old). Moderately strong inverse and dose-dependent associations in the whole sample were found between CRC risk and the intake of dietary and total vitamin B6 in all three models [model III: odds ratio (OR), 0.77; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.61-0.98; P for trend = 0.03; OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.69-1.07; P for trend = 0.12]. In addition, meta-analyses of published studies showed inverse associations between vitamin B6 and CRC (combined relative risk, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96; test for overall effect P = 0.01; combined odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60-0.75; test for overall effect P < 0.00001). Analysis within the stratified subgroups showed similar associations apart from a stronger effect among those who were 55 or younger. Evidence from larger cohort and experimental studies is now required to confirm and define the anticarcinogenic actions of Vitamin B6 and to explore the mechanisms by which this effect is mediated.

Vitamin B complex and homocysteine in chronic renal failure.
Nutr Hosp. 2007 Nov-Dec;22(6):661-71.
Sánchez C, Planells E, Aranda P, de la Cruz AP, Asensio C, Mataix J, Llopis J.

Metabolic, biochemical, and hormonal changes occur in chronic renal failure usually associated with hyponutrition states. In predialysis patients, knowing the nutritional state about water-soluble vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, cianocobalamine, and folic acid is becoming more and more important since some of the manifestations of chronic renal failure may be due to the deficiency of some of these water-soluble vitamins. The metabolic pathways in which most of these vitamins participate are interrelated and it is difficult to understand how the individual deficits of each vitamin affect renal pathology. This work aims at reviewing not only this issue but also the status of these water-soluble vitamins that different authors have found in groups of predialysis patients. On the other hand, the issue on the high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic renal failure as the main mortality risk factor due to cardiovascular pathologies as well as the implication of these vitamins in the metabolism of homocysteine, and consequently in plasma levels of this metabolite in predialysis patients is reviewed.

Le complexe de vitamines B, soit B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavine), B3 (niacine), B5 (pantéthine), B6, B12, biotin et acide folique, est un complexe de vitamines essentiel. Ensemble, ces vitamines sont responsables du métabolisme des protéines, des hydrates de carbone et des gras, du bon maintien du système nerveux central et de l'augmentation de la différentiation cellulaire et métabolique, ainsi que de plusieurs autres fonctions.

AOR a créé ADVANCED B COMPLEX pour deux raisons: la première avait pour but d'adresser la glycation des protéines, un processus impliqué dans le vieillissement; alors que la deuxième était tout simplement de créer le meilleur complexe de vitamine B existant dans le monde.
Les protéines glyquées sont formées dans le corps lorsque les protéines sont exposées au sucre sans l'action de coenzymes, endommageant ainsi la structure des protéines et interrompant leurs fonctions. Les protéines glyquées sont associées à plusieurs maladies reliées au vieillissement. La formation de protéines glyquées peut occasionner des conditions inflammatoires et auto-immunes dangereuses. La glycation joue aussi un rôle dans les maladies vasculaires, les dysfonctions érectiles, les maladies rénales, la rigidité des articulations, la perte de l'élasticité de la peau, l'arthrite, les cataractes, les rétinopathies, les neuropathies, l'Alzheimer, la guérison anormale des blessures mineures, l'incontinence urinaire, les complications du diabète et les cardiomyopathies. Le bon fonctionnement du complexe de vitamines B, surtout pour la vitamine B1, est essentiel pour ralentir le développement de protéines glyquées.

Afin de créer le meilleur complexe de vitamines B possible, il faut deux choses: des ratios bien équilibrés et des sources supérieures. AOR a rejeté la position prise par plusieurs manufacturiers de suppléments, soit l'utilisation de la même quantité (50, 75, ou 100 mg) de chacune des vitamines B. Considérant que chaque vitamine du complexe B a un rôle biologique spécifique bien précis, il y a aucune chance que le corps exige les mêmes quantités de chacune de ces vitamines. C'est donc dire qu'une approche plus approfondie et équilibrée a été utilisée afin de déterminer les quantités de chaque vitamine B constituant l'ADVANCED B COMPLEX. D'autres recherches nous ont aussi permis de déterminer les meilleures sources biologiques disponibles de chacune des vitamines B et d'assurer une bonne synergie entre elles.

L'ADVANCED B COMPLEX contient de la Benfotiamine comme source de B1. La benfotiamine est une forme de thiamine. Des études ont démontré que cette forme de thiamine est biologiquement cinq fois plus disponible que les suppléments de thiamine conventionnels. Des essais cliniques ont aussi démontré, avec succès, que la benfotiamine améliore de 30% le fonctionnement des nerfs chez les patients souffrant de neuropathies diabétiques et diminue la douleur de 50%. Un autre essai clinique humain a comparé un complexe B contenant une méga dose de thiamine à un complexe B contenant de la benfotiamine. La benfotiamine a passé les tests d'efficacité en termes de paramètres essentiels de la fonction nerveuse, alors que la thiamine standard a échoué. L'ADVANCED B COMPLEX utilise l'hexanicotinate d'inositol comme source de niacine (B3). La niacine conventionnelle peut causer des effets secondaires désagréables, tels que l'irritation et des rougeurs accompagnées de sensations d'échauffement de la peau - e.i. un éclat de niacine. La forme standard de niacine peut aussi, potentiellement, endommager le foie. L'hexanicotinate d'inositol permet à la niacine de se libérer lentement dans le sang en évitant les éclats de niacine et autres effets secondaires de la niacine conventionnelle, tout en étant plus sécuritaire pour le foie. La source de B6 utilisée dans ADVANCED B COMPLEX est le Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, une forme de coenzyme très efficace et active de vitamine B6. La plupart des suppléments de complexe B utilise la pyridoxine, qui doit être transformée en Pyridoxal-
5-Phosphate à l'intérieur du foie avant d'être utilisée par le corps. En conclusion, l'ADVANCED B COMPLEX utilise aussi une forme de coenzyme B12 active appelée la méthylcobalamine. Des études ont démontré que la méthylcobalamine assure une structure saine et aide au bon fonctionnement des nerfs et du cerveau. La méthylcobalamine est supérieure à la cyanocobalamine, la forme de vitamine B12 la plus répandue.