Do you need Vitamin B Supplements if you Work Out?

The B group vitamins are fundamental for anyone who exercises. In fact, that's why many choose to take vitamin B supplements. But does it help athletic performance?
Do you need Vitamin B Supplements if you Work Out?

Last update: 24 July, 2019

Vitamin B is fundamental to the body. Everyone should include this in their diet— especially those who exercise. In our post today, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

In addition, we’ll also dive into a relevant topic: supplements. Supplements are a big question mark for many of us; it’s hard to know when and if we should take them or not.

Vitamin B supplements

The B group vitamins help the body absorb protein, making them essential for anyone who has exercise goals. But that doesn’t mean, however, that the more vitamin B you take, the better. You need an appropriate amount, combined with a healthy diet.

If you exercise, keep in mind that B vitamins help increase your energy levels. Thanks to their boost, many people include supplements in their dietary plans.

But, we recommend using supplements under medical supervision. A professional will know if you actually need them and if so, in which quantities.

For the most part, consuming foods that have vitamin B is enough. Obtaining these micronutrients through food will also help your body absorb it more efficiently. Plenty of foods contain vitamin B so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting the amounts you need by diet alone.

Benefits

As we mentioned earlier, vitamin B plays an important role in your body. In fact, we could go on for posts and posts about the better-known benefits, because they’re endless.

vitamin B vitamins benefits

Below, read our short summaries on its most important benefits to better understand how it impacts your body. Regardless of if you exercise or not, vitamin B is crucial.

  • Joints: if you have frequent joint pain, remember that vitamin B is a helping hand as it helps reduce inflammation. It also helps combat arthritis and stiffness.
  • Prevents eye problems: a diet rich in this vitamin can prevent eye problems such as cataracts. Naturally, it’s highly recommended for the elderly.
  • Cholesterol: one of the lesser-known benefits of B group vitamins is their effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. Pairing prescribed medication with vitamin B-rich foods is a great way to keep cholesterol in check.
  • Energy levels: if you take vitamin B, you’ll feel more energetic and ready to face your daily activities. It helps your body better obtain energy from the food that you eat.

Foods rich in vitamin B

The best way to obtain this micronutrient is through diet. And it’s not hard to do because there are plenty of options to choose from.

Here are some examples of foods that are full of vitamin B and they’re healthy too. Don’t think twice! Start adding them to your daily diet today.

  • Sardines: sardines contain high amounts of B group vitamins such as B12, B1, B2, and B3. These little fish are very healthy and can be eaten fresh or canned. They’re great on top of a salad or with a healthy slice of toast.
vitamin B vitamins sardines
  • Lentils: lentils offer vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. They’re also rich in iron and can give you an energy boost. They’re popular for stews, but you can also eat them as a salad or use them to make a vegan patty.
  • Walnuts: packed with vitamin B12, these nuts are highly recommendable for daily diets. Just keep their high-calorie content in mind; think small portions.
  • Egg yolk: we all know about the benefits of egg whites. But the yolk has plenty of benefits, too, just be sure to consume it in moderation.
  • Liver: liver offers vitamins B6 and B12. It also contains a significant amount of iron. It’s a great option for people who suffer from anemia.

To wrap up, there’s no doubt about how great vitamin B is for your health. And if you exercise, it also offers a natural boost of energy as well as the nutrients for a healthy body.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.