Dietary Supplement Foundational Brain/Nerves Gluten Free B Complex 12 supports energy production and healthy neurological function. Unlike many multi-B vitamins, it contains the active forms of eight water-soluble B vitamins. B-Complex 12 offers a complete vitamin B complex, with added vitamin B-12 and folate. Supplementing with the active forms of the B vitamins is extremely important to everyone, especially individuals who might not be able to convert non-active B vitamins to their active forms in the liver because of compromised liver function, poorly functioning enzymes, digestive disorders, or increasing age. Vitamin B12 and folate are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, normal methylation and homocysteine metabolism, and DNA synthesis. Thorne's B-Complex 12 supplies the two active forms of vitamin B12 and methylcobalamin – as well as the two active forms of folate – folinic acid and 5-MTHF. The other bioactive forms of the B vitamins in each capsule ensures you will get the most bioavailable vitamin B complex available. B-Complex 12 is not derived from yeast. Most of the B vitamins, with the exception of vitamin B12, are not stored in the body; consequently, they must be acquired daily from the diet in order to maintain optimal health. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be manifest with varying degrees of mental changes, such as confusion and irritability. Certain prescription medications (for seizures, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer) can cause a deficiency of these important vitamins. The incidence of vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency is high among the elderly. Pregnant women require an increased amount of folate for proper fetal development. A woman who has a folate deficiency prior to pregnancy can expect that deficiency to be intensified during pregnancy. B Complex 12 includes eight water-soluble B vitamins: thiamin (vitamin B1); riboflavin/riboflavin 5'-phosphate (vitamin B2); niacinamide (vitamin B3); pantothenic acid (vitamin B5); pyridoxine/pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6); methyl- and vitamin B12; folinic acid and 5-MTHF (folate); and biotin; plus choline. Although each B vitamin is chemically distinct, they often work synergistically in various biochemical functions throughout the body – from cellular energy production, to healthy red blood cell formation, to healthy neurological function. A nutritional supplement that contains these active cofactors has enhanced bioavailability, ensuring the body gets the nutrients it needs.