Food 3000: Functional Food and Nutraceuticals
Semester Two, 2011
Assignment 2 Health claim & regulatory advice
The Health Claim of Vitamin B
Name: Saki Okumura
Student ID: 42507321
Vitamin B complex – desirable ingredients for functional food and nutraceuticals–
Vitamins by definition are compounds that are essential for life and if not synthesised must be obtained in the diet (Selhub et.al 2000). Vitamin B complex is one group of those vitamins which is made up of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Although vitamin B6 and B3 can be synthesised in the body, the amount is insufficient. Therefore, we have to intake all of these vitamins by food product or supplements. The health claims for the vitamin B complex are in the major role in the good health of the body metabolism as well as in the sound mental health (Bates & Heseker 1994). This report will examine the health claims of vitamin B complex with their bioactivity, bioavailability, health claims and some key issues with some product examples.
What makes vitamin B complex as an effective ingredient?
Historically, B vitamins were once thought to be a single vitamin referred to as vitamin B. However, some distinct natures and their own unique biological role to play are found later. Some of their key bioactivities were showed in table 1 in the next page. For example, vitamin B1 which is also called thiamine, works as coenzyme for proteins in an essential part of system converting carbohydrates to energy (Akyilmaz, Yasa & Dinckaya 2006). The form of coenzyme is shown in figure 1. Also they are necessary for the proper function of the nervous, the heart, and the musculature system (Akyilmaz, Yasa & Dinckaya 2006).
Figure 1. Chemical structure of vitamin B1 (left) and
its converted structure which works as coenzyme (right)
Although each vitamin B has different chemical structure, they all have bioactivity as coenzyme involving metabolism (Bates & Heseker 2011). Also, they have interaction between some B vitamins (Stough 2011). Therefore it is claimed that taking vitamin B complex is more effective than taking them individually (Stough 2011). Vitamin B complex has been used for quite a few functional food and neutraceuticals. In most cases, they are used to the products which focus on enhancing body metabolism. Also, Vitamin B complex has the ability on nerve system regulation. The study conducted by Stough showed their ability of lowering personal strain, reduction in confusion and depress/dejected mood after 12 weeks (Stough et al. 2011). In addition to relieving stress, vitamin B complex contributes to preventing disease in the elderly (Selhub et al. 2000). From these properties the health claims of vitamin B are “regulate metabolism” and “regulate nerve system”. And those claims are supported by quite a few evidence researches. However, bioavailability and limited dosage is another problem.
Table 1. Vitamin B complex with their bioactivities, mode of action
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) | Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin) | Vitamin B5 (Pantothen acid) | Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | Name |
| Function in especially gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the bone marrow. It is known to aid in the development of red blood cells in higher animals | Necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of red blood cells | Plays a role in metabolic processes that lead to the formation of fats and the utilization of carbon dioxide. | Coenzyme for several enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats | Coenzyme for several enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbon dioxide | Helps of metabolic reactions essential for the growth and well-being of animals | Required to complete several reactions in the energy cycle | Helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and helps in the metabolism of proteins and fats | Key Bioactivities |
Although vitamin B complex is usually considered to be well absorbed and readily available compared with other mineral nutrients, there are some situations where bioavailability is limited (Bates & Heseker 1994). For example, each vitamin B is easily destroyed by alcohol consumption, regular exercise, taking oral contraceptives, caffeine, stress and smoking. In those cases, bioavailability of vitamin B complex would be decreased (Bates & Heseker 1994). One of key feature of change in vitamin B bioavailability is that pregnant woman tend to have deficiency that they have to intake more dose than others (Manzanares 2011).
There are some ways to measure B vitamins. The way of measuring is depends on molecular structure of vitamins and its reaction with other substance (Karmi 2010). For example, for vitamin B12 which plays roles in red blood cell formation and nerve cell maintenance, various methods are used. The methods called electroluminescent (ECL) which involves highly reactive materials, inductive-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is used routinely in many research, radioimmunoassay (RIA) which is a highly sensitive immunoassay technique (Karmi 2010). The methods also include microbiological assay and spectrophotometric methods which are called old methods and used for reference purpose. Depend on the types of sample, purpose of the test, necessity of pre-processing, time limitations, cost , sensitivity, and specificity, the best method for measuring vitamin B is chosen (Karmi 2010).
To optimize the bioactivity of vitamin B, the recommended daily intake (RDI) is determined by each country. For example, in Australia, FZANZ determined RDI for B vitamins. RDI for each vitamin B is shown in table 2. As it is shown in table 2, the dosage required for pregnant woman is higher than those who are not.
Table 2. Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) by NHMRC
| | Men (19-30 yr) | Women (19-30 yr) |
| Vitamin B1 (mg/day) | 1.2 | 1.1 (pregnancy 1.4) |
| Vitamin B2 (mg/day) | 1.3 | 1.1 (pregnancy 1.4) |
| Vitamin B3 (mg/day) | 16 | 14 (pregnancy 18) |
| Vitamin B5 (mg/day) | 6 | 4 (pregnancy 5) |
| Vitamin B6 (mg/day) | 1.3 | 1.3 (pregnancy 1.9) |
| Vitamin B7 (μg/day) | 30 | 25 (pregnancy 30) |
| Vitamin B9 (μg/day) | 400 | 400 (pregnancy 600) |
| Vitamin B12 (μg/day) | 2.4 | 2.4 (pregnancy 2.6) |
Examine Health claims and their regulation in US and Australia
From those health claims of boosting energy metabolism and mental health are used in commercial products. There are two examples of actual commercial product for this below.
“Red Bull” is a well-known energy drink throughout the world. It contains B vitamins and other nutrients related to energy metabolism. As it is shown in table 3, in “Red Bull”, the lack of vitamin B1 and B5 is significant in terms of RDI. Oh the other hand, another example of products is “Super Coenzyme B-Complex TM” in which most of the B vitamins are excess to RDI. Although vitamin can be discharged as it is water soluble vitamin, the extra amount is significant. This may well cause nervous tissue damage due to excess folic acid (Beard, Panser & Latusic 2011).
The adding of vitamins to food is often referred to as fortification. Food standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have developed the food regulation for this. The Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (Food Ministers) has agreed that food manufacturers can add vitamins and minerals to food where there is evidence of a potential health benefit and fortification will not result in harm (FSANZ 2011).
In US, food regulation is not as strict as Australia. FDA regulates both finished dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients under a different set of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products. FDA has limited resources to analyse the composition of food products including supplement (FDA 2011).
As comparing the food regulation in Australia and Us, at first, the aim of those regulations has different nature. Australian set the regulation trying to ensure the public health and safety. They try to take away the label which may confuse consumers. On the other hand, US regulatory system set the regulation trying to ensure the right of product companies. Their aim is to give consumers various information of product before they buy it. Therefore, there are quite a few dietary supplements which may boost the rapid growth of nutraceutical market in the US. However, the food safety should be the priority for optimal health of consumers. Health claim must be supported by authorized reliable research. FDA should have better regulatory systems which focus on safety of consumers.
Product example 1, “Red Bull Energy Drink”
Table 3. B vitamins in the “Red Bull Energy Drink”
(Amount per 1 serving 8.3 fl oz can 250 g)
| | Amounts Per Selected Serving | % DV |
| Thiamin | 0.1 mg | 4% |
| Riboflavin | 1.4 mg | 85% |
| Niacin | 21.2 mg | 106% |
| Vitamin B6 | 2.1 mg | 104% |
| Folate | -- | -- |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.4 μg | 73% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 3.5 mg | 35% |
Product example 2: “Super Coenzyme B-Complex TM”
Table 2. B Vitamins in the “Super Coenzyme B-Complex TM”
Directions: Take 1-2 capsule, up to three times per day
| | Amount Per Serving (2 capsules) | % Daily Value |
| Vitamin B-1 | 10 mg | 667 |
| Vitamin B-2 | 10 mg | 588 |
| Vitamin B-3 | 100 mg | 500 |
| Vitamin B-5 | 50 mg | 500 |
| Vitamin B-6 | 50 mg | 2500 |
| Vitamin B-12 | 200 mg | 3333 |
| Folic Acid (calcium filinate) | 400 μg | 100 |
| Biotin (pure crystalline) | 400 μg | 133 |
References
Akyilmaz, Erol., Yasa, Ihsan., and Dinckaya, Erhan 2006, ‘Whole cell immobilized amperometric biosensor based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae for selective determination of vitamin B1 (thiamine)’, Analytical Biochemistry, vol.354, pp.78-84.
Bates, CJ & Heseker, H 1994, ‘Human Bioavailability of Vitamins. Nutrition Research Review’, vol.7, pp.93-127.
Beard, CM, Panser, LA, & Katusic, SK 2011, ‘Is excess folic acid supplementation a risk factor for autism?’ Med Hypotheses, vol.77, no.1, pp15-17.
Karmi, O, Zayed, A, Baraghethi, S, Qadi, M, & Ghanem, R 2011, ‘Measurement of Vitamin B12 concentration: a available methods’, The IIOAB Journal, vol.2, no.2, pp23-32.
Manzanares, W & Hardy, G 2011, ‘Thiamine supplementation in the critically ill’, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, vol.14 no.6, pp610-617.
Selhub, J, Baglarey, LC, Miler, J, & Rosenberg, IH 2000, ‘B vitamins, homocysteine, and neurocognitive function in the elderly’, American Jurnal of Clinical Nutrition, vol.71, no.2, pp614-620.
Stough, C, Scholey, A, Lloyd, J, Spong, J, Myers, S, & Downey, LA 2011, ‘The effect of 90 day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress’, Human Psychophamacology, Doi: 10.1002/hup.1229.
FSANZ web site. Addition of citamins and minerals to food.
Viewed 11th October 2011,
FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Viewed 11th October 2011
Figures and Tables
The picture on the title page
Blog, “B-vitamins for nervous system” posted on January 26th, 2011, viewed 18th October 2011,
Product example 1
Redbull homepage, viewed 18th October 2011
Product example 2
Hope page of “Wellness resources”, viewed 18th October 2011
Figure 1
Ryo, F, Astushi, H, Fumihiko, H, Ikuo, I, Toshihiko, I, Ryuhei, H, Kazuki, K, Teruo, K, Haruo, M, Katsumi, S, Jyunji, T, &Masahiro, Y 2005, ‘Functional Nutritional Chemistry’ Asakura shoten,
Table 1
McNabb, Kevin 2011, ‘The Function of Vitamin B in Our Life’, EzineArticles.com, viewed 18th October 2011,
Table 2
‘Energy drink, RED BULL, sugar free, with added caffeine, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B6 and B12’, viewed 18th October 2011,
Table 3
Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, viewed 18th October 2011,
FOOD3000 assignment 2: Health Claim and regulatory Advice
FOOD3000、中間テストもレポートもプレゼンもあって色々させてもらえる。面白いんだけど、時間を取られて他の勉強ができない。。。table1がレポートの時は横向きになってくれたけど、ここに張ったら縦向きになっちゃいました。
もどすのめんどうなのでそのままです。
来週はassignment 3: group work のプレゼン発表とレポート提出や…。
こっちきて初めて本格的なプレゼン。どきどき。
新しい”functional foodの市場に出す前の社内プレゼン”という設定で、私たちのグループはcranberry neutraceutical for weight managementっていうテーマをします。
上手くできるといいな（；＿；）
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