(Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin is required for the proper development of multiple physiological systems such as the lining of the digestive tract, blood cells, and brain function.  The positive biological effects of Riboflavin have been widely studied for their antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-cancer properties.  [17]

(naturally found in foods such as quinoa, almonds, and avocados)

Niacin (as Niacinamide)

Niacin is a significant neuroprotective nutrient particularly in its involvement regarding neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases) along with neuropathological conditions (ischemic and traumatic injuries, headache, and psychiatric disorders).  Each part of the body requires niacin to function optimally and as a supplement, it may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. [5] 

(naturally found in foods such as brown rice and acorn squash)

Vitamin B6 ( as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in mood regulation since it is vital to the creation of multiple neurotransmitters that regulate emotions, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).  It has also been cited as possibly decreasing high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to depression among other psychiatric conditions. [16] 

(naturally found in foods such as bananas and nutritional yeast)

Folate

Folate is important for the functioning of the nervous system at all ages.  Numerous studies indicate that folate deficiencies correlate with negative mental health symptoms especially depression and impaired social functions.  Deficiencies in folate also seem to correlate with cognitive declines in epileptic, neurological, psychiatric, geriatric, and psychogeriatric populations.  Additionally, recent studies in elderly individuals indicate a connection between folic acid, homocysteine, aging, depression, and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease. [12]

(naturally found in foods such as kidney beans, asparagus, and beets)

Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is crucial to the normal function of the brain and the nervous system as well as the formation of red blood cells and creating and regulating DNA.  While B-12 deficiency isn’t common, individuals suffering from it risk irreversible nerve and brain damage and they may have a higher risk of developing conditions such as psychosis, mania, and dementia. [4]

(naturally found in foods such as nori seaweed and nutritional yeast)

Biotin

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that helps our bodies convert food into valuable energy.  While very rare, deficiencies in Biotin have been linked to conditions such as depression, lethargy, hallucinations, and seizures. [9]

(naturally found in foods such as peanuts, almonds, and bananas)

Pantothenic Acid (as D-calcium Pantothenate)

Pantothenic Acid plays an essential role in supporting the metabolism, adrenal health, stress regulation, and assisting the proper utilization of PABA and Choline (both of which are present in this formula). [19]

(naturally found in foods such as shitake mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes)

Choline (as Choline Bitartrate)

Choline is an essential nutrient that supports vital bodily functions such as cell maintenance, DNA synthesis, metabolism, and nervous system functioning. Its cited benefits include the improvement of memory and cognition, protecting heart health, boosting metabolism, improving lung and liver symptoms in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.  While the recommended daily intake is relatively low, most people still don’t get enough, and those with Choline deficiencies may be at risk for developing muscle and liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. [3]

(naturally found in foods such as tofu, broccoli, and peanut butter)

Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide)

Magnesium can help boost low magnesium levels, relieve constipation, manage depression, and treat migraines. Deficiencies in magnesium can contribute to the development of anxious and depressed moods, high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and other adverse conditions. [1]

(naturally found in foods such as soy nuts, flax seeds, and black-eyed peas)

Rhodiola Rosea Root

Rhodiola Rosea Root is a flowering plant with nootropic and adaptogenic effects. Its biologically active compounds have been cited to decrease stress, alleviate fatigue, reduce symptoms of depression and insomnia while promoting emotional stability, support cognitive functions such as memory and focus, and improve exercise performance. [18] 

Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha Root is an ancient medicinal adaptogenic herb that can help the body manage stress.  Many studies also suggest that it may have other numerous benefits on the body and brain including reducing blood sugar levels, impeding the growth of new cancer cells, reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reducing symptoms of depression, boosting testosterone, and increasing fertility in men, increasing muscle mass and strength, reducing inflammation, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and improving brain function including memory. [15] 

Licorice Root

Licorice Root is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies that may aid in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and eczema, reduce acid reflux and indigestion, help treat peptic ulcers caused by h. Pylori bacteria, ease upper respiratory conditions, protect against cavities, and possibly boost weight loss in some individuals. [10]

GABA (Gamma-Amino Benzoic Acid)

Gamma-Amino Benzoic Acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, within the brain.  Unlike glutamate, GABA is referred to as an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and consequently decreases activity within the nervous system.  When this neurotransmitter attaches to a GABA receptor it can produce calming effects that help ease feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear.  As such, it is becoming more common to include GABA in supplements to help individuals diagnosed with seizure disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, and Depression. [7]

PABA (as Para-Amino Benzoic Acid)

Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) is a chemical derived from the folic acid vitamin that also naturally occurs from sources such as grains and animal products. It is usually taken orally for skin conditions such as vitiligo, pemphigus, dermatomyositis, morphea, lymphoblastoma cutis, Peyronie's disease, and scleroderma; but it is also included in treatment plans for infertility in women, arthritis, anemia, rheumatic fever, constipation, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and headaches. [11]

(naturally found in foods such as brewer's yeast and spinach)

Other Ingredients

• Hypromellose [capsule]: a plant-derived coating agent and film-former (often from wood or cotton) used as an inactive ingredient [8]
• Magnesium Stearate: a simple salt formed from a saturated fat called stearic acid (often derived from plant sources such as cottonseed oil, palm oil, coconut oil) and the mineral, magnesium.  Within medications and vitamins, it is used mainly as a lubricant, or “flow agent,” since it prevents the ingredients in each capsule from sticking to each other or to the machine that creates the capsules.  This ultimately improves the consistency and quality control of medication capsules. [6]
• Silicon Dioxide: a natural compound formed from silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2), two of the earth’s most abundant materials. It is considered an essential nutrient and can be found naturally in leafy green vegetables, beets, bell peppers, brown rice, oats, alfalfa.  In supplements and medications, it is primarily used to prevent ingredients from clumping together. [14]
• Rice Flour:  flour from long grain or medium grain rice that's typically included as an inactive ingredient to form the supplement capsule itself.  Since it contains no gluten, it is safe for individuals with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. [13]

REFERENCES

• 1. Barhum, Laura. “The Health Benefits of Magnesium Oxide.” Verywell Health, About, Inc., 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/magnesium-oxide-benefits-4184809. 
• 2. Brazier, Yvette. “What Is Thiamin, or Vitamin B1?” Medical News Today, Healthline Media, 22 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324590. 
• 3. Eske, Jamie. “Everything You Need to Know about Choline.” Medical News Today , Healthline Media, 25 Nov. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327117. 
• 4. Felman, Adam. “Everything You Need to Know about Vitamin B-12.” Medical News Today, Healthline Media, 28 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822. 
• 5. Gasperi, Valeria et al. “Niacin in the Central Nervous System: An Update of Biological Aspects and Clinical Applications.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,4 974. 23 Feb. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20040974
• 6. Hansen, Kelli. “Everything You Should Know About Magnesium Stearate.” Healthline.com , Healthline Media, 22 Nov. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-silicon-dioxide-in-supplements-safe#limits. 
• 7. Healthline Medical Network. “What Does Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Do?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 7 Mar, 2019 https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid#_noHeaderPrefixedContent.
• 8. “Hypromellose.” Drugs.com, Drugs.com, 23 Nov. 2020, www.drugs.com/inactive/hypromellose-369.html
• 9. Kennedy, David O. “B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review.” Nutrients vol. 8,2 68. 27 Jan. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8020068
• 10, McGrane, Kelli. “What Are Licorice Root's Benefits and Downsides?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 June 2020, www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root. 
• 11. “Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (Paba).” WebMD.com, Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020, 2020, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1004/para-aminobenzoic-acid-paba 
• 12. Reynolds, E H. “Folic acid, ageing, depression, and dementia.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 324,7352 (2002): 1512-5. doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7352.1512
• 13. “Rice Flour: Aid Overall Health.” Exercise.com, Exercise.com, 2020, www.exercise.com/supplements/rice-flour.
• 14. Schaefer, Anna. “Is Silicon Dioxide Safe?” Healthline.com, Healthline Media, 19 June 2018, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-silicon-dioxide-in-supplements-safe. 
• 15. Spritzler, Franziska. “12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Nov. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits. 
• 16. Streit, Lizzie. “9 Health Benefits of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine).” Healthline, Healthline Media, 1 Oct. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b6-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2. 
• 17. Suwannasom, Nittiya et al. “Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 21,3 950. 31 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21030950
• 18. Van De Walle, Gavin. “7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhodiola-rosea. 
• 19. “Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).” MountSinai.org, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 2021, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid
•  20. Yacoubou, Jeanne. “Food Ingredient Info: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.” The VRG Blog RSS, The Vegetarian Resource Group, 2 July 2018, www.vrg.org/blog/2018/07/02/food-ingredient-info-hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose/.