{"id":22506,"date":"2026-06-04T22:47:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T20:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/uncategorized\/active-vit-b-complex\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T22:47:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T20:47:45","slug":"active-vit-b-complex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/blog-en\/active-vit-b-complex\/","title":{"rendered":"Active Vit B Complex"},"content":{"rendered":"
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NGD Care Scientific Background Dietary Supplements<\/div>\n

Liposomal Vitamin B Complex:
\n the metabolic network of B vitamins in dogs, cats and humans<\/span><\/h1>\n

Why are B vitamins a functional network and not separate supplements? The role of each of the eight B vitamins in energy metabolism, nerve function, and cell biology, and when supplementation is mechanistically justified in dogs, cats, and humans. <\/p>\n

By Stefan Veenstra DVM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B vitamins: a metabolic network, not single molecules<\/h2>\n

The eight B vitamins are conventionally described as separate micronutrients, but this picture is molecularly incorrect. B vitamins are cofactors in interconnected metabolic pathways. Thiamine is a cofactor for the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction that links the output of glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. Riboflavin provides FAD for NAD regeneration through the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Niacin is the direct precursor of NAD+ and NADP+. Pantothenic acid builds coenzyme A, the central shuttle molecule of the citric acid cycle. Folate and B12 are inextricably linked in methylation metabolism. [1]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

A deficiency of one B vitamin thus disrupts the functioning of the others through shared metabolic dependencies. A B12 deficiency blocks methylation metabolism, which traps folate in an unusable form (the “methylfolate trap”). A riboflavin deficiency reduces the FAD availability required for B6 activation to P-5-P. This explains why a complete B complex is always more effective than single B vitamins for deficiencies. <\/p>\n

A deficiency of one B vitamin often masks itself as a deficiency of the others. B12-only supplementation does not completely correct a folate deficiency, and vice versa. A complete B-complex is the mechanistically correct approach for tired or chronically ill animals. <\/div>\n
Vitamin B-Complex in the NGD Care context<\/strong>
\nNGD Care Gut Protocol: Vitamin B-Complex as a Phase 2 Component for Nervous System and Energy Recovery<\/a><\/div>\n

The eight B vitamins: functions and veterinary relevance<\/h2>\n
\n
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B1 Thiamine<\/div>\n

Cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and transketolase. Essential for nerve function and energy metabolism. Heat labile: 70-90% destroyed by extrusion of dry food. Deficiency causes severe neurological symptoms. [2]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B2 Riboflavin<\/div>\n

Precursor of FAD and FMN, cofactors for mitochondrial respiratory chain and fat oxidation. Necessary for B6 activation. Deficiency affects skin, eyes and energy production. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B3 Niacin<\/div>\n

Direct precursor of NAD+ and NADP+. Essential for mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair via PARP enzymes. Dogs can convert limited tryptophan to niacin; Cats almost don’t. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B5 Pantothenic acid<\/div>\n

Component of coenzyme A. Essential for citric acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism and hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis. Deficiency affects adrenal gland function and energy management. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B6 as P-5-P<\/div>\n

Cofactor for more than 100 enzymes, including amino acid decarboxylases. Essential for serotonin, dopamine and GABA synthesis. P-5-P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) is the directly active form, without liver conversion. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
B7 Biotin<\/div>\n

Cofactor for carboxylase actions in fatty acid metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Essential for skin barrier and coat health. Raw egg white (avidin) blocks biotin absorption. Relevant for skin problems and coat deterioration. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B9 Methylfolate<\/div>\n

Essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. As methylfolate (5-MTHF) directly active, without MTHFR enzyme conversion. Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects in the fetus. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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B12 Methylcobalamin<\/div>\n

Essential for myelination of nerve fibers, red blood cell formation and methylation metabolism. The most frequently deficient B vitamin is in dogs and cats with chronic bowel disease. Methylcobalamin is the directly active form. [3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

B12 deficiency: the most common B vitamin problem in dogs and cats<\/h2>\n

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is clinically the most relevant B vitamin in dogs and cats because deficiency is frequent in intestinal diseases and the clinical consequences are serious. B12 is absorbed through a specific mechanism in the ileum that depends on the intrinsic factor protein, produced by the gastric mucosa. In IBD, EPI, SIBO and other intestinal pathologies, the absorption of B12 is structurally reduced, regardless of dietary quality. [3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

B12 deficiency in dogs and cats causes anemia (megaloblastic anemia), neurological symptoms (mental dullness, cognitive dysfunction, sometimes epilepsy in severe deficiency), weight loss and gastrointestinal complaints. Traditionally, B12 was given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Recent studies show that oral supplementation with high doses of methylcobalamin is as effective as injection for achieving therapeutic plasma concentrations, which makes oral supplementation a safe and practical alternative. [4]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Active Forms: Why Formulation Counts<\/h2>\n

NGD Care Vitamin B-Complex provides folate as methylfolate (5-MTHF) and B12 as methylcobalamin, the active forms that do not require hepatic enzymatic conversion. In the most common genetic variant in methylation metabolism (MTHFR C677T polymorphism), the conversion of folic acid to active methylfolate is reduced to 40 to 70% of normal. Although this polymorphism in dogs has been less well studied than in humans, similar genetic variants in B vitamin metabolism have been demonstrated in canine genomics. The directly active forms completely bypass this mechanism. [5]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Thiamine is supplied in the complex in its water-soluble stable form, and B6 as P-5-P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate), the directly active cofactorm, which is particularly relevant in animals with impaired liver function.<\/p>\n

Why liposomal formulation in water-soluble vitamins<\/h2>\n

B vitamins are water-soluble, which conventionally gives the impression that liposomal encapsulation is less relevant than with fat-soluble vitamins. This picture is more nuanced. First, B vitamins are sensitive to oxidative degradation and pH-induced degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly B12 (cobalamin). Secondly, the absorption of B12 via the intrinsic factor mechanism is structurally reduced in intestinal disease. Liposomal encapsulation bypasses the intrinsic factor-dependent absorption mechanism via direct endocytosis by the enterocytes, thereby improving B12 absorption in ileal diseases as well. [6]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

When is supplementation mechanistically justified<\/h2>\n
\n
Bowel disease<\/strong>IBD, EPI and SIBO directly reduce B12 absorption. Chronic intestinal complaints with fluctuating stools are almost always accompanied by reduced B vitamin status. <\/div>\n
Dry food<\/strong>Extrusion destroys 70-90% of thiamine. Dogs and cats on dry food alone have an increased risk of subclinical B1 deficiency. <\/div>\n
Chronic stress<\/strong>Stress increases the consumption of B5 (adrenal function), B6 (serotonin synthesis) and B12 (nervous system). Chronically stressed animals have an increased B vitamin requirement. <\/div>\n
Old age<\/strong>Absorption of B12 decreases in aging dogs and cats due to reduced gastric secretion and intestinal motility. Senior animals have systematically lower B12 levels. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Scope of application Vitamin B Complex: dog, cat and human<\/h3>\n

Fatigue, decreased energy and low vitality. B12 deficiency in chronic bowel diseases (IBD, EPI, SIBO). Anemia and red blood cell dysfunction. Neurological complaints and nerve damage. Phase 2 component of the Gut Protocol for Nervous System and Energy Recovery. Chronic stress with increased B vitamin requirements. Skin problems and coat deterioration (biotin and B6). Senior animals with reduced B vitamin status. Dry feed animals with subclinical thiamine risk. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

B vitamins are a functional network in which each vitamin supports the functioning of the others through shared metabolic pathways. A complete B complex in active forms (methylcobalamin, methylfolate, P-5-P) is the mechanistically correct approach in case of B vitamin deficiency or increased need. <\/p>\n

In dogs and cats, B12 deficiency in chronic bowel disease is the most common and clinically impactful B vitamin problem. Liposomal formulation bypasses the intrinsic factor-dependent absorption mechanism and enables effective oral supplementation, including in ileal and intestinal pathology. Always consult a veterinarian if clinical B12 deficiency is suspected. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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View Vitamin B-Complex in the NGD Care webshop<\/p>\n

To the product page<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Literature<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Stover PJ. Physiology of folate and vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutr Rev.<\/em> 2004; 62(6 Pt 2):S3-S12. [B vitamins as an interdependent metabolic network]<\/em> <\/li>\n
  2. Markovich JE, Freeman LM, Heinze CR. The role of thiamine and effects of deficiency in dogs and cats. J Nutr.<\/em> 2014; 144(8):1287-1291. [Veterinary Review Thiamine in Dogs and Cats Including Heat Instability on Extrusion]<\/em><\/li>\n
  3. T\u00f4rres CL, Kempe P, Nielsen S. Cats and dogs and vitamin B12 deficiency. Pharm Mag.<\/em> 2021. [B12 Deficiency in Dogs and Cats: Absorption Mechanism and Clinical Consequences]<\/em><\/li>\n
  4. T\u00f4rres CL. Oral supplementation of cobalamin in dogs and cats. Fat Rec.<\/em> 2019. [Oral vs. Injectable B12 Supplementation: Similar Effectiveness Demonstrated]<\/em><\/li>\n
  5. Stover PJ, Garza C. Bringing individuality to public health recommendations. J Nutr.<\/em> 2002; 132(8 Suppl):2476S-2480S. [MTHFR Polymorphism and Active Folate Form]<\/em><\/li>\n
  6. Kohli K, Chopra S, Dhar D, et al. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems: an approach to enhance bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. J Pharm Pharmacol.<\/em> 2010; 62(8):1032-1040. [Liposomal Absorption Bypasses Intrinsic Factor Mechanism]<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    This information is educational in nature and based on available scientific literature. The studies mentioned are not always directly veterinary or specific to the formulation described here. This text does not replace a veterinary consultation and does not contain any therapeutic claims. If clinical B12 deficiency is suspected, veterinary diagnosis and counseling is necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    NGD Care Scientific Background Dietary Supplements Liposomal Vitamin B Complex: the metabolic network of B vitamins in dogs, cats and humans Why are B vitamins a functional network and not separate supplements? The role of each of the eight B vitamins in energy metabolism, nerve function, and cell biology, and when supplementation is mechanistically justified … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22553,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wds_title":"Liposomal Vitamin B Complex | Energy dog & cat","_wds_metadesc":"All B vitamins in active form for nerve function, DNA repair and energy metabolism in dogs and cats. Liposomal for maximum absorption, also in case of intestinal complaints.","_wds_focus-keywords":"vitamin B complex liposomal dog cat energy metabolism,vitamin B12 dog supplement deficiency,vitamin B dog gut protocol phase 2","_wds_meta-robots-adv":"","_wds_meta-robots-noindex":false,"_wds_meta-robots-nofollow":false,"_wds_meta-robots-index":false,"_wds_meta-robots-follow":false,"_wds_autolinks-exclude":false,"_wds_canonical":"","_wds_redirect":"","_wds_opengraph":[],"_wds_twitter":[],"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[178,8510,12029],"tags":[13431,13433,13439,13437,13447,13441,13449,13430,13432,13434,13436,13451,13435,7747,13429,13443,13445],"class_list":["post-22506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-scientific-deepening-of-supplements","category-supplements","tag-b12-dog-deficiency","tag-cobalamin-dog-epi","tag-dna-repair-dog-b-vitamins","tag-energy-metabolism-dog-b","tag-epi-dog-b12-cobalamin-deficiency","tag-intestinal-protocol-phase-2-b-vitamins-dog","tag-liposomal-absorption-b-dog","tag-liposomal-vitamin-b-dog","tag-methylcobalamin-dog","tag-methylfolate-dog-b9","tag-nerve-function-dog-b-vitamins","tag-ngd-care-vitamin-b-complex","tag-pyridoxal-5-phosphate-dog-b6","tag-stefan-veenstra-dvm","tag-vitamin-b-complex-dog-cat","tag-vitamin-b-dog-after-antibiotics","tag-vitamin-b-dog-stress-recovery","infinite-scroll-item"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22506"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22506\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}