B vitamins, folate and manganese: their role in energy metabolism

What energy metabolism is

Energy metabolism refers to the processes by which the body obtains usable energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Numerous enzymes are involved, and many of them work together with vitamins or minerals. That is why B vitamins and trace elements such as manganese come up so often when the topic is energy and tiredness.

What matters here is the difference between general knowledge and product advertising. In the EU, only health claims authorised in Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 may be used. In addition, they only apply if a daily serving contains at least 15% of the nutrient reference value (NRV). All claims in this article follow this wording, each as a separate sentence.

You can recognise authorised claims by their fixed wording: A nutrient contributes to a specific normal body function. They therefore describe the role the nutrient plays in the body. They do not contain a promise that you will feel more alert or more productive after taking it. So be careful with products that advertise more energy in a short time.

The amounts in Vita Energy Complex for men

Vita Energy Complex for men contains four nutrients for which authorised claims exist on energy metabolism or on tiredness and fatigue. The values refer to the daily serving of 3 capsules according to the manufacturer.

All four nutrients are above the threshold of 15% NRV. The authorised claims therefore apply to them, and we list them individually below.

Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12

Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are water-soluble vitamins. The following claims, among others, apply to both:

• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.

Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, for example in poultry, fish, potatoes, pulses and bananas. In the product it is present as pyridoxine hydrochloride, and vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamin.

In the diet, vitamin B12 is found mainly in foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. For men who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, this is a point they should be aware of. According to the manufacturer, Vita Energy Complex for men is vegan.

Folate and folic acid

Folate is the generic term for a group of compounds that belong to the B vitamins. Folic acid is the form used in food supplements. In foods, folate is found for example in green leafy vegetables, pulses and wholegrain products. A daily serving of the product contains 200 µg of folic acid, which is 100% of the reference value. These claims are authorised for folate:

• Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
• Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
• Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

There is no claim on energy metabolism for folate. Here, the link to the topic of energy is made solely through the claim on tiredness and fatigue.

Manganese, the lesser-known trace element

Manganese is a trace element that the body needs only in small amounts. It is found for example in wholegrain products, nuts, pulses and tea. The product contains it as manganese sulphate, 2 mg per daily serving. The following claims, among others, are authorised:

• Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
• Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
• Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.

Putting high amounts into perspective

For vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, the daily serving is above 100% of the reference value: 300% for vitamin B6 and 360% for vitamin B12. The reference value is a benchmark for the labelling of foods. A higher amount is therefore not automatically better, and the authorised claims apply regardless of whether a product provides 15% or 300%.

If you take other preparations containing B vitamins, such as a multivitamin or drinks with added vitamins, add up the amounts. According to the manufacturer, the recommended daily dose of 3 capsules must not be exceeded.

No caffeine and no stimulants

According to the ingredients list, Vita Energy Complex for men contains neither caffeine nor guarana nor green tea extract. The authorised claims on energy metabolism and tiredness relate exclusively to the vitamins it contains and to manganese. A food supplement does not replace sufficient sleep, a balanced diet or exercise. You can read which claims apply to zinc, selenium and vitamin D in the article Zinc, selenium and vitamin D for men. You can find more products with vitamins and minerals in the Energy and immune system category.