Befons is a biologically active supplement of Vitamin B complex which includes

     • Vitamin B1 – 5 mg

     • Vitamin B2 – 6 mg

     • Vitamin B3 – 30 mg

     • Vitamin B5 – 10 mg

     • Vitamin B6 – 6 mg

     • Vitamin B7 – 50 mcg

     • Vitamin B12 – 9 mcg

Befons contains dry sorbitol, magnesium stearate and orange compound as excipients․

B vitamins are a group of 8 water-soluble vitamins. The body does not store them, so they need to be replaced daily. B vitamins are found in animal proteins, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and beans. Overall, their function can generally be divided into catabolic metabolism, leading to energy production, and anabolic metabolism, resulting in bioactive molecules. They are critical cofactors for axonal transport, synthesis of neurotransmitters, and many cellular metabolic pathways. B vitamins are cofactors for many essential enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of RNA and DNA. B vitamin deficiencies have been considered as etiological factors in the development of various neurologic disorders and a broad spectrum of pathological states. Reductions in food intake and absorption efficiency in some populations, including the geriatric population, may warrant attention to their dietary B vitamin levels. Most B vitamins are generally safe even at intake levels reached with fortified food or supplements. [1] 
Any B vitamin deficiency can negatively affect mitochondrial metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids through the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain. [2]

Vitamine B1 (Thiamine) is absorbed in the duodenum and converted with magnesium as a cofactor to its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). TPP acts as a cofactor at crucial steps of the citric acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway. TPP also plays a major role in the aerobic metabolism of glucose for energy production. Low thiamine levels can cause altered mitochondrial activity, impaired oxidative metabolism, and reduced energy production. Cell death can occur, especially neurons, which are more vulnerable due to their high energy demand. Thiamine may perform as a free radical scavenger. TPP is essential to the production of acetylcholine and myelin and the maintenance of glutamate, aspartate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels. Neuronal excitation and delirium can happen in thiamine deficiency because of low acetylcholine levels, decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid levels, and an increase in its precursor glutamate. [3,4]

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) active forms are essential in synthesizing niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and all heme proteins. It is also needed for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism into glucose. Its antioxidant effect is vital to cellular respiration and function in the immune system. Riboflavin deficiency and its symptomatology are mostly reversible through diet and supplementation. Riboflavin may be used to prevent cataracts and lower homocysteine levels. Riboflavin is rated as level B evidence for migraine headache prophylaxis by the American Academy of Neurology [5]

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is metabolized from tryptophan and works as a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate coenzymes. Both are needed for DNA repair and cholesterol synthesis. Low iron, riboflavin, or vitamin B6 levels decrease the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. Pellagra, caused by niacin deficiency, is rare in developed countries because their diets have the average recommended amount of niacin. Pellagra is characterized by “the 3 Ds”: dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis. Other associated manifestations include memory loss, depression, disorientation, headaches, apathy, fatigue, vomit, a swollen mouth, and a scaly rash on sun-exposed skin. Pellagra may be lethal if not treated. [6]

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is essential in the biosynthesis of coenzyme A, cholesterol, fatty acids, and acetylcholine. Deficiency symptoms may include increased arthritic pain, fatigue, irritability, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Nearly all symptoms resolve after resuming intake of pantothenic acid. [7]

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), the active form, is a coenzyme that supports numerous enzymes in performing various functions, including the maintenance of normal levels of homocysteine, supporting immune function and brain health, and the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. [6]

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) plays an essential role in gene regulation, cell signaling, and replication. It catalyzes the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. Biotin deficiency is rare outside of high-risk populations, such as those who experience biotinidase deficiency, alcoholism, chronic use of epileptic medications, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Excessive biotin levels have no known toxic effects. [6]

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin, comprises a number of forms including cyano-, methyl-, deoxyadenosyl- and hydroxy-cobalamin. The cyano form, which is used in supplements, is found in trace amounts in food. [8] The synthetic form of supplemental vitamin B12 has long been available as cyanocobalamin for oral and injectable use. [9] Cyanocobalamin is required for red blood cell production, neurologic function, and myelin synthesis. It serves as a cofactor in DNA and RNA synthesis as well as hormone, protein, and lipid synthesis and metabolism. Deficiency may present as megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, low appetite, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. If not treated, neuropsychiatric illness and irreversible neurologic damage occur. A more common presentation is low or marginal cobalamin levels of 200–300 pg/mL (148–221 pmol/L) without symptoms. [10]

References
[1] Hanna M, Jaqua E, Nguyen V, Clay J. B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine. Perm J. 2022 Jun 29;26(2):89-97. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.204. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35933667; PMCID: PMC9662251.
[2] Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the brain: mechanisms, dose and efficacy--a review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. 10.3390/nu8020068
[3] Osiezagha K, Ali S, Freeman C, et al.. Thiamine deficiency and delirium. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2013;10(4):26–32.
[4] Attaluri P, Castillo A, Edriss H, Nugent K. Thiamine deficiency: an important consideration in critically ill patients. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(4):382–390. 10.1016/j.amjms.2018.06.015
[5] Moss M. Drugs as anti‐nutrients. J Nutr Environ Med. 2009;16(2):149–166. 10.1080/13590840701352740
[6] Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes and its Panel on Folate, Other B Vitamins, and Choline . Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US); 1998.
[7] PubChem . Pantothenic acid. Accessed Apr 17, 2021.
[8] O'Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010 Mar;2(3):299-316. doi: 10.3390/nu2030299. Epub 2010 Mar 5. PMID: 22254022; PMCID: PMC3257642.
[9] Paul C, Brady DM. Comparative Bioavailability and Utilization of Particular Forms of B12 Supplements With Potential to Mitigate B12-related Genetic Polymorphisms. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017 Feb;16(1):42-49.
[10] National Institutes of Health . Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12. NIH.gov. Published 2016. Accessed 27 December 2021.