The B vitamins are necessary for healthy nerves, thyroid function, heart, muscles, immune system, eyes, skin, feathers, liver, red blood cell formation, cell growth and reproduction, and promote proper digestion. The B vitamins work as a team and are codependent on one another for effectiveness. They provide the body with energy by assisting enzymes in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Some factors that deplete the B vitamins from the body are stress, antibiotics or sulfa drugs, and excess sugar. These vitamins may be easily obtained by feeding whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, brewer's yeast, green vegetables, eggs and yogurt, and intestinal bacteria produce the B vitamins, as well.
B complex is also beneficially therapeutic for gout, blood sugar disorders and stress.
It assists in collagen production, iron absorption, red blood cell formation, proper function of the adrenal glands and boosts immune system function. It helps with allergies, sinusitis, diabetes, heart disease, cataracts, gout, cancer prevention and kidney disorders. Since birds are known to manufacture vitamin C in sufficient amounts, many believe it is not necessary in their diet. We have noticed at times of stress, and that includes breeding times, our birds consume larger amounts of foods containing this vitamin, thus, we believe it to be especially useful at these times. This vitamin is known to prevent Candida albicans, viral and various bacterial infections.