What are the benefits of B vitamins?
The B Vitamins in Kollo Explained — and What They Actually Do
Health and beauty supplements are often packed with a whole host of B vitamins, but the labels rarely explain the difference between them or what each one actually does. Kollo is a marine collagen supplement first, but it's also formulated with a blend of vitamins — B1, B5, B6, B12 and C — plus the amino acid l-lysine. This guide walks through each one, sticking to what the evidence and the UK's authorised health claims actually support. For the full picture on the collagen side, our complete guide to liquid marine collagen covers dosing, format and the results timeline.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine helps the body convert food into energy — its authorised UK health claims include contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function. Because it's water-soluble, the body doesn't produce it or store it in meaningful amounts, so it needs to come from your diet (or a supplement) regularly.
You may see B1 called the "anti-stress vitamin" elsewhere, sometimes with claims it prevents stress-related breakouts. We don't repeat that — there isn't good clinical evidence connecting oral thiamine to breakouts, and the authorised claims above are the ones that stand up.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and normal mental performance — all authorised UK claims. It also plays a role in the normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.
B5 often appears in skincare conversations because a topical form (dexpanthenol) is used in moisturisers for skin barrier support. That's a different thing from taking it orally, though — claims that oral B5 treats acne or eczema aren't backed by strong clinical evidence, so we leave them out.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor the body uses in producing neurotransmitters, and its authorised claims include contributing to normal psychological function, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal red blood cell formation and the normal function of the immune system. It also carries an authorised claim for contributing to the regulation of hormonal activity — one reason B6 comes up frequently in conversations about women's health and the menopause transition, which our complete guide to menopause supplements explores in depth.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems, normal red blood cell formation, normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also has an authorised claim for its role in the process of cell division.
An honest note: some older articles claim B12 is "proven" to help acne, psoriasis and eczema. The clinical evidence doesn't support that for oral supplementation, so we don't make those claims.
Vitamin C — the Collagen Connection
Vitamin C earns its place in a collagen supplement for a specific, regulator-recognised reason: it carries an authorised UK health claim for contributing to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. To be clear about the nuance — vitamin C isn't strictly required for a collagen supplement to work, but it's a genuinely beneficial addition given its role in the body's own collagen formation.
And L-Lysine?
L-lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body can't make it and it must come from the diet. It's one of the amino acids involved in the body's collagen-making process, which is why it appears in Kollo's formula alongside the collagen peptides themselves. We don't attach specific health claims to it, because there are no authorised UK claims for l-lysine — it's included as a supporting ingredient, and that's how we describe it.
Kollo's Vitamin Blend at a Glance
| Ingredient | Authorised UK health claims include |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | Normal energy-yielding metabolism; normal nervous system function; normal psychological function |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | Reduction of tiredness and fatigue; normal mental performance; normal energy-yielding metabolism |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | Normal psychological function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue; regulation of hormonal activity; normal immune function |
| Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) | Reduction of tiredness and fatigue; normal nervous and immune system function; cell division |
| Vitamin C | Normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin; normal immune function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue |
| L-lysine | Essential amino acid involved in collagen formation — no authorised claims, included as a supporting ingredient |
Why This Blend Makes Sense in a Collagen Supplement
- One daily step — collagen, five vitamins and l-lysine in a single pre-measured sachet, no pill organiser required.
- Energy support with authorised claims — B5, B6, B12 and C all contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- The collagen connection — vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Water-soluble vitamins need regular top-ups — the body doesn't store B vitamins in large amounts, so daily consistency matters.
- Independently tested — Kollo is Informed Choice certified, with every batch screened for banned substances.
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Premium Liquid Marine Collagen
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Shop Now →Who Benefits From a Combined Collagen and Vitamin Formula?
A combined formula suits anyone who wants to simplify their routine — one sachet instead of a handful of separate supplements. It's particularly relevant for women in their 40s and beyond, when energy, skin and bone concerns start to overlap and the supplement cupboard can get crowded. Our women's wellness guide for over 40s covers how to layer supplements sensibly at that life stage without doubling up.
As always, supplements complement a balanced diet rather than replace it — B vitamins are found naturally in wholegrains, eggs, meat, fish, dairy and leafy greens. But if consistency is the struggle, a daily sachet that combines 10,000mg of Naticol® marine collagen with this vitamin blend is a practical way to cover both bases. For everything else you need to know before starting, head to our complete guide to liquid marine collagen.
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
