List of Facts About Vitamin B

Knowing the facts about vitamin B makes it easier to understand the eight essential and distinct vitamins that make up vitamin B, known as vitamin B-complex.

Some Facts About Vitamin B

• Vitamin B is made up of eight chemically distinct vitamins that once were thought to be one vitamin. It is known as vitamin B-complex.
• All of the B vitamins are water soluble.
• B vitamins must be replenished daily as they are not stored in the body.
• Different B vitamins come from different food sources.
• Each B vitamin performs a unique and separate function in the body. It was once thought they shared their functions.
• Each of the vitamins has its own part in healthy brain function, development and mental acuity.
• The B vitamins are necessary for the formation of serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine, three critical chemicals of the brain.
• At times all of the B vitamins work together to keep the body functioning in a healthy manner. Working together they are needed for the following:
  • The proper functioning of the body's metabolic system
  • Converting carbohydrates to glucose
  • Promoting cell growth, reproduction and division
  • RNA and DNA synthesis
  • Protecting the body from cardiovascular disease
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Maintaining and enhancing the function of the nervous system
  • Helping the digestive system to work properly
  • Maintaining healthy muscle tone and skin
  • Reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer
  • Fighting depression, anxiety and stress
  • Improving memory

Vitamin B1 Facts

• Vitamin B1 is known as thiamine.
• The cells in the human body cannot use oxygen to store energy if it does not have vitamin B1.
• It is essential for the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, alcohols and fats, the functioning of nerve cells, energy production and support of healthy heart functions.
• It was the first of the B vitamins to be discovered.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B1 include:
  • Organ meats such as liver, heart and kidney
  • Wheat germ
  • Enriched fortified cereal
  • Eggs
  • Berries
  • Nuts
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms
  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Tomatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Legumes
  • Tuna fish
  • Sunflower seeds

Vitamin B2 Facts

• Vitamin B2 is known as riboflavin.
• It is needed for converting carbohydrates to energy, red blood cell formation, growth and cell respiration.
• It is essential in order for the body to use vitamin B6.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B2 include:
  • Milk
  • Meat
  • Mushrooms
  • Liver
  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Enriched fortified cereals, breads and pastas

Vitamin B3 Facts

• Vitamin B3 is known as niacin or nicotinic acid.
• It is essential for metabolism, growth and tissue oxidation.
• Vitamin B3 stimulates the central nervous system and brain functions.
• This vitamin lowers blood sugar in diabetics.
• It helps to improve joint pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B3 include:
  • Husks of cereals
  • Green vegetables
  • Meat
  • Chicken
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Liver
  • Fish
  • Milk
  • Yeast
  • Dried peas and beans
  • Enriched fortified cereal

Vitamin B5 Facts

Vitamin B5 is known as pantothenic acid.

• This vitamin is found as coenzyme A (CoA) in every living cell and is necessary to sustain life.
• It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• Vitamin B5 is essential in the production of melatonin.
• It helps to prevent graying of hair and fights wrinkles.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B5 include:
  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Yeast
  • Egg yolk
  • Milk
  • California avocado
  • Molasses
  • Wheat bran
  • Sweet potatoes

Vitamin B6 Facts

• Vitamin B6 is known as pyridoxine.
• It helps to absorb and metabolize amino acids, fats and carbohydrates, stabilize behavior and mood, produce red blood cells, and help the immune system.
• Vitamin B6 is necessary for balancing hormonal changes in woman and relieving premenstrual and menstrual pain and discomfort.
• It protects the body from cancer and heart disease.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B6 include:
  • Wheat germ
  • Whole grains
  • Bananas
  • Avocado
  • Liver
  • Spinach
  • Green beans
  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Egg yolk
  • Meat
  • Yeast

Vitamin B7 Facts

Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin or vitamin H.

• It helps with carbon dioxide transfer making it essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
• This vitamin helps to synthesize amino acids and fatty acids.
• It is necessary for proper cell growth and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
• Foods that are a good source of vitamin B6 include:
  • Royal jelly
  • Brewers yeast
  • Egg yolk
  • Liver
  • Milk

Vitamin B9 Facts

• Vitamin B9 is known as folic acid, vitamin M, or vitamin B-c.
• This vitamin is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin.
• It improves focus and alertness.
  • Foods that are a good source of vitamin B9 include:
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Organ meats
  • Nuts
  • Legumes

Vitamin B12 Facts

• Vitamin B12 is known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin.
• This vitamin is necessary for the central nervous system to function properly.
• It helps in the formation of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper development and growth in children.
• It is only found in animal sources including:
  • Meat
  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Eggs
  • Milk and dairy products

Conclusion

The B vitamins are all essential nutrients to the body needed to maintain optimum health and proper body functioning. The facts about vitamin B remind us of the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet.