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The ABCs of B vitamins

Vitamins are a subject of interest for a great number of people, and B-complex vitamins are no exception. What are they? What foods are they found in? Should a supplement be taken? The following text will provide you with additional information.

Vitamin B or B vitamin(s)    We are accustomed to referring to vitamins in the singular form. For example, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, well-known by the general public, are individual entities. B-vitamins however, form a group of eight vitamins:

• vitamin B1 or thiamine
• vitamin B2 or riboflavin
• vitamin B3 or niacin
• vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid
• vitamin B6 or pyridoxine
• vitamin B8 or biotin
• vitamin B9 or folic acid

The functions of B vitamins

All of the vitamins included in the B-complex are essential to the human body. Each vitamin in this group has its own characteristics, functions, and health benefits. A list for each vitamin could be made, but for the sake of simplicity, here are just a few examples of the biochemical processes they can have an effect on:

• carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism
• energy production
• oxygen transport
• protein, hormone, red blood cell and DNA synthesis or production
• nervous system and immune system function
• vision, skin, and mucous membrane health
• wound healing

• B vitamins and nutrition

  B-complex vitamins are found in a multitude of foods, including the following:

  • potatoes
  • bananas
  • green vegetables
  • lentils
  • nuts
  • beans
  • brewer's yeast
  • mushrooms
  • meat
  • whole grain-based f
  • ...