Vitamin B

Vitamin B refers to a group of eight different vitamins that play essential roles in cell metabolism. They were once thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as "vitamin B" (much as people refer to "vitamin C" or "vitamin D"), but research later showed they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name of each vitamin (e.g., B1, B2, B3 etc.).

Types of Vitamin B

The following are the types of Vitamin B:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin or niacinamide)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, or pyridoxine hydrochloride)
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 (Various cobalamins; commonly cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin in vitamin supplements)

Functions

Each of these vitamins has unique functions in the body, but they all contribute to cell metabolism to some degree. They are essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing. As the body does not store most of these vitamins, they should be consumed regularly in the diet.

Sources

Vitamin B is found in a variety of foods such as meat, wholegrains, and fruits. Processed carbohydrates like sugar and white flour tend to have lower B vitamin than their unprocessed counterparts. For this reason, it is required by law in many countries (including the United States) that the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid be added back to white flour after processing. This is sometimes called "Enriched Flour" on food labels.

Deficiency

A lack of any particular B vitamin can lead to health problems. The specific health issues depend on the vitamin. For example, beriberi, pellagra, and anemia are diseases caused by deficiencies in thiamine, niacin, and various B vitamins, respectively.

See Also

• Vitamin
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin B Resources
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