What are B Vitamins?

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are essential in cell metabolism. B vitamins are once thought to be a single vitamin, commonly called "Vitamin B", but after careful research, it was found that they are in fact different vitamins that are found in the same food source.

What is a Vitamin B-Complex

Supplements where all essential vitamins can be found (with the exception of vitamin c) are called Vitamin B-Complex. Meanwhile, supplements where these individual B vitamins can be found are called by their specific names.

B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are not being stored by the body. All the excess are passed out through urine, hence they have to be frequently replaced.

What are the Essential B Vitamins?

There are eight B vitamins essential to one's diet. These are:

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 in vitamin supplements)

What are the Health Benefits of B vitamins and similar supplements like Garcinia?

All these have specific roles to perform in order to make the body strong and healthy. Many benefits have been attributed to B-vitamin consumption;

Generates energy in the body

Essential for amino acid metabolism and cell division.

B vitamins help reduce the risks of pancreatic cancer when consumed in food.

Helps keep muscle tone, and healthy skin and nails

Improve the function of the nervous and immune systems

A pharmaceutical study also hypothesized that the presence of B vitamins may help reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Energy-giving B vitamins

There are four B vitamins that are responsible for energy production:

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacinamide)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, or pyridoxine hydrochloride)

How does it work?

Vitamin B1, or thiamin, functions as a coenzyme. It works by breaking down carbohydrates and amino acids and thus produces energy.

Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, is responsible for the health and development of the tissue. It is also vital for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, teams up with riboflavin to generate energy in the body. Apart from that, B3 is also responsible in activating calcium and DNA in the body.

Vitamin B6, or pyroxidine, helps absorb amino acids in the body, break down fats and carbohydrates, form red blood cells and niacin, and produce energy, by binding in the tissues throughout the body.

What Precautions are needed to be taken?

All these B vitamins are important in producing energy in the body. However, they can be toxic when taken in large quantities, so it is not advisable to take any supplements without first consulting with a physician. A licensed practitioner will provide the necessary information on the right amount, which supplements to take, or if it is even necessary.

Supplements are to be taken together with a balanced diet and exercise, and are not intended to replace food intake altogether.