Vitamin B
Vitamin B is actually a complex of different vitamins all lumped into the Vitamin B category. It consists of
- Vitamin B1
Otherwise known as thiamine or thiamin. Vitamin B1 is required for the cells of the body to make the necessary enzymes to break down carbohydrates. As with all the B complex vitamins, thiamine (thiamin) is helpful in stress reduction as it is thought to boost the body's immune system and so make it more resistant to infections. A deficiency results in the condition called Beri-beri - which results in swelling and tingling in the feet and hands, flicking eye movements called nystagmus and problems breathing because of fluid build up in the lungs. Food sources for vitamin B1 include organ meats, whole grain cereals, wheat germ, brewer's yeast. - Vitamin B 2
Otherwise known as Riboflavin. As with Vitamin B 1, Vitamin B 2 is required for the breakdown of carbohydrates in the body and is also known to have anti-oxidant activity by scavenging free radicals in the body which act to damage cells. A deficiency in Vitamin B2 is very rare in developed countries because it is found in most foods. Lack of Vitamin B 2 would result in light sensitivity and skin conditions. - Vitamin B 3
Otherwise known as niacin is also required for breakdown of carbohydrates in the body. It is mainly found in meats including poultry and fish and yeasts. People on vegan diets get it from the nuts they eat. Lack of Vitamin B 3 results in digestion and skin problems - a condition which is sometimes referred to as pellegra. - Vitamin B 5
otherwise known as Pantothenic acid. Because this vitamin is so prevalent in most foods, it is rare to have a deficiency in this vitamin alone. - Vitamin B 6
Otherwise known as Pyridoxine. This vitamin is essential in protein processing, maintaining proper blood sugar levels and is essential for making hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is required to carry oxygen in the blood. A deficiency in this vitamin would result in anemia and a defective immune system. Unless your diet is poor or you're over 55, there is rarely a deficiency in Vitamin B 6. - Vitamin B 12
Otherwise known as Cobalamin. This vitamin is required in the manufacture of red blood cells, it also promotes growth and has functions in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and is also vitally important in maintaining healthy nervous tissue. Lack of this vitamin results in pernicious anemia with accompanying signs of impaired nerve function like numbness and tingling. Older folk commonly have low Vitamin B 12 levels which can result in depression.
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Vitamin B
