The vitamin Bs are a large complicated family. There is a lot to know about them.
Here are some interesting facts about the B vitamins.
- B Vitamins are a very important part of the creation of coenzymes.
- Coenzymes are are organic non protein molecules that work with enzymes to make chemical reactions in the body.
- There are eight B vitamins. They are Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Prydoxine, Biotin, Folic Acid, Cobalamin.
- All eight B vitamins work together in various combinations to help the body metabolize food, protect the heart, regulate nerve growth and boost the immune system.
- Vitamin B was the second vitamin ever discovered. (Vitamin A was the first)
Winning combinations. Many of the B vitamins work together to help the body.
- Choline, Biotin, and Pantothenic acid work together to aid in the metabolism of foods.
- Choline is not considered a B vitamin, but is often lumped in with them because it works very well with other B vitamins in the body.
- Folic Acid, Prydoxine and Cobalamin work together to protect the heart by breaking down homocystine in the body.
- Homocystine is an amino acid in the blood. When the level of homocystine is too high in the blood, it puts the body at risk for a heart attack.
- Pyridoxine, folic acid, and colbalmin have all been used as effective ways to treat symptoms of depression.
Deficiencies and toxicities of vitamin B
- Alcoholics, elderly, smokers, people with chronic digestive problems and people on strict diets are especially susceptible to vitamin B deficiencies.
- Depression is one of the earliest symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency.
- Often a deficiency in one B vitamin is an indication of a deficiency is other B vitamins.
- Most of the B Vitamins have no toxic effects when taken in large quanities, except for Niacin, which can cause skin flushing and liver problems, and Pyidoxine, which can cause nerve damage if taken in high doses (more than 2000mg) over a long period of time.
Vitamin B is a water soluble vitamin, which means that the body will excrete out what it does not need. That also means that it is important to get B vitamins everyday.
- A diet rich in nuts, dairy, fish, whole grains, leafy greens, beans, fruits and vegetables will ensure the body is getting enough vitamin B.
- Most people get plenty of vitamin B from their diet and a good multivitamin. If higher doses of the B vitamins are desired, look for a B complex that has all of them.
- Folic Acid is especially important for women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. Taking at least 400mcg a day can prevent birth defects.
The copyright of the article The Vitamin B Family in Vitamins & Minerals is owned by Samantha Rufle. Permission to republish The Vitamin B Family in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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