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Next Vitamin B complex consists of several vitamins that are grouped together because of the similarities in their properties, distribution in natural sources, and physiological functions. All the B vitamins are soluble in water. Most of the B vitamins have been recognized as coenzymes, and they all appear to be essential in facilitating the metabolic processes of all forms of animal life.
Vitamin B complex includes vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine), vitamin Bc (folic acid), pantothenic acid and biotin. Good sources of the vitamin B complex are eggs, cheese, milk, pulses, wholemeal bread, brown rice, nuts, yeast extract, avocados, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, potatoes, mushrooms, green leafy, vegetable, dates, figs, currants, dried apricots, clementines, and cantaloupe melon. You can find large selection of high quality and low priced supplemental vitamins HERE and HERE.
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and helps in the metabolism of proteins and fats. Vitamin B1 deficiency affects the functioning of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and peripheral nervous systems. Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (often seen in alcoholics) are the primary diseases related to thiamine deficiency. General symptoms of beriberi include loss of appetite and overall lassitude, digestive irregularities, and a feeling of numbness and weakness in the limbs and extremities. Good sources of Vitamin B1 are yeast eggs and germ of cereals. It is not present in polished rice and other highly purified cereal products. The minimum required daily dose is believed to be about 2 mg.
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is required to complete several reactions in the energy cycle. Vitamin B2 is found to releases energy from protein, fat and carbohydrate. Riboflavin is the part of the original vitamin B2 complex which stimulates growth of rats. It is the precursor of flavoproteins, flavin-adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide. Reddening of the lips with cracks at the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, and a greasy, scaly inflammation of the skin are common symptoms of deficiency. Good sources of Vitamin B2 are in liver, milk and white of egg, though it occurs widely in nature.
Vitamin B3, nicotinic acid, or niacin is involved in the oxidative release of energy from food, protects the skin and helps improve circulation. Nicotinic acid is an essential component of mammalian diet. Prolonged deprivation leads to pellagra, a disease characterized by skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbance, and nervous symptoms. It can be prepared synthetically by oxidizing nicotine with a variety of agents or more cheaply from pyridine or quinoline.
Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, is a coenzyme for several enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and for the formation of haemoglobin - the pigment in the blood that carries oxygen round the body. Pyridoxine is needed by rats to cure dermatitis developed on a Vitamin B - free diet supplemented by thiamine and riboflavin. Its absence from diet is also associated with anaemia. It is needed also by certain bacteria. Good sources of Vitamin B6 are rice husks, maize, wheat germ, yeast and other sources of vitamin B. Chronic use of large doses of vitamin B6 can create dependency and cause complications in the peripheral nervous system.
Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is a complex crystalline compound that functions in all cells, but especially in those of the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the bone marrow. It helps protect nerves and is involved in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also concerned in the biosynthesis of methyl groups of choline and methionine. The vitamin B12 deficiency most commonly results in pernicious anemia. It is often due to failure to absorb B12 from the stomach and can be alleviated by giving mg doses with extracts of hog's stomach which contains the intrinsic anti-pernicious anaemia factor (a mucoprotein) which promotes absorption. Vitamin B12 is produced by the growth of certain micro-organisms and also occurs in the liver. Vitamin B12 has been prepared synthetically.
Vitamin Bc, or folic acid is involved in the formation of new cells and therefore essential for the normal growth and development of the foetus. Folic acid is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of red blood cells. Symptoms of folic-acid deficiency include gastrointestinal problems, such as sore tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth, diarrhea, and ulceration of the stomach and intestines. Large doses of folic acid can cause convulsions and other nervous-system problems. Folic acid and its derivatives are widespread in nature. It is a specific growth factor for certain micro-organisms, but in animals the intestinal bacteria provide small quantities needed for growth. Good sources of vitamin Bc are most green leaves which are especially rich in the vitamin.
Pantothenic Acid is an oil which is required by higher animals and some micro-organisms. This is considered a member of the Vitamin B group and is present in many natural products and is a constituent of coenzyme A. Pantothenic acid promotes a large number of metabolic reactions essential for the growth and well-being of animals. Deficiency in experimental animals leads to growth failure, skin lesions, and graying of the hair. A dietary deficiency severe enough to lead to clear-cut disease has not been described in humans.
Biotin plays a role in metabolic processes that lead to the formation of fats and the utilization of carbon dioxide. Biotin deficiency results in anorexia, nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the tongue, pallor, depression, and dermatitis.
