Medical Information Weblog

Vitamin B Vitamin bWhen speak, we actually refer to the group B vitamins. Group B consists of vitamins related to metabolism. Metabolism is the set of biochemical reactions that help our bodies to “seize” foods.

The B vitamins are:

* Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)
* Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
* Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
* Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid)
* Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
* Vitamin B-8 (Biotin)
* Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
* Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine

* Features: conversion of sugars, nerve impulse conduction, oxygen metabolism
* Foods rich in thiamine, yeast, wheat germ, pork.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin

* Functions: absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates
* Foods rich in riboflavin, dry yeast, liver, cheese, eggs

Vitamin B3 or Niacin

* Functions: Cell energy metabolism, DNA repair
* Foods rich in niacin, dairy products, poultry, fish.

Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid

* Functions: metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
* Foods rich in pantothenic acid, legumes, yeast, royal jelly.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine

* Functions: conservation of all body cells
* Foods rich in pyridoxine, dry yeast, wheat germ, liver

Vitamin B8 or Biotin

* Functions: metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids and purines
* Foods rich in biotin, eggs, liver, cereals.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid

* Functions: fundamental to the proper functioning of the nervous system
* Foods rich in folic acid: spinach, watercress, fruit

Read more about folic acid during pregnancy and how it helps prevent spina bifida.
Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin

* Functions: essential for the proper development of bone marrow and nervous system
* Foods rich in Vitamin B12: eggs, dairy, liver.