Types Of Vitamins B: Vitamins are referred to as organic compounds that our body needs in small quantities, hence, they are referred to as micronutrients. The human body can only acquire vitamins through the food we eat. Vitamins play important functions and essential roles in our body functions like metabolism, immunity and digestion. There are 13 vitamins that our body, of which 8 make up the B-group (or B-complex) vitamins.
Vitamin is a Greek word – “vita” – life and “amine” – which refers to the compound found in thiamine, which was isolated from rice bran. Vitamin is a group of substances required for normal cell function, growth and development. These are essential nutrients that should be added to our daily diet in adequate amounts. Here is the 8 types of vitamins b listed below.
What are Vitamins B?
Vitamin B is important for making sure the body’s cells are functioning properly. They help the body convert food into energy (metabolism), make new blood cells, and maintain healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other body tissues. B vitamins were eventually sorted into 8 chemically distinct entities –
- thiamin (vitamin B-1)
- riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
- niacin (vitamin B-3)
- pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5)
- vitamin B-6
- biotin (vitamin B-7)
- folate (vitamin B-9)
- vitamin B-12
Types Of Vitamins B
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | It helps prevent complications of the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach and intestines |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | It helps break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It plays an important role in maintaining the energy supply of the body |
Vitamin B3 (niacin) | It helps lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost brain function, among other benefits |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | It helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. It also plays a vital role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body |
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | It also helps reduce the risk of mascular degeneration and improves mood and symptoms of depression |
Pantothenic acid (B5) | It helps produce energy by breaking down fats and carbohydrates, and also helps maintain a healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. |
Folate (folic acid or B9) | It is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) due to folic acid deficiency. |
Biotin (B7) | It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and for the production of hormones and cholesterol. |