Vitamin B refers to a group of 8 vitamins. They are vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B8 (myoinositol), vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B plays an important role in cell metabolism. In the initial phase, scientists consider it to be an individual vitamin very similar to what we call vitamin A or vitamin C. However, later on, several scientific investigations showed that they are a chemically distinctive group of vitamins that can coexist in certain foods. The nutritional supplements that contain all eight vitamins are known as vitamin B complex. On the other hand, the nutritional supplement that consists of a single component of vitamin B is known by a specific name.

Functions of vitamin B

Vitamin B works effectively to provide a host of health benefits. Maintains and accelerates metabolism. It also helps maintain healthy skin and offers flexibility in muscle tone. Vitamin B works well in the management of a healthy immune system and also offers a good functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B affects cell division and cell metabolism. It also affects the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in vitamin B can lead to anemia. The vitamin B complex is essential to combat different symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and cardiovascular diseases.

All B vitamins are soluble in water; however, vitamin B12 storage was observed in the liver for six years, regardless of its water-soluble nature.

Sources of vitamin B

The contribution of vitamin B is abundant in nature. You can easily add it to your diet list. Natural sources can include potatoes, chili peppers, bananas, liver oil, tuna, lentils, tempeh, turkey, and liver. Molasses and nutritional yeast are known sources of vitamin B.

Vitamin B deficiencies

Inadequate supply of enough B vitamins can lead to vitamin B deficiencies. It can cause different types of health complications. Lack of thiamine or vitamin B1 can cause Beriberi. Typical symptoms can include weakness, nervous system disorder, significant weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and edema. Vitamin B deficiencies can also lead to ariboflavinosis. Poor supply of vitamin B2 in the diet can cause this complication. Common symptoms may include hypersensitivity to sunlight, edema, cheilosis, hyperemia, and oral mucosa. Pellagra is another of the health complications that occurred as a result of vitamin B deficiencies.

Niacin plays an important role here. The lack of niacin in the regular diet can ensure the possibility of this health complication. Common symptoms can include aggression, dermatitis, confusion, insomnia, and diarrhea. In severe cases, pellagra can also cause mortality.

It is not as common in daily practice, but a deficiency of pantothenic acid can cause vitamin B deficiencies. It can result in acne and paresthesia. Lack of supply of pyridoxine can lead to a host of health complications. All of these complications are known health complications arising from vitamin B deficiencies. Common complications are depression, mood disorders, hypertension, anemia, water retention, and increased homocysteine ​​levels. Inadequate supply of biotin can result in B vitamin deficiencies that greatly affect babies. It can cause developmental disorders and neurological disorders in children. Folic acid deficiency can lead to increased homocysteine ​​level, which can lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia, memory loss, and cognitive decline.

Several studies are being done to support the potential health benefits of vitamin B supplements. Studies show that folic acid may be beneficial in preventing birth defects and fighting colorectal cancer. In addition, it is documented that high levels of folic acid in combination with other vitamin supplements can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer. Clinical trials generally place an emphasis on the combination of folic acid and vitamin B6 that are helpful in minimizing potential risk factors for breast cancer. It is available naturally in green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.