The B vitamins: function and symptom of deficiency

Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, but a collective term that includes eight water-soluble vitamins in general. Since the B vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes, lack of vitamin often has serious consequences. Find out which vitamin is in deficiency for you personally, and provides it.

Despite the summary a vitamins B have some very different tasks, and make noticeable deficiencies in various ways. Although an excess supply of water-soluble vitamins is usually inconsequential, niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6) two non-hazardous exceptions, are so high doses of these vitamins should only be taken under medical supervision.

The Who’s Who from B-vitamins.

• Thiamine (B1) interacts with the carbohydrate and affect on energy metabolism and supports the conduction of the nervous system.
• Riboflavin (B2), take some fat and protein metabolism. A deficiency manifests itself through cracks in the corners of the mouth.
• Niacin (B3) supports recovery of various nutrients, while a deficiency causes skin lesions and diarrhea.
• Pantothenic acid (B5) helps in assembly and disassembly reactions in carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism and in the production of hormones, cholesterol and bile acids. Lack of pantothenic acid can lead to insomnia and immunodeficiency among others.
• Pyridoxine (B6) is central to reactions in which amino acids are involved. It is involved in the production of the neurotransmitters, etc such as serotonin, dopamine and contributes to the homocysteine in detoxification.
• Biotin (B7) helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and fats. Skin inflammation and drowsiness are typical deficiencies.
• Folic acid (B9) has a key role in DNA synthesis and cell division and differentiation. In fertility folic acid must be fed daily to prevent neural tube of the embryo.
• Cobalamin (B12) is the problem child of vegans, because it occurs almost exclusively in animal foods. A deficiency leads to dangerous anemia, which announces itself with dizzy spells and extreme fatigue.

In summary it can be said that the vitamins of the B group are essential for energy production and nervous system of man.