B vitamins become grouped together because they all do similar things using similar compounds. Understanding how B vitamins impact your bodily health can help you plan a consistently balanced diet.
Not enough of us take vitamin supplements as adults. We go through this mistaken belief that since your body does the most growing when it is young, that we stop needing those vitamins in adulthood. This simply isn’t the case. Your body needs these nutrients to replace lost tissue, to build healthier, thicker bones, and to create new genetic material. This article explores the world of B vitamins, hopefully helping you understand how important they are for healthy bodily functioning.
What are B Vitamins?
When discussing minerals, scientists and food technologists often group B vitamins together. Now, a vitamin b-12 supplement does an entirely different thing for your body than a Vitamin B1 supplement can. Nevertheless, they become grouped together because of the loose similarities in the way that they interact with your body. B vitamins include 8 different vitamins, all of which are water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are ones which bind to the water in your body. Should you receive too much of a water soluble nutrient, your body will simply expel it in the usual way. Part of the reason supplements are such a good idea lies in the body’s ability to take what it needs and easily expel the rest.
The Individual B Vitamins and What They Do
Next, let’s examine the individual types of B vitamin and find out what each of them does. Remember, if you are Vegan or Vegetarian there are extra supplements you should take to make up for the lack of certain omega producing B vitamins in your diet.
List of B Vitamins
The complete list of 8 B vitamins includes:
- Vitamin B-1 – Thiamin
- Vitamin B-2 – Riboflavin
- Vitamin B-3 – Niacin
- Vitamin B-4 – Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-7 – Biotin
- Vitamin B-9 – Folate
- Vitamin B-12
What Each Vitamin Does?
Here is what each does for your body. Deficiencies in any of the following will result in a negative impact on your health.
Thiamin (B-1)
Thiamin helps your body turn food into energy. Your body cannot make thiamine and must get it from your food or from a vitamin supplement. Thiamin helps keep your brain, muscles, and heat healthy,
Riboflavin (B-2)
Riboflavin breaks down fats, helps you produce energy, and is a vital component in making new cells.
Niacin (B-3)
Niacin converts nutrition into energy, creates fats and cholesterols, and helps you make new DNA.
Pantothenic Acid (B-5)
This acid is an acyl carrier protein which helps your body build up and break down fats. It has soothing, hydrating properties, which make it a great skin moisturizer.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 helps your brain to function properly. It keeps your nervous system and your kidneys healthy.
Biotin (B-7)
Biotin supports the liver functioning and helps you strengthen hair and nails.
Folate (B-9)
Folate is essential to produce new red blood cells. Pregnant women should get more of this to help with fetal development.
Vitamin B12
B12 helps your body form new DNA and red blood cells. It protects brain function and helps maintain your CNS.
Final Thoughts
It is not solely the B vitamins which will give you an overall boost to your wellbeing. Take a multivitamin to ensure you get the broader spectrum of support.
