| The B vitamins are integral to body growth | | | | break down carbohydrates and proteins. The B9 |
| and development. They play a great part in | | | | vitamin also helps the production of red |
| the activities of enzymes that regulate | | | | blood cells. The body uses B9 in its cells so |
| chemical reactions in our body. Different B | | | | they can manufacture and maintain DNA. This |
| vitamins exist in various animal and plant | | | | DNA contains the genetic instructions used in |
| foods. Examples of some of these are cereals | | | | the development and functioning of all living |
| and whole grains, pork, seafood, eggs and | | | | organisms known to man. The body uses vitamin |
| liver. They are also in dairy products, dried | | | | B12 to help produce blood cells and uses it |
| beans, chicken, watermelon and grapefruit to | | | | in nervous system functions. |
| name a few among the many sources. | | | | |
| Supplements are another great way to ingest B | | | | Since the B vitamins are water-soluble, they |
| vitamins. | | | | do not remain stored in the body if too much |
| | | | of them are ingested. The exceptions are B12 |
| These vitamins consist of a group of eight | | | | and folate (B9), which the liver stores. The |
| water-soluble nutrients: | | | | body eliminates most of any extra amounts of |
| | | | the rest of the B vitamins through the urine. |
| * B1 - Thiamine | | | | However, it's wise to take only what your |
| | | | particular system requires when it comes to |
| * B2 - Riboflavin | | | | these vitamins. |
| | | | |
| * B3 - Niacin | | | | Because the body uses the B vitamins to aid |
| | | | so many vital functions, certain things |
| * B5 - Pantothenic Acid | | | | happen when the body does not get enough of |
| | | | them. Some people may experience numbness and |
| * B6 - Pyridoxine | | | | tingling in their arms and legs if they're |
| | | | deficient in B vitamins. Muscle cramps can |
| * B7 - Biotin | | | | occur as well as tiredness. Anemia is a |
| | | | concern if a person does not get enough of |
| * B9 - Folic Acid, Folate | | | | these vitamins, as is depression. Loss of |
| | | | appetite and abdominal pain are symptoms of |
| * B12 - Cobalamin | | | | vitamin B deficiency as well. Therefore, it |
| | | | is important that one ingest the B vitamins |
| When the body takes in these B vitamins, it | | | | on a regular basis. |
| uses them in different ways. The body uses B1 | | | | |
| and B2 to affect enzymes (proteins) that have | | | | Just eating foods that contain these B |
| an influence on muscles and nerves. When B1, | | | | vitamins prepared in any manner is not |
| thiamin, enters the system, the body uses it | | | | enough. Because the body uses these vitamins |
| to help convert glucose into energy. It uses | | | | to support important functions, it needs them |
| B2 to help repair hair, skin and nails. | | | | in full measure. Extended cooking times and |
| Vitamin B3 helps maintain skin health and | | | | food processing can dilute the strength and |
| digestive functions. This vitamin also helps | | | | concentration of these vitamins. Alcohol can |
| maintain the health of the body's nervous | | | | diminish their useful effects too. |
| system. Vitamin B5 affects the body's normal | | | | |
| growth and development overall. | | | | The right amounts of B vitamins on a regular |
| | | | basis are part of a comprehensive health |
| The body uses B6 to break down protein and to | | | | strategy. The body uses the required amounts |
| maintain the health of the red blood cells. | | | | efficiently to promote overall health. Used |
| It also uses this kind of B vitamin to keep | | | | in conjunction with the other vitamins and |
| the nervous system and components of the | | | | minerals we need, the B vitamins can make |
| immune system healthy. The B7 vitamin helps | | | | daily living that much more energetic. |
| the body produce hormones. It also helps it | | | | |