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