What Does the Body Do With the B-Vitamin Supplements I Take?

The B vitamins are integral to body growth andmanufacture and maintain DNA. This DNA contains
development. They play a great part in the activitiesthe genetic instructions used in the development and
of enzymes that regulate chemical reactions in ourfunctioning of all living organisms known to man. The
body. Different B vitamins exist in various animal andbody uses vitamin B12 to help produce blood cells and
plant foods. Examples of some of these are cerealsuses it in nervous system functions.
and whole grains, pork, seafood, eggs and liver. TheySince 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 amongingested. The exceptions are B12 and folate (B9),
the many sources. Supplements are another greatwhich 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 eightthrough the urine. However, it's wise to take only
water-soluble nutrients:what your particular system requires when it comes
* B1 - Thiamineto these vitamins.
* B2 - RiboflavinBecause the body uses the B vitamins to aid so
* B3 - Niacinmany vital functions, certain things happen when the
* B5 - Pantothenic Acidbody does not get enough of them. Some people
* B6 - Pyridoxinemay experience numbness and tingling in their arms
* B7 - Biotinand legs if they're deficient in B vitamins. Muscle
* B9 - Folic Acid, Folatecramps can occur as well as tiredness. Anemia is a
* B12 - Cobalaminconcern if a person does not get enough of these
When the body takes in these B vitamins, it usesvitamins, as is depression. Loss of appetite and
them in different ways. The body uses B1 and B2 toabdominal pain are symptoms of vitamin B deficiency
affect enzymes (proteins) that have an influence onas well. Therefore, it is important that one ingest the
muscles and nerves. When B1, thiamin, enters theB vitamins on a regular basis.
system, the body uses it to help convert glucose intoJust 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 digestivebody uses these vitamins to support important
functions. This vitamin also helps maintain the healthfunctions, it needs them in full measure. Extended
of the body's nervous system. Vitamin B5 affectscooking 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 tocan diminish their useful effects too.
maintain the health of the red blood cells. It also usesThe right amounts of B vitamins on a regular basis
this kind of B vitamin to keep the nervous systemare part of a comprehensive health strategy. The
and components of the immune system healthy. Thebody uses the required amounts efficiently to
B7 vitamin helps the body produce hormones. It alsopromote overall health. Used in conjunction with the
helps it break down carbohydrates and proteins. Theother vitamins and minerals we need, the B vitamins
B9 vitamin also helps the production of red bloodcan make daily living that much more energetic.
cells. The body uses B9 in its cells so they can