B Vitamin
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Other Names
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Brief Notes |
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Vitamin B1 |
- thiamin
- thiamine
- formerly known as aneurine
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Dietary deficiency is rare because vitamin B1 is found in many foods. Food processing and esp. high temperatures can destroy vitamin B1. |
Vitamin B2 |
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Vitamin B2 deficiency is rare and most likely to affect the elderly or alcoholics. Not generally considered toxic in excessive amounts. Vitamin B2 dissolves in cooking liquids, is not destroyed by heat, but is destroyed by ultraviolet light incl. e.g. sunlight. |
Vitamin B3 |
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Beneficial for various health issues. Widely used to support mental and emotional imbalances. |
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(Vitamin B4) |
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Acts as a co-enzyme with other substances, incl. e.g. other vitamins, to produce energy, but is not included among the "main" (most widely studied) B vitamins. Detailed information about vitamin B4 often focusses on its biochemical properties and reactions, i.e. its role in metabolism. |
Vitamin B5 |
- pantothenic acid
- pantothenate
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Available in many foods. Name derived from the Greek "panthos" meaning "everywhere". It's active form is a component of coenzyme A. Severe deficiency is rare but may lead to "burning foot syndrome". |
Vitamin B6 |
- pyridoxine
- pyridoxal
- pyridoxamine
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Has many functions and is sometimes taken as a supplement to alleviate symptoms of female issues such as PMS and the menpause. There are several forms of vitamin B6. The 3 forms listed on the left are precursors of the "active form" coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), also known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. |
Vitamin B7 |
- biotin
- coenzyme R
- vitamin H
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Helps with the absorption of other B vitamins, also said to support healthy skin, hair and fingernails. Involved in many metabolic processes e.g. coenzyme in carboxylation reactions. Many sources and is usually also produced within the body by intestinal bacteria. |
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(Vitamin B8) |
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Although myo-inositol was widely included in the vitamin B complex, it is not considered an essential nutrient because the human body can produce it (from glucose), usually in sufficient amounts for good health. |
Vitamin B9 |
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Probably best known for its importance in pre-conception and pregnancy. Folate deficiency in pregnancy can lead to birth defects so supplementation is common. |
Vitamin B12 |
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Often mentioned re. vegetarian and especially vegan diets because food sources of vitamin B12 come from animals (incl. diary products), hence concern about deficiency in vegans. Deficiency can lead to pernicious anaemia, problems with the nervous system and tongue infections. |
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