Vitamin B Benefits

Vitamin B is actually 8 distinct water soluble vitamins. It has been once thought that these vitamins were of one kind since they tend to exist together in some foods, hence the umbrella term. Ever since they were discovered to be chemically distinct from each other, they are conveniently numbered (B1, B2, B3, etc...) to distinguish one from another. Aside from numbering them, these vitamins have proper scientific names. They are: Vitamin B1 - Thiamine, Vitamin B2 - riboflavin, Vitamin B3 - niacin, Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6 (also called Vitamin H) - pyridoxine, Vitamin B7 - biotin, Vitamin B9 (also called Vitamin M) - folic acid, and Vitamin B12 - cobalamin. You may notice gaps in the numbering. This is due to some formerly classified nutrients which are since disqualified. Some examples are Vitamin B4 (adenine) and Vitamin B8 (myo-inositol) which were once classified as part of the group. They were removed because they were discovered to be synthesized in the human body; hence they can't be considered supplements. Supplements containing several of these vitamins are called the vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B promotes several bodily functions and cell metabolism:

* Vitamin B1 (thiamin) assists the body in producing energy. They affect the muscles and nerves through their enzymes.

* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) promotes metabolism and other cellular functions.

* Vitamin B3 (niacin) maintains the health of the skin, digestive and nervous systems. It also helps in energy production.

* Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) affects growth and development.

* Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) maintains the health of red blood cells, parts of the immune system and the nervous system. It also assists in the breaking down of protein.

* Vitamin B7 (biotin) assists in the production of hormones, and breaking down of protein and carbohydrates.

* Vitamin B9 (folic acid) assists the cells in making and maintaining DNA. Also helps in the production of red blood cells.

* Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) It plays a part in the production of blood cells, the functions of the nervous system, and how the body uses carbohydrates and folic acid. Has a role in the body's growth and development.

As a group, B Vitamins help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, assists cell growth and division, support and increase metabolism rate, and enhance immune and nervous system function. Vitamin B is also known to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. They ease the symptoms and reduce the causes of cardiovascular diseases, stress and depression.