Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in cell metabolism and the synthesis of red blood cells. There are eight chemical compounds that share a similar name but are chemically different. A dietary supplement that contains all eight is called a vitamin B complex supplement. Each vitamin B either is a cofactor for a key metabolic process or is a precursor needed to make one.
Vitamin B complex consists of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Let us understand each of them in detail. There are many health benefits of consuming vitamin B for human health.
Vitamin B1 plays an important role in metabolism by converting nutrients into energy. The most common foods, which have a high amount of vitamin B, are pork, sunflower seeds, and wheat.
The main role of vitamin B2 is to convert food into energy and act as an antioxidant. Foods that have a high amount of vitamin B2 are meat, beef, and mushroom.
Vitamin B3 helps in cellular signaling, metabolism, and DNA production and repair. The food that is rich in vitamin B3 is chicken, tuna, and lentils.
Just like other vitamin B, pantothenic acid also converts food into energy. It is also involved in hormones and cholesterol production. Food common for vitamin B5 is liver, fish, yogurt, and avocado.
Vitamin B6 helps in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production, and the transmission of neurotransmitters. Foods with a high level of vitamin B6 are chickpeas, salmon, and potatoes.
Vitamin B7 is very important for carbohydrates and fat metabolism. It also regulates gene expression. Foods that you should consume to get vitamin B7 are egg, cheese, and liver.
Vitamin B9 is essential for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, the formation of red and white blood cells, and proper cell division. Vitamin B9 is commonly found in green vegetables, liver, and beans.
Vitamin B12 is a key for neurological function, DNA function, and red blood cells. It is found in meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause anemia or nervous system injury it can also lead to a reduction in healthy blood cells.
It is well established now that B-complex is essential for your health. You can get vitamin B complex from your daily diet provided it is diverse. B-complex supplements are important in fulfilling your required RDA of vitamin B. There are vegan supplements available that can provide 100% of RDA.