Facts on Vitamin B
1. A Mix of Different Vitamins
Vitamin B is not just one vitamin, but instead it is a complex of eight different important vitamins. The mix includes vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Each one of the B vitamins has an essential function in the body and is necessary for maintaining overall health. Together, the complex supports the immune and nervous systems, metabolism, skin and muscles. The B vitamins are essential to enzymes that regulate chemical reactions in the body.
2. Enjoy Health Benefits
The B vitamins, working together and independently, provide a number of important health benefits. The vitamins boost metabolism, enhance immune function, support the nervous system, foster cell growth and division and keep skin and muscle tissue healthy. Some experts believe vitamin B from food sources protects against some types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. To enjoy these health benefits, make sure you eat the FDA-recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for each B vitamin.
3. Avoid Major Health Problems
If you make sure you receive recommended amounts of vitamin B, you may avoid some common and serious health problems. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to problems such as forgetfulness, lack of energy, respiratory infections, anemia, abdominal pain, depression, hair loss and eczema. If you begin noticing any of these health problems, increase your vitamin B intake by eating more foods rich in the B complex.
4. Eating Vitamin B
Most people will be able to get enough vitamin B by eating a balanced diet including grains, fruits and vegetables. Since the vitamins pass quickly through the body, you will need to get vitamin B on a daily basis. If you are over 50 years of age, pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, you should also take a vitamin supplement with the recommended dietary allowances of the vitamin B complex. Experts report that people over 50 years are particularly at risk for vitamin B deficiency. Vitamin B is also important in pregnancy, since the B complex of vitamins, particularly folic acid, are key for fetal development. You should take a supplement before and after conceiving to prevent possible birth defects.
5. Add Natural Sources of Vitamin B to Your Diet
You can consume the recommended levels of vitamin B from both food and vitamin supplements. However, the body more easily absorbs B vitamins from natural food sources. Brewer's yeast, grains, soybeans, lentils, liver, fish, fruits vegetables and seafood are all good sources of vitamin B. If you notice symptoms of the vitamin deficiency, add more of these foods to your daily diet.
Member Comments
by phiephie on November 15, 2008 at 3:45 AM
Bananas are great sources of vitamin B
by wilamat on December 2, 2008 at 6:43 PM
I just started taking vitamin b this past September, so it has been 3 full months. I SWEAR I have more energy, better memory, and feel better all around. I wish I new this 20years ago.
by mgsigman on February 15, 2009 at 11:51 AM
i take vitamin b-12 1000 one daily. i'll be 51 yrs old next month. is there other b vitamins i should take in addition to b-12? especially i am hypothroid...which means my metabolism is slow.
i also take a daily vitamin. one a day weight smart....love it...and definetly gives me more enegy.
by Roni190 on February 20, 2009 at 6:27 AM
My doctor told me that with taking my multivitamin which is, Centrum Cardio twice a day, that taking the Vit B complex was just too much. He said your body can only absorb so much & the rest is just flushed out. I do know that when I was on B complex I did feel alot of energy & I never got sick. So far I havent noticed too much of a difference not taking it & just taking the multi vit. I also take vit E & fish Oil everyday.
by macwise on March 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
i'm 16, 17 soon. I've started taking multi vitamins, because I'm on a calorie controlled diet. When I first started taking them I thought, they wouldn't help, but you know it really does, my multi vits contain B1, B2, B6, B12 and it does what it says on the tin!