Vitamin B complex includes vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9 and B-12. B vitamins are water-soluble and can't be stored by the body -- except B-12 -- and must come from food or dietary supplements on a daily basis. Sufficient quantities of B complex vitamins are part of a healthy diet and can be met by eating B-vitamin rich foods such as meats, whole grains and vegetables, or through dietary supplements. It is important to speak with a physician before taking dietary supplements to avoid health complications.
Energy
All B vitamins are important for the production of energy in the body. Thiamine or vitamin B-1 helps convert carbohydrates from the foods we eat into energy. Vitamin B-2 and biotin help the body convert proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy for the body, according to healthandgoodness.com. Vitamin B-6 assists energy utilization through the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying molecule of red blood cells.
Homocysteine Clearance
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid or protein building block in the blood. The body normally converts homocysteine into other useful amino acids, but high levels can damage the lining of blood vessels as well as cause blood to clot more easily. This increases the risk of coronary artery disease, according to the website Family Doctor. B complex vitamins can help lower the risk of high homocysteine levels by providing sufficient amounts of folate, vitamin B-6 and B-12. These B vitamins foster the breakdown and clearance of homocysteine from the body.
Nervous System
A variety of B vitamins is important for a healthy functioning nervous system. Deficiencies can lead to poor concentration, irritability, anxiety and depression. Folate, or vitamin B-9, assists the development of an unborn child's neural tube to prevent several serious skeletal and nervous system abnormalities. Folate also helps regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Vitamin B-6 and B-12 help produce and maintain myelin surrounding nerve cells, according to an article in "Psychology Today." Myelin insulates nerve cells and significantly increases the rate of electrical impulses between nerves.
Digestive System
B vitamins play a large role in the digestion of foods as well as keeping the digestive system functioning properly. B vitamins that play the largest role in digestive health include vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-6. Vitamin B-1 plays a role in appetite regulation and vitamin B-6 helps the body digest proteins, according to the website Everyday Health. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
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