What Is Vitamin B Complex?

When first discovered, vitamin B was believed to be a single compound, called a water-soluble vitamin. After further investigation, researchers discovered that vitamin B was actually a family of 8 different vitamins that shared a role as coenzymes. These 8 vitamins, which include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, pantothenic acid and biotin, became collectively known as the vitamin B complex.

Thiamin

Thiamin, or vitamin B-1, was the initial B vitamin. Thiamin plays a role in transmission of nerve impulses and allows nerves to function properly. Thiamin also helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats so that your body can use these nutrients as energy. You also need thiamin to break down alcohol in your body.

Riboflavin

Like thiamin, riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, plays a role in converting carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy. Riboflavin also increases the function of the other B vitamins, niacin and vitamin B-12.

Niacin

Niacin, or vitamin B-3, helps your body synthesize fat and cholesterol. Niacin also helps keep your skin cells healthy and allows your digestive system to function properly.

Folate

Folate is essential for forming the DNA in every one of your cells. Folate also helps your body use amino acids and allows red blood cells to divide properly. Folate is also vital in preventing birth defects, called neural tube defects, in a developing fetus.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 helps your body synthesize nonessential amino acids and metabolize fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B-6 also ensures that you can convert glycogen into glucose when necessary. In addition, vitamin B-6 also plays a role in the synthesis of hemoglobin in your red blood cells and keeps your immune system healthy.

Vitamin B-12

Your body uses vitamin B-12 to make the DNA in all of your cells. Vitamin B-12 also helps your body use amino acids and fatty acids. In addition, vitamin B-12 keeps your red blood cells and nerve cells healthy. It is important to note that vitamin B-12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that your body can store.

Pantothenic Acid and Biotin

Pantothenic acid and biotin work together to convert carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy that your body can use. In addition to getting biotin from your diet, the bacteria in your intestinal tract are able to synthesize small amounts of biotin.