B Vitamin Information

In the 1900s, researchers discovered a coenzyme compound that they named water-soluble vitamin B. Scientists determined that this substance helped ensure that various chemical reactions were able to take place. After more intensive research, however, it became apparent that water-soluble vitamin B was not a single vitamin, but rather a family of eight different vitamins. These vitamins were named thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, pantothenic acid and biotin, and together became known as the vitamin B complex.

Thiamin

Thiamin, also referred to as vitamin B-1, was the first vitamin that researchers discovered. Thiamin helps keep your nerves functioning properly and thus plays a role in the proper transmission of nerve impulses. Thiamin also converts the calories from protein, carbohydrates and fat into energy and plays a vital role in the metabolism of alcohol in your body.

Riboflavin

As with thiamin, riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, helps metabolize the protein, carbohydrates and fat that you eat. Riboflavin also protects the cells in your body and helps your body utilize some of the other B vitamins, including niacin and vitamin B-12.

Niacin

Niacin, which is also called vitamin B-3, refers to two separate compounds: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. These compounds are the active form of niacin in your body. They help your body synthesize cholesterol and fats and aid in the metabolism of the macronutrients, like the other B vitamins. Niacin also plays a role in keeping your digestive system and skin cells healthy.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is especially important in the metabolism of protein. Vitamin B-6 is also essential to the creation of certain fatty acids and helps convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin. Vitamin B-6 also allows your body to convert the storage form of glucose, which is called glycogen, back into glucose so that your body can use it for energy.

Folate

The term folate, also called vitamin B-9, is used to describe naturally-occurring forms of the B vitamin, folate, as well as synthetic forms of the vitamin, which are referred to as folic acid. One of the most well-known functions of folate is its role in preventing birth defects in developing fetuses. Folate also helps ensure that red blood cells divide correctly and that your body can synthesize the DNA needed to create new cells.

Pantothenic Acid and Biotin

Pantothenic acid, also referred to as vitamin B-5, helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Biotin, or vitamin B-7, is essential in the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates.

Vitamin B-12

As with folate, vitamin B-12 helps your body create healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 also plays important roles in making DNA for new cells and keeping nerves and tissues healthy. Your body also needs vitamin B-12 to make amino acids and certain fatty acids.