Vitamins are an essential part of a balanced diet. We all know that a balanced diet is important in order to have a healthy body and mind. Vitamins are classified into 13 subgroups based on their biological activity and chemical composition. Out of these, 4 of the vitamins (A, D, E and K) are fat- soluble and 9 of the vitamins (C and the B group) are water soluble. Therefore Vitamin B, being water soluble, has to be taken every day in order to maintain the correct amount of the vitamin in our body.
Vitamin B is actually composed of 8 individual vitamins. They are represented as B followed by a number. Let us see these individually; importance and health risks attached:
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is also called as Thiamin. The major function of Thiamin is similar to chlorophyll. Just as chlorophyll converts the sun’s energy to glucose in plants, Thiamin converts the food that we eat into cellular energy. The cells need energy for functioning and Thiamin provides this energy. It also has a minor role in the functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2’s other name is Riboflavin. It acts as a supplement to Vitamin B1 by helping it in the process of energy production. Apart from that, the other function of Riboflavin is to support the antioxidant activity in the body.
Vitamin B3
Also known as Niacin, this vitamin plays a part in over 200 different chemical reactions in the body ranging from energy production to fatty acid synthesis. Unlike the other vitamins in the B group, Niacin is heat stable which means that it is not lost while food preparation.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is often referred to as Pantothenic acid. This is similar in function to B3 and is involved in the production of fatty acids. It also helps in the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine is mainly used to synthesize amino acids. It also plays a role in maintaining the nervous system. Like B5, it also helps in the production of red blood cells which in turn play a part in improving the overall immunity of the body.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7, or Biotin, is functionally similar to B6. It helps in the production of red blood cells. Apart from that, it is also involved in glycogen and amino acid synthesis. However, studies have shown that excessive intake of Biotin can lead to higher blood cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B9
Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, as it is more commonly known as is very essential for the development of the fetus. Apart from playing a role in red blood cells development, it also helps to develop the nervous system of the fetus. That is why it is always suggested to take foods rich in folic acid during the initial weeks of pregnancy. Fortified foods (foods rich in folic acid) are readily available in the market and should be used during pregnancy periods.
Vitamin B12
Cyanocobalamin is the other name of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 works in close conjunction with B9 and is helpful in the development of a healthy baby. That aside, it also helps in developing the myelin sheath or the covering of the nerve cells. It has a role in mental stability and is essential for the overall wellbeing.
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