Vitamin B supplement is in fact a complex consisting of several different vitamins all put together into the same category.
Vitamin B1
One of the main components of vitamin B supplement, vitamin B1 is also known as thiamin or thiamine. The human body needs this vitamin to produce enzymes, as well as break down carbohydrates. As all the vitamins in a vitamin B supplement, it is also helpful for reducing stress and boost the immune system, making it stronger in fighting infections. Vitamin B1 deficiency may cause the disease known as Beri-beri, which leads to the tingling and swelling of hands and feet, nystagmus (flicking eye movements) and breathing problems due to the fluid in lungs.
Vitamin B1 can be naturally found in foods such as whole cereals, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and organ meats.
Vitamin B2
Also known as Riboflavin, this vitamin has an anti-oxidant activity and scavenges free radicals in the body that can damage the cells. It also helps breaking down carbohydrates, just like vitamin B1. Vitamin B2 is contained in many foods, so deficiencies are very scarce in developed countries. However, a deficiency in this vitamin can cause skin conditions and light sensitivity.
Vitamin B3
This vitamin also helps break down carbohydrates and is known as niacin as well. You can find in mostly in meats, including fish and poultry, as well as yeasts. If you are on a vegan diet, you can find it in nuts. Vitamin B3 deficiencies may result in skin conditions and digestion problems – a condition often referred to as pellegra.
Vitamin B5
Also known as Pantothenic acid, this vitamin can be found in most foods. Therefore, it is very improbable to have a deficiency of vitamin B5 alone.
Vitamin B6
This vitamin is yet another important component of a vitamin B supplement. It has an essential role in the processing of proteins, helping maintain the normal blood sugar level. It also has an important role in producing hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin carries the oxygen in the blood. A vitamin B6 deficiency often causes anemia and negatively affects the immune system. However, unless you're over 55 or you have a poor diet; it is unlikely to have a vitamin B6 deficiency.
Vitamin B12
Also a very important component of a vitamin B supplement, vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well. It is used in the producing of red blood cells, helps the growing process in children, plays an important part in the protein and carbohydrate metabolism and is also vital in keeping the nervous system healthy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can have many negative consequences. It may lead to pernicious anemia, with symptoms of impaired nerve function, such as numbness and tingling. People of older age who have a low vitamin B12 level are also more likely to develop depression symptoms.
The vitamin B complex plays a very important part in the good functioning of our body. As it is often hard to absorb, vitamin B supplements are very effective in maintaining a proper vitamin B level and keeping us healthy.
