Vitamin B is actually a combination of eight different water soluble vitamins that help in cell metabolism. Supplements in which all these eight elements are present are called as B complex vitamins. Following are the different types of B vitamins and their molecular formulae.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)- C12H17N4OS+Cl-.HCl
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)- C17H20N4O6
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)- C6H5NO2
- Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)- C9H17NO5
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)- C8H11NO3
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)- C10H16N2O3S
- Folic acid (Vitamin B9)- C19H19N7O6
- Cyanocobalamin (B12)- C63H88CoN14O14P
B Vitamins are essential for converting carbohydrates, fat and proteins into glucose which is then used to produce energy. It also helps in maintaining the muscle tone, skin and intestinal tract. Some other benefits include helping the nervous system in its proper functioning and maintaining healthy condition of hair, eyes and nails. It is necessary that our body has a continuous supply of vitamin B as it is water soluble and hence any excess amount will be discharged via urine. Some of the sources of B vitamins are potatoes, pork, lentils, meat, beans, bananas, molasses and many other animal products and plant products. Deficiency of B vitamins can cause insomnia, ariboflavinosis, anemia, acne, depression, pellagra and high blood pressure. It is said that to have an overall healthy body, all the eight B vitamins should be taken as a group rather than having supplements with individual B vitamin.
|