There is no single B vitamin, but rather there are eight water soluble vitamins, each of which plays an important role in the cell metabolism process, making up what is known as the B-Complex vitamin. While the B vitamins were once believed to be just a single vitamin, research has showed that these are eight chemically distinct vitamins that can coexist in the same foods, but that can also be found separately in other whole food sources as well. While these eight vitamins can be combined in a supplement known as the “vitamin B” complex, individual B vitamin supplements are also available. Each of the Vitamin B Vitamins is differentiated by a number, and also has its own unique name.

Vitamin B1 – Vitamin B1 is also referred to as Thiamine, and is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for healthy neural function, and metabolism of carbohydrates. The result of a thiamin deficiency in most cases is Beriberi, which is a disease of the nerves and the heart. Less severe deficiencies may result in weight loss, confusion, irritability and malaise. Vitamin B1 can be found in small dosages in many whole food sources including peas, asparagus, cauliflower, yeast, brown rice, oranges, pork, eggs and potatoes.

Vitamin B2 – Vitamin B2 is also referred to as Riboflavin, and is an easily absorbed vitamin that plays a key rule in maintaining overall health. Vitamin B2 is required for many cellular processes within the body including the metabolism of energy, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and ketone bodies. Popular sources for Vitamin B2 include milk, cheese, liver, legumes, yeast, almonds, rock lobsters and soybeans. Riboflavin is easily destroyed by exposure to light, making it difficult to obtain this vitamin through whole food sources.

Vitamin B3 – Vitamin B3 is also referred to as Niacin, and is an organic compound that is a derivative of pyridine and plays an essential role in the metabolic process of living cells. Vitamin B3 or Niacin is especially important in relation to the detoxification of xenochemicals, along with the repair of DNA and the production of steroid hormones within the adrenal gland. Vitamin B3 can be found in numerous whole food sources, including animal products like fish, salmon, milk and eggs, fruits and vegetables such as carrots, dates, avocados and broccoli, seeds, nuts and whole grain products and some fungi, including brewer’s yeast and mushrooms.

Vitamin B5 – Vitamin B5 is also referred to as Pantothenic Acid, and is a water soluble vitamin that is an essential nutrient to sustain life. Vitamin B5 is critical when it comes to the synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B5 can be found in a wide variety of different whole food sources, which is where it derives its name which is from the Greek word “pantothen” for “from everywhere”. Pantothenic Acid, or Vitamin B5 can be found in high amounts in whole grain cereals, eggs, meat, royal jelly and legumes.

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is also referred to as Pyridoxine, although there are two other compounds that are commonly referred to as Vitamin B6; Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 is best known for its ability to balance the sodium and potassium in the body, and it also promotes the production of red blood cells. The most popular source for Pyridoxine is dragon fruit, which comes from South East Asia.

Vitamin B7 – Vitamin B7 is also referred to as Vitamin H or Biotin, and is a water soluble vitamin that plays a role in the metabolism of leucine and fatty acids, and in the process of gluconeogenesis. Biotin can be found in a myriad of different whole food sources, though normally in low concentrations. Royal jelly and brewer’s yeast are the greatest sources for Vitamin B7, though this vitamin is also found in oilseed meals, dried yeasts, alfalfa, milk, liver, egg and some vegetables as well.

Vitamin B9 – Vitamin B9 is also referred to as Vitamin M, Vitamin B-c or Folic Acid, and is most known as sourcing from green leafy vegetables which is where this vitamin gets its name. Folic acid, or Folate, can be found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuces and turnip greens, and also in dried beans, fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, peas, and some other fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is also referred to as Cobalamin, and is vital in the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain, and also the normal formation of the blood in the body. Vitamin B-12 plays a part in the metabolism of the cells in the body, including their regulation and synthesis, as well as the synthesis and energy production of fatty acids as well. The natural, whole food source of Vitamin B-12 both for humans and animals is other animal products, including meat, eggs and milk products.

Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders. 

Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the ‘fat-soluble vitamins’ designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the ‘water-soluble vitamins’ which include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin B complex. Each of them has its own special role in the development of human body. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps us to see in dim light and also at night. “Vitamin A” is also involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any opening to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract). Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables or fruits. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin. 

Vitamin B

Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body make protein and energy. 

The sources of “vitamin B” are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins. The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the disease “Beri Beri”, cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. 

The “vitamin C” can be found in citrus fruits (like lemon & orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called “Scurvy” which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. It is this vitamin you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs. 

Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with “vitamin D”. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and sunlight. 

The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. The deficiency of this “vitamin E” can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.