B Vitamins, What are they Good For?

Mar 7, 2016 by Marcin

There are 8 B vitamins that you need to regularly consume to stay healthy, though you’ve probably heard of the eleven-B complex. Eleven B is based on the number of B vitamins that scientists once thought we needed to eat, but it has since turned out that we actually produce a few of them, and don’t need them in our diet.

Let’s take a look at the remaining ones, and why we need them.

Vitamin B1 – Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is essential for making new cells and protectin the immune system. Chronic deficiencies can cause heart failure, dementia, weakness, edema, and a variety of other severe symptoms.

Vitamin B2 – Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin. A deficiency can cause syphilis-like symptoms, inflammation of various tissues, edema, and even a sensitivity to sunlight.

Vitamin B3 – Also known as Niacin, and it’s vital for healthy brain function and for boosting good cholesterol. A deficiency can lead to dementia symptoms, aggression, insomnia, confusion,

Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid helps to maintain healthy skin. A lack of Vitamin B5 can cause acne and uncomfortable tingling sensations in your extremities.

Vitamin B6 – This vitamin is actually a group of several enzymes that function similarly to help metabolize fats, sugars, and proteins.

Vitamin B7 – B7, otherwise known as Biotin, is an important digestive enzyme, much like B6. It’s particularly important for breaking down carbohydrates for energy, so a lack of biotin can result in low energy levels, and impaired growth in children.

Vitamin B9 – Also known as Folic Acid, B9 is vital for healthy cell division. A lack of this vitamin can impair growth and result in a blood disorder that manifests as a rare form of anemia.

Vitamin B12 – B12 is also known as cobalamin, and is an important part of cellular metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It’s essential particularly for maintaining the protective sheaths around nerve fibers. Lowering levels of B12 often coincide with cognitive decline in the elderly.