Everyone has probably heard of “B vitamins,” including B-complex and B-12. But did you know that thiamin and riboflavin are also B vitamins? More importantly, do you know why we need them and where to find them in foods?
B vitamins consist of B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), niacin (also called B-3), pantothenic acid (also called B-5), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid (also called folate). “B-complex” is simply a compilation of all the individual B vitamins. B vitamins as a group are co-enzymes (meaning they work with enzymes) involved in energy production and growth factors. Being “involved with energy production” does not mean that they “give you energy,” but rather that they are involved in chemical reactions. B vitamins are important to proper functioning of the nervous system, muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, and the health of your hair, skin, eyes, liver and mouth. Because of their broad involvement in metabolism (chemical reactions) they touch just about every part and function of your body. read more »
