When people refer to B Vitamins they are essentially referring to water-soluble vitamins (excluding Vitamin C). These include:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• niacin (vitamin B3)
• pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
• pyridoxoine (vitamin B6)
• biotin, folic acid and cobalmins (vitamin B12)

At one time it was thought that there was a single Vitamin B but researchers later found that there are many that work independently.  The importance of adequate B Vitamins in the diet cannot be over-emphasised. As water soluble vitamins cannot be stored by the body and any excesses are simply flushed away.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) contributes to

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal psychological functions
• normal heart functions

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• maintenance of normal mucous membranes
• normal red blood cells
• normal skin and vision
• normal metabolism of iron
• protection of cells from oxidative stress
• reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) contributes to:

• normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, some neurotransmitters, and vitamin D
• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal mental performance
• reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Vitamin B6 contributes to

• normal cysteine synthesis
• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal homo-cysteine metabolism
• normal protein and glycogen metabolism
• normal psychological function
• normal red blood cell formation
• normal function of the immune system
• reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• regulation of the hormonal system

Biotin contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal macro-nutrient metabolism
• maintenance of normal hair, mucous membranes and normal skin

Vitamin B12 contributes to:

• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal homo-cysteine metabolism
• normal psychological function
• normal red blood cell production
• normal immune system function
• reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• process of cell division