There are eight B vitamins and they all play a very important role in the body. They are water soluble and help in cell metabolism. Because B vitamins are water soluble, it means that they dissolve in water and can be absorbed through water throughout the body (as opposed to fat soluble vitamins that travel through the body differently). Many people believed that all of the B vitamins were actually the same vitamin but it has been discovered that there are many different forms and they are independent of each other and are chemically distinct as well. Supplements that have all eight of the B vitamins are often said to have the B vitamin complex. The B vitamins also have individual names. They are:
* Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
* Vitamin B3 (niacin, includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide)
* Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
* Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine)
* Vitamin B7 (biotin), also known as vitamin H
* Vitamin B9 (folic acid), also, vitamin M
* Vitamin B12 (various cobalamins; commonly cyanocobalamin in vitamin supplements)
The most common and most well known B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid, but all of them are very important for the body. There are also some compounds that used to be considered vitamins that no longer are and some of them are B vitamins.
Vitamin B deficiency
There are many reasons why B vitamins are important to the body and one of the biggest reasons that they should be paid attention to are the problems that can come about because of vitamin B deficiency. Generally, B vitamin deficiencies can cause vascular cognitive impairment and other problems with the circulatory system. Thiamine is one of the most important B vitamins that people need to have in their body and its deficiency results in a condition called beriberi. The symptoms of beriberi include problems with the nervous system and can also include weight loss, emotional problems, impaired sensory perception, limb or joint pain, edema (swelling of bodily tissues), heart failure and death can even occur in very advanced cases. Other diseases and conditions that can happen because of vitamin B deficiencies include acne, hyperemia, edema, pellagra, anemia, depression, birth defects, and even brain problems. Folic acid is one of the most important B vitamins especially for pregnant women. Folic acid has been linked to the prevention of NTDs such as spina bifida which is a sometimes debilitating condition that happens among babies and fetuses in the womb. It keeps the nerves from exiting the spine and making the child handicapped in this way. Being sure to take a folic acid supplement (or one that contains it) is recommended for all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. It can be found in many different supplements and foods.
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Eric Glenn is the successful owner of several global health businesses and regularly advises clients and customers on health, nutrition and creating their own global business. Eric strongly recommends the use of supplements with Synergy Worldwide to improve your health. To learn more about supplements that can help to improve your health visit http://www.ericglenn.com or his health supplements website http://www.synergyteamglobal.com
