Vitamin B Explained Part One:

Vitamin B actually refers to several vitamins that exist in the B group. You may be familiar with some of their names, or you may have heard them referred to by their number, such as B6.

Each vitamin in this group is a powerhouse on its own, but they all work together in brining your body their many benefits. Most of the B vitamins rely on at least one other in the group for proper function. This is why it is important to supplement with a full spectrum Vitamin B product that contains all of the B vitamins in one.

There are some prescription medications that may interact with Vitamin B and it is important to check with your doctor before trying any new supplement. While the majority of the vitamins in Vitamin B are not harmful on their own, there is still a possibility of interaction with other medications.

First, let's take a look at the vitamins that make up Vitamin B:

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 - Niacin
Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acide
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine
Biotin
Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 - Cobalamins

Now that you know what the proper names are, it is time to take a look at each one separately to know what different benefits they may provide.

Vitamin B1 is essential for processing carbohydrates properly. It is also useful in treating canker sores, anemia (if deficient), diabetes and hepatitis. Alcoholics are normally very deficient in Vitamin B1, as are patients that are undergoing kidney dialysis treatments. People who do not eat proper diets may also be deficient.

In particular, the deficiency that affects kidney dialysis patients is by far the most severe. It is highly recommended that patients undergoing this treatment speak with their doctor to ensure that they are getting enough Vitamin B1 to counteract this possibly deadly deficiency.

Vitamin B2 is used to process amino acids and fats in the blood stream. It is necessary for the activation of Vitamin B6 and folic acid. Vitamin B2 also helps the body convert carbohydrates into fuel that the body can use to run on. Recent studies have also shown that Vitamin B2 may be an antioxidant.

You can find the highest concentration of Vitamin B2 in dairy products, meat and eggs. Whole grains, fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables usually have a lesser amount.

Vitamin B2 is useful in treating anemia, migraines, cataracts and canker sores. Deficiency of Vitamin B2 is commonly found in alcoholics, patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, cataract patients and recently, people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Our next article will cover the benefits of Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5.

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