The vitamin B complex is composed of numerous hydrophilic (water-soluble) vitamins of the B group.This group includes:
- Thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3).
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Folic acid (vitamin B9)
- Cobalamin (vitamin B12)
Vitamin B complex is found in both plant and animal foods. An exception is vitamin B12, which is not found in plant foods. It can also be stored in the body, unlike all other water-soluble vitamins.All vitamins of group B serve as precursors for coenzymes: they are involved in many processes for the metabolization (metabolism) of proteins (protein), fats and carbohydrates. These vitamins are therefore also called “motors of metabolism”.
Caution!According to the data available for the Federal Republic of Germany on the supply situation (see, for example, National Consumption Study II) with vitamins of the B group, the intake of women as well as men is not optimal for pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and folic acid.The available data on the supply situation of women indicate a non-optimal intake for vitamin B12.
