The term vitamin B refers to a group of eight vitamins, all of which perform different functions for the body and health. The majority of B vitamins are absorbed through food. Certain life circumstances may necessitate an increased requirement.
What is vitamin B and what effect does it have?
The term vitamin B refers to a group of eight vitamins, all of which perform different tasks for the body and health. The majority of B vitamins are absorbed through food. For example, vitamin B6 is found in the following foods. Behind the name vitamin B are 8 different substances. The so-called vitamin B complex does not designate a uniform class of vitamins, but rather a classification of consistently water-soluble substances that function as precursors of coenzymes. The vitamin B complex includes vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B11 and vitamin B12. The so-called vitamin B15 is not a vitamin in the proper sense. Most B vitamins are absorbed through food. They can thus be stored for a very long time in the liver, for example, and used for vital processes in the body. A permanent vitamin B deficiency can lead to severe, sometimes irreparable damage. An overdose, on the other hand, is rather rare, since excess B vitamins are excreted again by the body. Since vitamin B belongs to the coenzymes and is thus involved in the formation of various enzymes, the substances are necessary for important metabolic processes in the human body. In this context, they have different meanings. For example, vitamin B6 is the most important substance in amino acid metabolism.
Importance
The vitamin B complex performs essential tasks in the human body and should therefore be available in sufficient quantities for smooth functioning. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), for example, is needed for optimal utilization of food and to maintain the function of the nervous system. It is also known colloquially as the “mood vitamin”. A pronounced deficiency can lead to constipation, stomach pain, neurological deficits or memory loss. During pregnancy, for example, there is an increased need for vitamin B1, which should definitely be adequately covered. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is responsible for fat and protein breakdown. Alternatively, many people also know it under the name “growth vitamin”. If this substance is lacking in the body, cracked and dry skin, burning eyes and torn corners of the mouth will result. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is directly involved in protein metabolism. If the substance is missing in the organism, this deficiency becomes noticeable through nausea, vomiting, dry skin and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Vitamin B12 is significantly involved in blood formation and cell division, as well as in the function of the nervous system. A small amount of B12 can be formed in the human large intestine; however, the substance can no longer be sufficiently utilized by the body at this point. An insufficient supply of vitamin B12 subsequently leads to anemia, concentration disorders or psychotic states. Apart from the actual functions that vitamin B performs in the body, the substances are also used as medicines. For example, vitamin B6 is used to treat menstrual cramps. Preparations containing selected vitamins from the vitamin B complex are used, for example, for nerve inflammation.
Occurrence in food
The body can be supplied with a sufficient amount of vitamin B via a healthy diet. Vitamins B1, B2, B7 and B12, for example, are found in dairy products, but also in liver and cereals (whole grains in particular are usually high in vitamin B). Fish contains vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B12. For these reasons, those who eat exclusively a vegan diet are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. In this case, it is recommended that the substance be supplied with the aid of dietary supplements in order to prevent damage caused by a deficiency. However, plant foods also contain certain B vitamins. Peas, for example, contain vitamins B1 and B3, spinach vitamins B6 and B9, and mushrooms vitamins B7 and B9. To ensure an adequate supply of vitamin B, experts recommend a balanced and varied diet. In this way, not only the need for B vitamins, but also for all other vitamins and minerals can be covered.If there is an increased need or if there is no sufficient supply through the diet, there is the possibility of additionally consuming appropriate dietary supplements and thus prevent deficiency symptoms.
