The Different B Vitamins for your Health

We hear a lot about the importance of B-12 for your health, but what about the other seven B vitamins? These eight essential nutrients work together and have their own unique functions that keep your body running smoothly. Here are the eight B vitamins and why they're so important to incorporate them into your daily health regime.

The Function of B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for ensuring your cells are functioning to the best of their ability. According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, B vitamins have jobs that range in helping release energy from carbohydrates and fats consumed (metabolism) and carrying oxygen throughout the body. This is a broad overview of what B vitamins do collectively, yet each vitamin has specific functions they perform to keep us healthy.

The Different B Vitamins and their Functions

Thiamin or vitamin B-1

Vitamin B-1, or thiamin, helps maintain your brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Vitamin B-1 is essential when it comes to the creation of certain neurotransmitters making it a key element for healthy brain function. This water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in some foods and a deficiency can affect the brain and heart as their energy supply depletes. 

Riboflavin or vitamin B-2

Vitamin B-12 or riboflavin is essential in energy production within the body. Due to the body’s inability to store large amounts of riboflavin at a time, it is important to consume small amounts of this vitamin daily. Luckily for us, riboflavin deficiency is extremely rare and many foods such as eggs, lean meats, and green vegetables. 

Niacin or Vitamin B-3

This vitamin is not only essential for your daily health, but can also be used as a treatment to improve cholesterol levels. Niacin has been proven to lower triglycerides and increase the amount of HDL cholesterol. For the general public, a lack of this vitamin can lead to digestive issues and even mental confusion or fog. You can find vitamin B-3 in foods such as meats, nuts and legumes, and fortified cereals.

Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B-5

Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) is essential when it comes to synthesizing and metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins within the body. This vitamin is also essential for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It is highly unlikely to have a vitamin B-5 deficiency, and symptoms such as headaches and irritability are often caused by a number of deficiencies within the body. 

Pyridoxine or B-6

Another B-vitamin that is essential for optimal brain function, the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates, as well as boost your immune system. You can find B-6 in a number of foods such as dark leafy greens, all kinds of fruit, and nuts. 

Biotin or B-7

Perhaps you’ve heard of B-7 by its more popular name “biotin”, especially if you have ever googled hair and nail growth supplements. Biotin can lead to increased keratin production in the hair follicles, leading to it being a popular ingredient in hair growth supplements. Biotin can not only help you achieve luscious locks but is also essential for amino acid metabolism and fat synthesis. Plus: it is an extremely important vitamin to take when pregnant as it is important for embryonic development. 

Folate/Folic Acid or B-9 

Nearly as popular as B-12, this vitamin is also important when it comes to ensuring healthy baby development when pregnant. B-9 is also crucial when it comes to brain function, playing a big role in mental and emotional health, as well as the production of DNA and RNA.

Cyanocobalamin or B-12

Possibly the most talked-about B-vitamin, B-12 is crucial for the function of the nervous system, brain, and the production of red blood cells. While B-12 is found in many animal products such as meat and dairy, it can also be found in fortified cereals and other foods. Despite this, many people are B-12 deficient and experience the consequences. Adding a B-12 supplement to your diet can help improve your symptoms of a deficiency. 

Conclusion

All B-vitamins are important for overall health. From metabolism function to red blood cell production, B-vitamins do it all. This is why it is extremely important to eat a diverse diet rich in healthy, nutritious foods. When you find yourself lacking and feeling less-than-ideal due to any B-vitamin deficiencies, exploring our range of B-vitamin supplements can help you get your body back on track in no time.