Vitamin B complex
Water-soluble organic compounds with loosely similar properties, distribution in natural sources, and physiological functions.
Most are coenzymes, and all appear essential to the metabolic processes of all animal life. They include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12 (cobalamin); some authorities also include choline, carnitine, lipoic acid, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid. Vitamin B6 is needed for metabolism of amino acids and prevention of skin and nerve disorders. Vitamin B12 prevents pernicious anemia and is involved in nucleic-acid synthesis, fat metabolism, and conversion of carbohydrate to fat. The B complex vitamins are particularly abundant in cereal grains, meats, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables.
Thiamin or vitamin B1
Organic compound, part of the vitamin B complex, necessary in carbohydrate metabolism.
It carries out these functions in its active form, as a component of the coenzyme thiamin pyrophosphate. Its molecular structure includes a substituted pyridine ring and a thiazole ring. Thiamin is found most abundantly in whole cereal grains and certain other seeds. Deficiency leads to beriberi.
Riboflavin or vitamin B2
Yellow, water-soluble organic compound, abundant in whey and egg white.
It has a complex structure incorporating three rings. Green plants and most microorganisms can synthesize it; animals need to acquire it in their diet. It exists in combined forms as coenzymes and functions in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. A syndrome resembling pellagra is thought to result from riboflavin deficiency. See also flavin.
Niacin or nicotinic acid vitamin B3
Water-soluble vitamin of the vitamin B complex, essential to growth and health in animals, including humans.
It is found in the body only in combined form as a coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the oxidation of sugar derivatives and other substances. One of the most stable vitamins, it survives most cooking and most preserving processes. It is widely found in dietary sources, especially lean meat. Deficiency causes pellagra. It is used as a drug to reduce high cholesterol levels in the blood.
Biotin
Organic compound, part of the vitamin B complex, essential for growth and well-being in animals and some microorganisms.
A carboxylic acid with two rings in its structure, it includes nitrogen and sulfur atoms as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It functions in the formation and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is widely distributed in nature and is especially abundant in egg yolk, beef liver, and yeast. A biotin deficiency can be induced by consuming large amounts of raw egg white, which contains a protein (avidin) that combines with biotin and makes it unavailable. Biotin is needed to synthesize fatty acids and convert amino acids to glucose in the body.
Source: Britannica encyclcopedia
Folic acid or folate
Organic compound essential to animal growth and health and needed by bacteria as a growth factor.
Part of the vitamin B complex, folic acid is necessary for synthesis of nucleic acids and formation of the heme component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. To prevent neural tube defects in babies, it should ideally be taken by women starting at least a month before conception. Dietary folate sources include leafy and dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, cereals, beans, poultry, and egg yolks, but free folic acid is available only in supplements. Low intake leads to folic acid deficiency anemia.
Source: Britannica encyclcopedia
