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Vitamin B

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Submitted By aphillips37
Words 698
Pages 3
Amanda Phillips
Research Paper
Professor Perry
Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
April 2, 2013

Vitamin B Complex is made up of several B vitamins. They are essential for the bodies normal functions. B vitamins can be referenced by many different names such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. There are also their scientific names: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, nicotinamide or nicotinic acide amide (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid or folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12).

Each vitamin B has its role in our health and is important for a healthy body. For example Vitamin B1, thiamin, plays many key roles in the body: metabolic cycle for generating energy, aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart; stabilizes the appetite; promotes growth and good muscle tone. Having a B1 deficiency may lead to mental depression and constipation; weakness and feeling tired; nervous irritability; insomnia; the loss of appetite; paralysis and loss of weight; or even heart and gastrointestinal problems. Vitamin B2, riboflavin, is necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration; necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails, and hair; alleviates eye fatigue, promotes general health. Having a deficiency of B2 may result in sluggishness; itching and burning eyes, cracks and sores in the mouth and lips, bloodshot eyes; purplish tongue, dermatitis; retarded growth; digestive disturbances, trembling; or even oily skin. Vitamin B3, niacinamide, improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level n the blood; maintains the nervous system; helps metabolize protein, sugar, and fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food; prevents pellagra; helps maintain a healthy skin, tongue and digestive system. A deficiency in B3 may result in mental depression, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, pellagra, gastrointestinal disturbance, headaches, vague aches and pains, loss of appetite, skin disorders, muscular weakness, indigestion, bad breath, and canker sores. Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, participates in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and protein, aids in the utilization of vitamins; improves the body’s resistance to stress; helps in cell building and the development of the central nervous system; helps the adrenal glands, fights infections by building antibodies. A deficiency in B5 may lead to restlessness, painful and burning feet, skin abnormalities, retarded growth, dizzy spells, digestive disturbances, vomiting, stomach stress, and muscle cramps. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, is necessary for synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies; maintains the central nervous system; aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea and stiffness of hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body. A B6 deficiency my result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, loss of muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders, muscular weakness, dermatitis, arm and leg cramps, loss of hair, slow learning, and water retention. Vitamin B7, biotin, aids in the utilization of protein, folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B12, and promotes healthy hair. A deficiency in B7 may lead to depression, extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, loss of appetite, muscle pain, or grayish skin color. Vitamin B9, folic acid, is necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis, which is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells; essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow; and aids in amino acid metabolism. A deficiency in B9 may result in gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, or pre-mature gray hair. Vitamin B12, cobalamin, helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia; necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism; maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; increase energy, and needed for Calcium absorption. A deficiency in B12 may lead to depression, tiredness, nervousness, pernicious anemia, poor appetite, growth failure in children, brain damage, neuritis, degeneration of spinal cord, and lack of balance.

B vitamins are an important part of the diet and are needed to avoid many health problems.

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