Vitamin B Complex: Teamwork Works Best
Vitamin B Complex: Teamwork Works Best
Before discussing what Vitamin B Complex is all about, it will be helpful
to provide a brief background on what vitamins are all about. The word
vitamin was first coined in 1912, when Polish chemist Casimir Funk first
isolated vitamin B1, or thiamine, from rice. Coincidentally, Vitamin B1 is
the first of eight vitamins that comprise Vitamin B Complex. As we know
them now, vitamins are organic molecules that function as catalysts for
reactions within the body. A catalyst is a substance that allows a
chemical reaction to happen much faster--sort of like a dating consultant
who makes love happen much faster between two people!
Vitamin B complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which
include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5),
pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), and biotin
(Vitamin H). These vitamins are catalysts for the breakdown of
carbohydrates into glucose; the breakdown of fats and proteins; and
keep your skin, eyes,hair, mouth and liver healthy.
Nutritionists suggest taking the B-complex vitamins as a group rather
than individually. This means you take multi-vitamins which usually
contain only the minimum amounts of the eight vitamins above. However,
because they are all usually present in a multi-vitamin capsule, this is far
healthier for your body than taking bigger doses of say Vitamin B2 and
B3 only. Going the other way means missing out on some benefits
because Vitamin B6 needs Vitamin B2 in the same amount for it to do
other good things for the body.
While supplementation is usually necessary in this fast-paced world, still
the best way to get your Vitamin B complex is through the food you eat.
Besides, taking tablets do require extra work for your kidneys and liver!