B. vitamins they are essential nutrients that are soluble in water, so they must be replenished every day.
There are eight B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate [folic acid]) and B12 (cobalamin). “Each of the B vitamins has different functions in your body and for your health,” says Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD. “They help with the function of the nervous system by coating nerve cells so they can function properly. They help you use energy from food. Some of them help you absorb other vitamins. They help with digestion and muscle tone. They produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your bloodstream to your organs.” This is what happens when you take B vitamins every day, according to experts. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
B9 [folate] It is very important for a healthy pregnancy. “The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily,” says Dr. Sutherby. “During pregnancy, you need 600 to 1,000 micrograms of folic acid daily. Folate is essential for the healthy development of a baby’s brain and spine. Getting enough of this vitamin before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain types of of congenital anomalies”.
Thiamine is essential for converting the body’s energy from nutrients. “Like other B-complex vitamins, thiamin is sometimes called the ‘anti-stress’ vitamin because it can strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions.” says Mount Sinai Health. “It’s called B1 because it was the first B vitamin discovered. Thiamine is found in both plants and animals and plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions. Your body needs it to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which every cell in your body uses of energy.
B12 is important for nerve function, brain function, and more. “Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is found naturally in foods of animal origin. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is necessary to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and brain and nerve cell development,” according to the Harvard T. H. Chan of Public Health.
B7 [Biotin] it is important for a healthy metabolism. “Many systems benefit from biotin, including the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells.” says Dr. Sherry Ross, OB/GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Biotin is necessary for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as energy in our body.”
B5 [Pantothenic acid] helps convert food into energy. “Pantothenic acid is typically used in combination with other B vitamins in the form of a vitamin B complex formulation,” says dr ross. “Pantothenic acid is used to treat and prevent pantothenic acid deficiency and skin reactions to radiation therapy. Other health benefits of pantothenic acid that have been suggested but not scientifically proven include improvement of symptoms related to ADHD, arthritis, athletic performance, skin problems, alcoholism, allergies, hair loss, asthma, heart problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, lung disorders, nerve damage, colitis, eye infections, seizures, kidney disorders, dandruff, depression, diabetic issues, immune function, headaches, hyperactivity, low blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and muscle cramps.”
Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health, and wellness writer who is passionate about making information backed by science and research accessible to a general audience. Read more about Ferozán