Vitamin B Complex Benefits

Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body to carry out certain functions. Although required in smaller amounts, they perform several functions in the body. Vitamins are classified into 6 types, vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K. Among the rest, vitamin B is a complex vitamin which is further sub divided into different types like B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B complex aids in proper functioning of several organs of the body.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B complex falls in the group of water-soluble vitamins that carry out different functions in the body. One of the most important functions of this vitamin is its use in the process of metabolism. The conversion of carbohydrates into glucose and further into energy is carried out with the help of vitamin B complex. A person whose diet is deficient in this vitamin suffers from fatigue and constant feeling of lethargy due to lack of energy.

• B complex vitamin is essential for proper digestion as it helps in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
• It aids in proper functioning of the nervous system. It plays an important role in proper functioning of the adrenal gland and also helps in production of certain hormones.
• It prevents birth defects during pregnancy. Specially, it helps in the prevention of neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B complex plays an important role in cell reproduction. Therefore, it is essential to have healthy looking hair and nails.
• Improving mood, memory, concentration, etc. are some of the other vitamin B complex benefits in adults, especially in elderly people.
• It is also essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
• Deficiency of vitamin B complex can lead to skin rash, brittleness of hair and nails. It can also cause a feeling of anxiety, nervousness and depression.
• Indigestion, malnourishment, fatigue, exhaustion, tingling, body aches, etc. are some of the other effects of vitamin deficiency. These can be prevented by having a vitamin B complex rich diet.

Vitamin B complex is found in a variety of foodstuffs which should be included in the diet regularly. The following are the foods containing this vitamin: meat, chicken, liver, beef, kidney, turkey, tuna, salmon, milk, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, cereals, potatoes, bananas, lentils, nuts, chili peppers, brewer's yeast and molasses, etc. Vitamin B complex supplements are also available in the market which can help to prevent deficiency diseases. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before going for any vitamin supplements, as overdose of it can lead to toxicity. It is also essential to know about the side effects that result out of overdose of supplements.

As a concluding note, it can be said that, having a balanced diet every day helps in gaining all the benefits of vitamin B complex and also keeps deficiency diseases at bay. Take care!