Vitamin B

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps keep your mind and body healthy. Among other things, thiamine ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system, the heart and the psyche, which is why it is also popularly known as the mood vitamin. 

If you drink a lot of coffee or black tea, this can inhibit this vitamin from being absorbed.

Vitamin B2 

Vitamin B2, technically known as riboflavin,  also has a variety of functions. It supports a normal energy metabolism and is responsible for maintaining normal blood cells. Since these properties are important for various growth processes, among other things, riboflavin is also known as a growth vitamin. 

However, its positive effect on the eyes is also well known, as vitamin B2 contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

When prepared gently, it can also be found in many foods after heating: Although this B vitamin does not tolerate light particularly well, it is relatively insensitive to heat.

Vitamin B3 

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is important for the maintenance of normal normal mucous membranes and skin. It also helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Niacin is found in many foods; however, the niacin from plants is utilised somewhat less effectively by the body than that from meat. Your body is able to produce vitamin B3 from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in soya beans or peas.

Vitamin B5

If you want to stay alert, vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is your friend. Vitamin B5 supports energy metabolism and contributes to the normal synthesis of some neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are messenger substances of nerve cells. Pantothenic acid also contributes to a reduction in  tiredness and fatigue and to the normal synthesis of vitamin D.

Vitamin B6 

Vitamin B6 ensures a healthy protein balance and cysteine synthesis. Cysteine is an amino acid mainly found in hair and nails. It also contributes to normal nervous system function and helps regulate hormone activity. Vitamin B6 is really a collective term for several chemical substances (pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine) but they all occur together in many foods. Vitamin B6 is sensitive to heat, so foods containing it should be prepared carefully.

Vitamin B7

Vitamin B7 is probably best known to women as “biotin”. It plays a role in maintaining normal hair and skin. As these factors are important for our own well-being, there are now even biotin shampoos. Among other things, vitamin B7 contributes to the healthy metabolism of micronutrients (fat, carbohydrates and proteins) and the energy metabolism.
 

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is water-soluble and primarily known as folate or folic acid, particularly important for pregnant women and women planning to have children. Folic acid plays an important role in growing maternal tissue during pregnancy. Folic acid also has a function in cell division and is indirectly involved in the multiplication of genetic material.

Vitamin B12

Like most vitamins, your body cannot produce vitamin B12 itself, or in technical terms, “cobalamin”. This B vitamin contributes to healthy red blood-cell formation, cell division, normal energy metabolism, while reducing fatigue and tiredness. Lastly, it supports the mental and nervous system functions.

Vitamin B12 is produced by micro-organisms in the soil, which are absorbed by animals. This means you can easily get enough vitamin B12 through animal products. Vegetarians and especially vegans can avoid deficiency by taking vitamin B12 supplements, after consulting a doctor. In addition to medicines, high-dose vitamin B12 supplements are also suitable for this purpose.