Vitamin B

Vitamin B is actually made up of a group of vitamins which all perform different yet essential functions throughout the body. Many of them help your body turn food into energy, however some have more specific jobs.

Vitamin B is easily eradicated during the cooking and food preparation. There are 13 vitamins that are essential for the body and eight of these comprise B-group vitamins.

Without B vitamins, the body is low in energy as they help it to utilise the fuel that derives from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B is also important in the creation of DNA. Although B-vitamins are found in many foods, they are vulnerable to destruction due to their water-soluble nature.

There are eight B vitamins which everybody needs to stay healthy. Each one plays a different role around the body, but most of them also work together to take care of your cells and transform the food you eat into energy.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) - This B vitamin contributes to energy yielding metabolism, as well as supporting the central nervous system.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - Another B vitamin which supports your body in releasing energy from food, riboflavin also maintains normal vision and function of your nervous system.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) – Niacin again plays a role in energy release as well as maintaining your skin’s health.

Pantothenic acid – This type of vitamin B is another one which helps the body convert food into energy and contributes to normal mental performance.

Vitamin B6 – This vitamin supports the body in using and storing energy sourced from carbs and protein. It also helps with the formation of normal red blood cell , which carries oxygen around the body.

Vitamin B7 (biotin) – Biotin is well known for contributing to the maintenance of normal hair.

Vitamin B9 (folate) – Folate assists the body in forming healthy red blood cells and is also thought to reduce the risk of babies forming spinal defects in the womb. While usually sourced from food, the manmade form of folate is called folic acid.

Vitamin B12 – Another important vitamin B for energy release, B12 also supports the nervous system, helps the body make red blood cells, and supports normal function of the immune system.

You’ll find most forms of vitamin B are present in a range of food groups which you’ll likely already eat on a regular basis, from green veggies and fruit through to wholegrains, soya beans and chickpeas. Nevertheless, most B vitamins are found in the highest amounts in meat, dairy and eggs, meaning it’s not unusual for vegans or vegetarians to be deficient.