Health, Medical Information & Articles

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates and producing energy. Thiamine is one of the B vitamins, a group of water-soluble vitamins that participate in many of the chemical reactions in the body. Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Vitamin B1 can be found in fortified breads, cereals, pasta, whole grains (especially wheat germ), lean meats (especially pork), fish, dried beans, peas, and soybeans. Dairy products fruits, and vegetables are not very high in thiamine, but when consumed in large amounts, they become a significant source.

Riboflavin, also called vitamin B2, releases energy from carbohydrates. B2 is destroyed by exposure to light, therefore foods with riboflavin should be keep in dark or opaque containers. Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex group. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Vitamin B2 can be found in lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and milk provide riboflavin in the diet. Breads and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin. Because riboflavin is destroyed by exposure to light, foods with riboflavin should not be stored in glass containers that are exposed to light.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for many aspects of health, growth, and reproduction. It is part of the vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B3, also called Niacin, is needed for cell respiration, helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and a memory-enhancer. Niacin can be found in dairy products, poultry, fish, lean meats, nuts, wheat germs, livers, avocados, dried fruits and eggs. Legumes and enriched breads and cereals also supply some niacin.

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for humans and animals for growth, reproduction, and normal physiological functions. It is a precursor of the coenzymes, CoA and acyl carrier protein of fatty acid synthase, which are involved in more than 100 different metabolic pathways including energy metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and the synthesis of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, porphyrins and hemoglobin.

Pantothenic Acid plays an essential role in energy and metabolism. Needed for maintenance of healthy digestive tract, skin, nerves and glands. Helps to convert fat and sugar to energy.

Pantothenic acid can be found in many type of foods including eggs, fish, lobsters, milk and milk products, whole-grain cereals, soybeans, lentils, split peas, legumes, avocados, yeast, broccoli and other vegetables in the cabbage family, white and sweet potatoes, and organ meats.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex. Vitamin B6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system, which are needed to fight many diseases. It helps maintain normal nerve function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also required for the chemical reactions needed to digest proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 can be found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, brewer's yeast, bananas, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, wheat bran, milk, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals.

Folic acid (commonly know as Folate and Vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex group. Folic acid works along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body digest and utilize proteins and to synthesize new proteins when they are needed. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and is used to guide the cell in its daily activities).

Folic acid also helps with tissue growth and cell function. In addition, it helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids.

Synthetic folic acid supplements may be used in the treatment of disorders associated with folic acid deficiency and may also be part of the recommended treatment for certain menstrual problems and leg ulcers.

Following foods contain a rich source of Folic Acid - beans and legumes, brewer's yeast, citrus fruits and juices, wheat bran and other whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, poultry, pork, shellfish, liver.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the vitamin B complex. Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism and is a key nutrient for new growth. Important factor in maintaining health of nervous system, including brain cells. Necessary for normal digestion, absorption of foods, protein synthesis and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

Vitamin B12 can be found in liver, kidney, muscle meats, fish, dairy products, eggs, poultry, shellfish, and milk and milk products.