There are several B-Vitamins.
A seperate section about each of the best-known
types of vitamin B is included below. They are:
Vitamin B1;
Vitamin B2;
Vitamin B6;
Vitamin B12. |
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Vitamin
B1 |
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Functions of Vitamin B1: |
Formation of the enzyme thiamin pyrophosphate;
promotes normal metabolism,
appetite,
digestion, and growth;
Brain development and function.
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Sources of Vitamin B1: |
Dietary sources include: |
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Beans;
Cereals;
Meat;
Nuts;
Peas;
Potatoes;
Yeast.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B1: |
Mild Deficiency: |
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Anxiety, depression and irritability. |
Extreme Deficiency: |
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Extreme deficiency can lead
to the disease "Beriberi"- involving
nerve inflammation, muscular weakness and,
in extreme cases, heart failure.
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Signs of Excessive intake of Vitamin B1: |
Excessive doses (possibly by injection) may
lead to toxic symptoms such as:
Allergic reactions;
Disturbance of heart beat;
Nervousness;
Shaking and Swellings. |
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Vitamin
B2 |
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Functions of Vitamin B2: |
Production of acetylcholine, noradrenaline,
serotonin (neurotransmitters essential to the
brain);
Release of energy from carbohydrates;
Synthesis of arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and
linolenic acid (essential fatty acids);
Tissue respiration.
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Sources of Vitamin B2: |
Dietary sources include: |
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Cheese;
Eggs;
Fish;
Liver;
Milk
Pulses.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B2: |
Ariboflavinosis;
Dizziness;
Eczema;
Insomnia;
Oversensitivity to light;
Scaly Scalp.
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Signs of Excessive intake of Vitamin B2: |
Overdose is unlikely but extremely large doses
are associated with numbness and itching.
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Vitamin
B6 |
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Functions of Vitamin B6: |
Helping to maintain healthy skin and nerves;
Formation of red blood cells;
Formation of hormones essential for functioning
of the brain;
Synthesis & breakdown of amino acids;
Resistance to disease;
Fight signs of premature ageing.
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Sources of Vitamin B6: |
Dietary sources include: |
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Many foods including:
Fish;
Green vegetables;
Meat; Milk; Liver;
Whole-grain cereals.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B6: |
Rare, but can lead to:
Loss of appetite;
Anaemia;
Fatigue;
Nervousness;
Insomnia;
Memory problems;
Menstrual problems.
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Signs of Excessive intake of Vitamin B6: |
Excessive intake can lead to poisoning and
damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems,
especially the sense of touch.
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Vitamin
B12 |
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Functions of Vitamin B12: |
Synthesis of nucleic acids;
Maintenance of myelin in the nervous system;
Correct functioning of Folic Acid.
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Sources of Vitamin B12: |
Dietary sources include: |
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Brewers Yeast;
Dairy products;
Eggs;
Fish;
Liver;
Meat.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B12: |
Affects most body tissues,
especially those containing rapidly dividing
cells;
Pernicious anaemia;
Degeneration of the nervous system (incl.
loss of sensation and poor co-ordination);
Tongue infections. |
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