Vitamin B is a complex of several vitamins. The name arises because it was once considered a single vitamin, much like Vitamin C or Vitamin D. Since later research has shown it is in fact a complex of chemically distinct vitamins that happen to often coexist in the same foods, the name has gradually declined in use, being replaced by the generic term "the B vitamins", the vitamin B complex, or by the specific names of each vitamin.
The B vitamins are:
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Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
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Vitamin B-2, also Vitamin G (Riboflavin)
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Vitamin B-3, also Vitamin P or Vitamin PP (Niacin)
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Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic acid)
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Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine and Pyridoxamine)
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Vitamin B-7, also Vitamin H (Biotin)
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Vitamin B-9, also Vitamin M (Folic acid) - important for pregnancies
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Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)
In addition to coexisting in the same foods, the B vitamins often work together to bolster metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, and promote cell growth and division — including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia.
Together they also help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
All B vitamins are water soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body and must be replenished daily with any excess excreted in the urine.
Brewer's yeast is a good source of Vitamin B.
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