Natural Vitamins B is a group of vitamins consisting of eight water soluble vitamins. These are known as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin and cyanocobalamin. The first natural vitamin was discovered by Polish Chemist Casimi Funk in 1911. It was earlier discovered as a single vitamin called Thiamine.
One significant natural source of Vitamin B is rice polish. Thiamine was derived from this natural source. Later it was realized that it contains a group of vitamins that perform different function sin the human body and work in synergy.
Natural sources of vitamin B are much better than consuming multivitamins. Human body is designed in a way that it recognizes and absorbs all natural sources. But supplements or multi vitamins are not recognized by the body, so hinders the absorption process. In any case, if individuals are advised to add vitamin B supplements to their diet, they must go for natural vitamin supplements.
A natural vitamin B supplement is composed of all the essential B group vitamins with high potency and benefits.
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 plays a vital role in converting glucose into energy and forming red blood cells. Rich sources of thiamine are pork, wheat gram, milled rice, almond, groundnut, watermelon and yeast. Deficiency of this vitamin results in a disease called beriberi.
Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is also responsible for protein and fat metabolism. It combines with protein to form a number of enzymes responsible for cell oxidation. This vitamin is found in liver, milk, cottage cheese, green leafy vegetables, whole grain breads, milled cereals and kidney. Deficiency symptoms are inflamed tongue, cracked skin, skin rash, red tongue and reddening of cornea.
Vitamin B3, or Niacin, plays a key role in providing extra energy, reducing cholesterol level and treating arteriosclerosis. It is found in chicken, nuts, salmon, liver, cereals and dried peas.
Vitamin B5 was discovered in yeast in 1901 and is widely found in animal and plant sources. About 10mg/day of this vitamin is sufficient for the human body.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is required for amino acid metabolism, release of energy and formation of red blood cells. It was discovered in 1936 by Gyorgyi. Deficiency symptoms include vomiting, dizziness and morning sickness.
Vitamin B 7, or Biotin, was also discovered in 1936 by Gyorgyi while observing the toxic effects of egg whites. This vitamin is beneficial for synthesis of hemoglobin and breakdown of fats and carbohydrates to release energy. Good sources are peanuts, liver, cauliflower, egg yolk and chicken. Deficiency symptoms are abnormal heart actions, weight loss, nausea, depression, dry skin, scaly dermatitis, muscle pain, hair loss and weakness.
Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is naturally found in legumes, whole grain, nuts, citrus fruits, eggs and green leafy vegetables. It is essential for forming red blood cells and transporting oxygen to various body parts.
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is useful for producing and maintaining body cells. This vitamin is naturally found in milk, fish, eggs, meat and liver. Deficiency symptoms are fatigue, anemia, depression and degeneration of peripheral nerves progressing to paralysis.