Biological Functions of Vitamin B complex and effects on human health in both excess and deficiency levels

Amarjeet Kaur

Amarjeet Kaur Guru Ram Das (PG) Institute of Management & Technology

Keywords: Vitamin B, Deficiency, Sources, Doses

Abstract

Vitamins are micronutrients and play vital role in healthy life. Body needs them in relatively small amounts, in comparison with other nutrients. Vitamins are two types on bases of their solubility viz. lipid soluble and water soluble. B vitamins or vitamin B complex are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. These vitamins are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name of each vitamin (e.g., B₁, B₂, B_3, B_5, B_6, B₇, B₈, B₉, B₁₂ etc.). In general, supplements containing all eight vitamins are referred to as a vitamin B complex. B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods. Processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour tend to have a lower B vitamin than their unprocessed counterparts. Good sources for B vitamins include legumes (pulses or beans), whole grains, potatoes, banana, chilli peppers, tempeh, nutritional yeast, brewer’s yeast, and molasses. The vitamin B₁₂is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B₁₂ deficiency a legitimate concern for vegetarians. Deficiency of B vitamins causes various diseases. Their deficiency may cause diseases viz.Vit. B₁-Beriberi; Vit B₂-Ariboflavinosis; Vit B₃-Pellagra; Vit B₅-acne; Vit B₆-microcytic anaemia; Vit B₇-CNS disorders; Vit B₉–leucopaenia, macrocytic anaemia; Vit. B₁₂-Macrocytic anaemia, memory loss.

Author Biography

Amarjeet Kaur, Guru Ram Das (PG) Institute of Management & Technology

Department of Pharmacy,
Guru Ram Das (PG) Institute of Management & Technology,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

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