What is Vitamin B?

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that has several vital functions in the growth and development of the human body. Vitamin B incorporates the group of eight essential types, which are necessary for several metabolic and developmental processes.

Types of vitamin B:

Vitamin B1:

Thiamin, or vitamin B1, is a coenzyme that helps in the synthesis of amino acid and sugars. A Dutch military physician Christiaan Eijkman identified this vitamin.

Vitamin B2:

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is a cofactor precursor for two enzymes necessary for flavoproteins (family of enzymes). Riboflavin is a yellowish pigment that is slightly fluorescent and exists in the milk.

Vitamin B3:

Niacin or vitamin B3 is a precursor for NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These two are significant cofactors for transferring cell reaction and oxidative phosphorylation.

Vitamin B5:

Pantothenic acid is the vitamin that is an essential yeast nutrient. This type of vitamin is most abundant in eggs, grains, vegetables, and meat.

Vitamin B5 is the precursor for coenzyme A which is essential for lipids, proteins, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Vitamin B6:

Pyridoxine is the most common and active form of vitamin B. It helps as a coenzyme for the metabolism of lipids, carbs, and proteins.

Vitamin B7:

Biotin or vitamin B7 is a cofactor of several enzymatic reactions. It is a regulator for the expression of genes.

Vitamin B9:

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is vital for fetal growth and metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids.

Vitamin B12:

Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is significant for the metabolism of several biomolecules like lipids, proteins, and carbs. It acts as a cofactor for converting homocysteine to amino acids and methionine.