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:
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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:
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Dietary sources include:
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Beans;
Cereals;
Meat;
Nuts;
Peas;
Potatoes;
Yeast.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B1:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Dietary sources include:
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Cheese;
Eggs;
Fish;
Liver;
Milk
Pulses.
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Signs of Deficiences of Vitamin B2:
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Ariboflavinosis;
Dizziness;
Eczema;
Insomnia;
Oversensitivity to light;
Scaly Scalp.
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Signs of Excessive intake of Vitamin B2:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Synthesis of nucleic acids;
Maintenance of myelin in the nervous system;
Correct functioning of Folic Acid.
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Sources of Vitamin B12:
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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:
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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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