A Brief On Vitamins
Vitamins are essential substances acquired daily from the diet for human growth and energy. There are a total of 13 vitamins which are classified into fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble include vitamins A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble include vitamin B complex, and vitamin C. Vitamin B complex comprises vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
A look into vitamin B complex
Each vitamin B has a unique structure and usage. The vitamin B complex includes vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B5 (pantothenic acid). Furthermore, the vitamin B complex also comprises vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). There is a necessity to maintain an adequate amount of each vitamin in the body. An excess or deficit of vitamins may lead to a disturbance in the overall health equilibrium.
Over or under?
The quantity is usually taken according to the doctor’s directives. With a surplus of vitamin B, skin conditions, upset stomach, and neuropathy of the limbs may occur. A deficit of vitamin B would lead to numbness, tingling, gastrointestinal disturbance, anemia, confusion, depression, skin rash, and hair loss.
Who should take and the quantity
The amount of each vitamin to be taken varies on various factors such as age and gender. Men usually require more dosage than women. However, in certain circumstances, such as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and older women, need more intake of vitamin B. Vegetarians or vegans, and those with a pre-existing medical condition also require more vitamin B. The quantity of vitamin B differs with children, depending on the age.
Medical usage
The advantage of the vitamin B complex is that every vitamin B is helpful for different medical conditions. Past studies have shown that the vitamin B complex help in both physical and psychological conditions. Vitamins B1 and B5 aid in wound healing, while vitamins B1, B2, and B6 help heal canker sores. Some of the psychological conditions that the vitamin B complex helps in include anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder. Vitamin B can also be used to manage conditions such as hives, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia.
Sources of vitamins
Any vitamin is acquired from various kinds of food such as vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and chickpeas. Sometimes diet is not sufficient for some people to get the most vitamins, and in such cases, supplements are added. Doctors recommend supplements when there is a deficiency in any vitamins to ensure a balanced health condition.
