B6 to B12 Vitamins, the Other Half of the B Complex
There are many essential chemical compounds needed for the proper function of your body’s metabolic processes, the production of certain chemicals or elements in your body, the protection of certain antioxidants and oh so many more functions I could speak of with out end. That, however, is not my intention my intention is to educate you on the chemical compounds that fall under the category of B vitamins. I will be teaching you about the last four vitamins found under the B complex.
Here is a detail I want you to bear in mind as you read through this article. Vitamins are not going to superpower you. They are actually present in your body and make those metabolic processes happen when healthy levels of them are consumed. When you lack the correct amount of vitamins for a prolonged period of time you may encounter deficit issues like pellagra a disease caused by the lack of niacin in peoples diets (which swept over the south once and caused the disturbance of a lot of people).
Getting vitamin A from carrots won’t actually make you see better but it will keep your eyesight from deteriorating. In other words vitamins are not a set of pills you can do without drinking they are actually indispensible chemical compounds that make your life possible.
B Complex
With that business matter out of the way we can now concentrate on our first candidate of the other half of the B complex, vitamin B6. It is also known under the name of pyridoxine. Like niacin or nicotinic acid or niacin-amine vitamin B6 also possesses an array of different names to go by, as there are many chemical compounds that are placed under it.
Other forms of vitamin B6 include: Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine, Pyridoxal 5’-Phosphate and Pyritinol. These chemical compounds are all water-soluble and have an important role in metabolic processes like amino acid metabolism, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In more simple terms vitamin B6 not only helps you decompose and make proteins but it also moves around sugar and fat in your body aiding it to transform food into energy.
Vitamin B6 is also responsible for the production of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine and the insulator found on neurons known as myelin. The fact that it has this function on the production of neurotransmitters and myelin proves that healthy levels of pyridoxine can prevent the decay of mental abilities and thought processes.
It can also be said that healthy doses of it will also alter moods for the better. Other roles of vitamin B6 include reducing the toxicity of certain chemicals you pour into your body (i.e. Alcohol) in processes that involve making those chemicals water-soluble.
Foods and B Vitamins Hight Concentrations
How do I get the goodness in me? Well, like B vitamins pyridoxine can be found in most foods but it is in higher concentrations in these ones: Poultry, like chicken, and turkey. Fruits like bananas, strawberries and watermelons. Other sources include fish like tuna and salmon and veggies like spinach and asparagus.
On to the next family member! This is the guy in the family everybody knows by a bunch of different names. He’s changed his identity a couple of times but you know him most of the time as vitamin B7. He can also go by the name of Biotin, B8 and even H. Those names are all lumped under vitamin B7 due to the later discovery that they all performed the same functions in the body.
You may feel like I am constantly drilling you on this one, but deficiency on this vitamin is rare to come by. However, this vitamin flows through your blood stream and is disposed of through your urine. So it is necessary eating and drinking foods that contain it. It is specifically involved in the processes that involve the natural and beautiful look of your hair and skin.
The H Vitamin?
The name of vitamin H is the result of the words in German for hair and skin. This brought about the usage of this term but it was later found that it resembled the rest of the compounds in the B complex and it was added onto vitamin B7. Like most B complex compounds Biotin is involved in the process of metabolizing fatty acids, proteins and food into glucose. It is also a risk redactor for birth defects and it can help certain diabetes patients control their insulin levels.
Biotin can be found in peanuts, tomatoes, carrots, walnuts, oats and onions, salmon and sweet potatoes. Go nuts! You can find it in most nuts and in certain fruits. A nice salad can provide you with your daily intake of vitamin B7 so keep it in mind next time you order a beef sandwich.
Vitamin B9 also known as folic acid is great for, you guessed it: Your hair follicles! Like most B complex chemical compounds it is involved in metabolic activities. Now, one of the cool functions of folic acid is its involvement in the production of the map of your genetic code. Yes, vitamin B9 takes part in the process of production of your DNA and RNA strands. So you have it to thank when you’re bodybuilding and need to make some protein.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Now, folic acid deficiency contraire to other vitamin B deficiency is a lot more common to come by. If you are an alcoholic or have a certain form of bowel you may come across it. Deficiency in this vitamin may cause problems in the cognitive area as well as forgetfulness. It can also bring about problems in your mouth including gingivitis. Some studies even suggest that healthy levels of folic acid can help prevent some forms of cancer.
The sources for this vitamin are very similar to the other sources mentioned before. If those don’t call your attention might I suggest these: white beans, lima beans or orange juice. If you’re into eating something a little more out of the ordinary for your taste buds try some beef liver.
Vitamin B12 is the last of the eight on our list but it is not the least important of the group. It is involved in the metabolic activities of cells and the synthesis of DNA. Its most important function is making it possible for our brains and nervous systems to function properly. The body does not produce this vitamin so you have to reach out for it from other sources.
Vitamin B Deficiency can Cause Anemia
The deficiency of this vitamin can bring about anemia, as it aids the production of red blood cells in the body. Other symptoms of deficiency include problems with fatigue, desire to eat, reduced sensitivity and mood changes. Certain diets with a strain on dairy products and other meat products may produce vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 can be stored in the body contraire to other B vitamins so you can indulge in storing a bit for later. Since most animals and plants cannot produce this chemical compound it is recommended to find it in fermented plant products or fungi. So you are safe on B12 deficiency if you’re a fan of mushrooms. Some goods that contain it include cheese, sardines, and crimini mushrooms.
Vitamins are essential on keeping your vitality. If you consider your health to be off kilter and you believe the problem is vitamins, consult your doctor and have him or her help you with your diet and supplement intake. I hope this article has been of your aid and learning. Happy reading!
Article by: Alain Gutierrez.