B-Complex or B Vitamins

Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12.

B vitamins, also known as B-Complex, include eight water-soluble vitamins commonly found in foods.

Thiamin Functions

Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, helps all cells of the body create energy from carbohydrates. It also plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system. Thiamin is found in a variety of foods.

Alcoholics might be deficient in thiamin and experience side effects including fatigue, weak muscles, and nerve damage. People being treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and those with malabsorption syndrome need extra thiamin. Excess thiamin is secreted in the urine and does not appear to pose a risk for adverse effects.

Riboflavin Functions

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps all body cells create energy. It also helps convert tryptophan – an essential amino acid – into niacin, another B vitamin.

Getting too little dietary riboflavin can cause dry, flaky, or cracked skin (especially around the nose, lips, and tongue) and eye problems including cataracts. There are no known adverse effects from consuming too much riboflavin.

Niacin Functions

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body create energy from carbohydrates and fatty acids. It also helps enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions) fuction in the body.

Although some niacin can be created in the body from tryptophan, most niacin is obtained through a varied diet.

Too little niacin can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, mental disorientation, and skin problems. Those being treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or those with malabsorption syndrome might need extra niacin.

Too much niacin (in the form of nicotinic acid, the form usually found in supplements) can cause flushed skin, liver damage, stomach ulcers, and high blood sugar.