We Are Family (B-Vitamins)!

There are eight different types of B vitamins. While some are more well-known than others, they are all important and essential to our diets.  Each vitamin in this family has its own unique function in the body. The B vitamins, along with their general roles, are as follows:

• B1 (Thiamine): Helps cells turn food into energy; assists with the normal functioning of the Central Nervous System
• B2 (Riboflavin): Helps cells turn food into energy
• B3 (Niacin): Helps cells turn food into energy
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Helps cells turn food into energy
• B6: Helps our body process proteins and stored sugar; assists with the formulation of red blood cells and the normal functioning of the Central Nervous System
• B7 (Biotin): Helps the body process carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; may help obtain healthy hair, skin, and nails when deficient
• B9 (Folic Acid): Crucial for the early weeks of pregnancy and the health of the fetus; helps with the development of an unborn baby’s nervous system
• B12 (Cobalamin): Helps cells turn food into energy; assists with making DNA, creating red blood cells, and the normal functioning of the Central Nervous System

The B vitamins can be found in a variety of foods.  In fact, most are found in foods of animal origin, such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs, cheese, or milk.  However, you can also get your fair share from whole grains and whole wheat products, spinach, soybeans, lentils, broccoli, nuts, and brown rice.  Since these vitamins are water soluble, not having enough is more common than having too much.  Usually, the excess amount will just spill over into the urine and get excreted.  Deficiency of B vitamins has been known to cause anemia, low energy levels, spina bifida in babies, unexpected weight loss, mental confusion, and emotional disturbances.

Do you need help with making sure that you are eating a well-balanced diet?  Are you are missing some key vitamins because you are skipping food groups?  No worries! I can help you get back on track. Schedule a consultation so we can begin to address your needs.  Now is the time!