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The vitamin B complex, discovered by McCollum
sometime between 1915-16, is composed of eight different vitamins
that are grouped together because they are similar in their
properties and effects. These are B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin),
B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamine),
folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid. All B vitamins facilitate
the metabolic processes of the body. In fact, they are described
as co-enzymes, substances that partner with enzymes, which are
protein compounds that catalyze important chemical changes in
the body, such as producing energy. Since all B vitamins are
water soluble, there is no danger of having an overdose of B
vitamins, except for vitamin B6, which seem to cause neurological
damage.
Vitamin
B1 or thiamine, discovered by Funk in 1912, helps the body transform
carbohydrates in to energy. It also helps in the metabolism
of protein and fats. If a person lacks thiamine, he suffers
beriberi, an inflammation of many peripheral nerves. This disease
is characterized by loss of appetite, numbness, and general
weakness in the arms and legs. In Asia, thiamine is added to
rice in order to reduce the number of children who are suffering
from beriberi.
Vitamin
B2 or riboflavin, discovered by Smith and Hendrick in 1926,
also helps the body tap into its energy supplies. The lack of
riboflavin leads to the inflammation of the tongue, the cracking
at the corners of the mouth, and the appearance of scaly and
greasy inflammation on the skin.
Vitamin
B3 or niacin or nicotinic acid was discovered by Elvehjem in
1937. Like the first two B vitamins, it helps in the breakdown
of carbohydrates. If a person lacks niacin, he will develop
pellagra. This disease is characterized by skin lesions, gastrointestinal
disturbance, and nervous symptoms.
Vitamin
B6 or pyridoxine, discovered by Gyorgy in 1934, aids in the
metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is also
helps people in relieving the pain of arthritis. So far, no
human disease has been associated with the lack of vitamin B6
Vitamin
B12 is known to help in the development of red blood cells.
This is probably why a person who lacks vitamin B12 suffers
from pernicious anemia.
Folic acid,
discovered by Wills in 1933, is also important in the formation
of red blood cells. The lack of it leads to a form of anemia
characterized by sore tongue, diarrhea, and ulceration of both
stomach and intestines.
Pantothenic
acid helps in metabolic processes that lead to growth of humans.
The lack of pantothenic acid results to growth failure, skin
lesions, and gray hairs
Biotin
helps the body in synthesizing fats and using carbon dioxide.
The lack of biotin leads to anorexia, nausea, vomiting, depression,
and dermatitis.
Foods that
are rich in B vitamins are wheat, oats, fish, sea foods, eggs,
poultry, dairy products, beans, and citrus fruits.
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