Vitamin B-Complex and its Relationship with the Health of Vegetarian People

Abstract

Vitamins are essential for a healthy life. Compared to other nutrients, the body needs them in very small amounts. B vitamins, often known as the vitamin B complex, are a class of water-soluble vitamins with key functions in cellular metabolism. Thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (vitamin B7), folate (vitamin B9), often known as folic acid, and cobalamin (vitamin B12) are the eight distinct vitamins that collectively constitute the vitamin B complex. The body's energy levels, cognitive activity, and cell metabolism are all directly impacted by B vitamins. Four main factors contribute to vitamin B deficiency: an unbalanced diet, excessive alcohol intake, different drugs, and disorders that induce gut malabsorption. If these B vitamin deficiencies are left untreated, they can eventually cause symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, heart attacks, strokes etc. B vitamins are present in natural, whole foods. Compared to their unprocessed counterparts, white flour and other processed carbohydrates like sugar often contain fewer B vitamins. Excellent sources of vitamins Bs comprise legumes (beans or pulses), potatoes, bananas, whole grains, tempeh, chilli peppers, brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, and molasses. This paper provides an in-depth summary of the most popular types of vitamin B, emphasizing why the body needs them, the symptoms of a deficiency, and what diet or foods are rich in them.