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vitamin B complex
=================

Dictionary: vitamin B complex

Home > Library > Literature & Language > Dictionary
n.
A group of water-soluble vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin,
niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, folic acid, inositol,
and vitamin B12 and occurring chiefly in yeast, liver, eggs, and some
vegetables. Also called B complex.

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Chemistry Dictionary:

vitamin B complex
-----------------

Top Home > Library > Science > Chemistry Dictionary

A group of water-soluble vitamins that characteristically serve as
components of coenzymes. Plants and many microorganisms can
manufacture B vitamins but dietary sources are essential for most
animals. Heat and light tend to destroy B vitamins.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin(e)) is a precursor of the coenzyme thiamine
pyrophosphate, which functions in carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency
leads to beriberi in humans and to polyneuritis in birds. Good sources
include brewer's yeast, wheatgerm, beans, peas, and green vegetables.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) occurs in green vegetables, yeast, liver, and
milk. It is a constituent of the coenzymes FAD and FMN, which have an
important role in the metabolism of all major nutrients as well as in
the oxidative phosphorylation reactions of the electron transport
chain. Deficiency of B2 causes inflammation of the tongue and lips and
mouth sores.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is widely distributed in cereal grains, yeast,
liver, milk, etc. It is a constituent of a coenzyme (pyridoxal
phosphate) involved in amino acid metabolism. Deficiency causes
retarded growth, dermatitis, convulsions, and other symptoms.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin; cobalamin) is manufactured only by
microorganisms and natural sources are entirely of animal origin.
Liver is especially rich in it. One form of B12 functions as a
coenzyme in a number of reactions, including the oxidation of fatty
acids and the synthesis of DNA. It also works in conjunction with
folic acid (another B vitamin) in the synthesis of the amino acid
methionine and it is required for normal production of red blood
cells. Vitamin B12 can only be absorbed from the gut in the presence
of a glycoprotein called intrinsic factor; lack of this factor or
deficiency of B12 results in pernicious anaemia.

Other vitamins in the B complex include nicotinic acid, pantothenic
acid, biotin, and lipoic acid. See also choline.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B6

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:

vitamin B complex
-----------------

Top Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
vitamin B complex
Water-soluble organic compounds with loosely similar properties,
distribution in natural sources, and physiological functions. Most are
coenzymes, and all appear essential to the metabolic processes of all
animal life. They include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin,
vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12
(cobalamin); some authorities also include choline, carnitine, lipoic
acid, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid. Vitamin B6 is needed for
metabolism of amino acids and prevention of skin and nerve disorders.
Vitamin B12 prevents pernicious anemia and is involved in nucleic-acid
synthesis, fat metabolism, and conversion of carbohydrate to fat. The
B complex vitamins are particularly abundant in cereal grains, meats,
nuts, and some fruits and vegetables.

For more information on vitamin B complex, visit Britannica.com.

Food and Nutrition:

vitamin B complex
-----------------

Top Home > Library > Food & Cooking > Food and Nutrition

An old-fashioned term for the various B vitamins: vitamin B1
(thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12,
folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins occur together in
cereal germ, liver, and yeast; function as coenzymes; and historically
were discovered by separation from what was known originally as
vitamin B; hence, they are grouped together as the B complex.

Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia:

Vitamin B Complex
-----------------

Top Home > Library > Health > Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia

Description

The vitamin B complex consists of 12 related water-soluble substances.
Eight are considered essential vitamins because they need to be
included in the diet. Four are not essential because the body can
synthesize them. Although these vitamins are chemically distinct, they
are grouped together because they are found with one another in the
same foods. Since they are water-soluble, most are not stored for any
length of time, and must be replenished daily. The eight vitamins have
both names and corresponding numbers. They are:

B1 (thiamin)

B2 (riboflavin)

B3 (niacin)

B5 (pantothenic acid)

B6 (pyridoxine)

B7 (biotin)

B9 (folic acid)

B12 (cobalamin)

Biotin is not always included among B complex supplements. The numbers
that appear to have been skipped were found to be duplicate substances
or non-vitamins. The four unnumbered components of the B complex that
can be synthesized by the body are choline, inositol, PABA, and lipoic
acid.

As a group, the B vitamins have a broad range of functions, including
the maintenance of myelin, which is the covering of nerve cells. A
breakdown of myelin can cause a large and devastating variety of
neurologic symptoms. B vitamins are also key to producing energy from
nutrients that are consumed. Three members of this group—folic acid,
pyridoxine, and cobalamin—work together to keep homocysteine levels
low. This is quite important, since high homocysteine levels are
associated with heart disease. Some B vitamins prevent certain birth
defects (including cleft palate and neural tube defects), maintain
healthy red blood cells, support immune function, regulate cell
growth, aid in hormone production, and may have a role in preventing
certain types of cancer. They also help maintain healthy skin, hair,
and nails.

General Use

There are many claims regarding the usefulness of various B vitamins.
Thiamine is thought to be supportive for people with Alzheimer's
disease, a disorder that is also associated with low levels of
pyridoxine and cobalamin. High doses of niacin lower cholesterol, and
balance high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoproteins. This
should be done under medical supervision only. Some evidence shows
that niacin may prevent juvenile diabetes (type 1, insulin dependent)
in at-risk children. It may maintain pancreatic excretion of some
insulin for a longer time than would occur normally. Niacin has also
been used to relieve intermittent claudication and osteoarthritis,
although the dose for the latter may lead to liver problems. The
frequency of migraines may be significantly reduced, and the severity
decreased, by the use of supplemental riboflavin. Pyridoxine is used
therapeutically to lower the risk of heart disease, to relieve nausea
associated with morning sickness, and to treat premenstrual syndrome
(PMS). In conjunction with magnesium, pyridoxine may have some
beneficial effects on the behavior of children with autism. Cobalamin
supplementation has been shown to improve male fertility. Depression,
dementia, and mental impairment are often associated with deficiencies
of both cobalamin and folic acid. Folic acid may reduce the odds of
cervical or colon cancer in certain risk groups.

Deficiency

Vitamin B complex is most often used to treat deficiencies that are
caused by poor vitamin intake, difficulties with vitamin absorption,
or conditions causing increased metabolism, such as hyperthyroidism,
which deplete vitamin levels at a higher than normal rate.

Biotin and pantothenic acid are rarely deficient since they are
broadly available in foods, but often persons lacking one type of B
vitamin are lacking other B components as well. An individual who may
have symptoms due to an inadequate level of one vitamin may suffer
from an undetected underlying deficiency as well. One possibility of
particular concern is that taking folic acid supplements can cover up
the symptoms of cobalamin deficiency. This scenario could result in
permanent neurologic damage if the cobalamin shortage remains
untreated.

Some of the B vitamins have unique functions within the body that
allow a particular deficiency to be readily identified. Often,
however, they work in concert so symptoms due to various inadequate
components may overlap. In general, poor B vitamin levels will cause
profound fatigue and an assortment of neurologic manifestations, which
may include weakness, poor balance, confusion, irritability, memory
loss, nervousness, tingling of the limbs, and loss of coordination.
Depression may be an early sign of significantly low levels of
pyridoxine, as well as other B vitamins. Additional symptoms of
vitamin B deficiency are sleep disturbances, nausea, poor appetite,
frequent infections, and skin lesions.

A certain type of anemia (megaloblastic) is an effect of inadequate
cobalamin. This anemia can also occur if a person stops secreting
enough intrinsic factor in the stomach. Intrinsic factor is essential
for the absorption of cobalamin. A lack of intrinsic factor also leads
to pernicious anemia, so called because it persists despite iron
supplementation. Neurologic symptoms often precede anemia when
cobalamin is deficient.

A severe and prolonged lack of niacin causes a condition called
pellagra. The classic signs of pellagra are dermatitis, dementia, and
diarrhea. It is very rare now, except in alcoholics, strict vegans,
and people in areas of the world with very poor nutrition.

Thiamine deficiency is similarly rare, except among the severely
malnourished and alcoholics. A significant depletion causes a
condition known as beriberi, which can cause weakness, leg spasms,
poor appetite, and loss of coordination. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
is the most severe form of deficiency, and occurs in conjunction with
alcoholism. Early stages of neurologic symptoms are reversible, but
psychosis and death may occur if the course is not reversed.

Risk Factors for Deficiency

People are at higher risk for deficiency if they have poor nutritional
sources of B vitamins, take medications, or have conditions that
impair absorption, or are affected by circumstances causing them to
require above-normal levels of vitamin B components. Since the B
vitamins often work in harmony, a deficiency in one type may have
broad implications. Poor intake of B vitamins is most often a problem
in strict vegetarians and the elderly. People who frequently fast or
diet may also benefit from B vitamin supplements. Vegans need to use
brewer's yeast or other sources of supplemental cobalamin, since the
only natural sources are meats.

Risk factors that may decrease absorption of some B vitamins include
smoking; excessive use of alcohol; surgical removal of portions of the
digestive tract; and advanced age. Absorption is also impaired by some
medications. Some of the drugs that may cause decreased absorption are
corticosteroids, colchicine, metformin, phenformin, omeprazol,
colestipol, cholestyramine, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, tricyclic
antidepressants, and slow-release potassium.

A person's requirement for vitamin B complex may be increased by such
conditions as pregnancy, breast-feeding, emotional stress, and
physical stress due to surgery or injury. People who are very
physically active require extra riboflavin. Use of birth control pills
also increases the need for certain B vitamins.

Recent research indicates that children with sickle cell anemia are at
high risk for elevated homocysteine levels and pyridoxine deficiency.

Studies of folic acid deficiency caused by cancer chemotherapy
indicate that some patients are at greater risk than others due to
genetic variations in metabolism of the B vitamins. Further research
is needed to determine the role of these genetic factors in vitamin
deficiency states.

Preparations

Natural Sources

Although they are prevalent in many foods, fresh meats and dairy
products are the best sources for most of the B vitamins. Cobalamin is
only found naturally in animal source foods. Freezing of food and
exposing foods or supplements to light may destroy some of the vitamin
content. Dark-green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of folic
acid. To make the most of the B vitamins contained in foods, they
should not be overcooked. It is best to steam vegetables, rather than
boil or simmer them.

Supplemental Sources

B vitamins are generally best taken in balanced complement, unless
there is a specific deficiency or need for an individual vitamin. An
excess of one component may lead to depletion of the others.
Injectable and oral forms of supplements are available. The injectable
types may be more useful for those with deficiencies due to problems
with absorption. B complex products vary in terms of components and
dose level contained within them.

Individual components are also available as supplements. These are
best used with the advice of a health care professional. Some are
valuable when addressing specific problems such as pernicious anemia.
Strict vegetarians will need to incorporate a supplemental source of B12
in their diets.

Precautions

In many cases, large doses of water-soluble vitamins can be taken with
no ill effects since excessive amounts are readily excreted. However,
liver inflammation may occur when niacin is taken at daily doses of
over 500 mg. This problem occurs more often at doses six times as
high. It is generally reversible once the supplementation is stopped.
Niacin may also cause difficulty in controlling blood sugar in
diabetics. It can increase uric acid levels, which will aggravate gout.
Those with ulcers could be adversely affected, as niacin increases the
production of stomach acid. Niacin also lowers blood pressure due to
its vasodilatory effect, so it should not be taken in conjunction with
medications that treat high blood pressure. If a form of niacin known
as inositol hexaniacinate is taken, the beneficial effects on
cholesterol are maintained without incurring the problems of flushing,
gout, and ulcers.

High doses of pyridoxine may cause liver inflammation or permanent
nerve damage. Megadoses of this vitamin are not necessary or
advisable.

Thoseon medications for seizures, high blood pressure, and Parkinson's
disease are at increased risk for interactions. Persons who have
chronic health conditions, or take other medications, should seek the
advice of a health professional before beginning any program of
supplementation.

Side Effects

In large amounts, niacin commonly causes flushing and headache,
although this can be avoided by taking it in the form of inositol
hexaniacinate. Large doses of riboflavin result in very bright yellow
urine.

Interactions

Some medications may be affected by B vitamin supplementation,
including those prescribed for high blood pressure; Parkinson's
disease (such as levodopa, which is inactivated by pantothenic acid);
and epileptiform conditions. Folic acid interacts with Dilantin (a
brand name for phenytoin sodium), as well as other anticonvulsants.
Large amounts of vitamin C taken within an hour of vitamin B
supplements will destroy the cobalamin component. Niacin may interfere
with control of blood sugar in people on antidiabetic drugs.
Isoniazid, a medication to treat tuberculosis, can impair the proper
production and utilization of niacin. Antibiotics potentially decrease
the level of some B vitamins by killing the digestive tract bacteria
that produce them.

Resources

Books

Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Health Bible. CA Prima
Publishing, 1999.

Feinstein, Alice. Prevention's Healing with Vitamins. PA: Rodale
Press, 1996.

Griffith, H. Winter. Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements: The
Complete Guide. AZ: Fisher Books, 1998.

Janson, Michael. The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care. Arcadia Press,
1996.

Jellin, Jeff, Forrest Batz, and Kathy Hitchens. Pharmacist's
letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 1999.

Pressman, Alan H., and Sheila Buff. The Complete Idiot's Guide to
Vitamins and Minerals. New York: Alpha Books, 1997.

Periodicals

Wolters M., A. Strohle, and A. Hahn. "Age-associated changes in the
metabolism of vitamin B12 and folic acid: Prevalence,
aetiopathogenesis and pathophysiological consequences." Z Gerontol
Geriatr. 2004 Apr;37(2):109-35. (article in German, reviewed in
abstract only

Balasa, W., K. A. Kalinyak, J. A. Bean, et al. "Hyperhomocysteinemia
is Associated with Low Plasma Pyridoxine Levels in Children with
Sickle Cell Disease." Journal of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology 24
(June-July 2002): 374-9.

Fairfield, K. M., and R. H. Fletcher. "Vitamins for ChronicDisease
Prevention in Adults: Scientific Review." Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA) 287 (June 19, 2002): 3116-26.

McCaddon, A., B. Regland, P. Hudson, and G. Davies. "Functional
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Alzheimer's Disease." Neurology 58 (May 14,
2002): 1395-9.

Miller, J. W., R. Green, D. M. Mungas, et al. "Homocysteine, Vitamin B6,
and Vascular Disease in AD Patients." Neurology 58 (May 28, 2002):
1449-50.

Morris, M. S. "Folate, Homocysteine, and Neurological Function."
Nutrition in Clinical Care 5 (May-June 2002): 124-32.

Prescott, N. J., and S. Malcolm. "Folate and the Face: Evaluating the
Evidence for the Influence of Folate Genes on Craniofacial
Development." The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal 39 (May 2002):
327-31.

Ulrich, C. M., K. Robien, and R. Sparks. "Pharmacogenetics and Folate
Metabolis—A Promising Direction." Pharmacogenomics 3 (May 2002):
299-313.

Organizations

American Dietetic Association. 216 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL
60606. (312) 899-0040. .

Article by: Rebecca J. Frey, Ph.D.; Samuel Uretsky, Pharm.D.

Wikipedia:

B vitamins
----------

Top Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Wikipedia B vitamin supplement
tablets

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important
roles in cell metabolism. Historically, the B vitamins were once
thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as vitamin B (much as
people refer to vitamin C or vitamin D). Later research showed that
they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same
foods. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a
vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by
the specific name of each vitamin (e.g. B1, B2, B3 etc.).

Contents

1. List of B vitamins

1. Health benefits

1. B vitamin deficiency

1. B vitamin toxicity

1. B vitamin sources

1. Related nutrients

1. References

List of B vitamins
------------------

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacinamide)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, or pyridoxine
 hydrochloride)

Vitamin B7 (biotin)

Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Vitamin B12 (various cobalamins; commonly cyanocobalamin in
 vitamin supplements)

Health benefits
---------------

The B vitamins are necessary in order to:

Support and increase the rate of metabolism

Maintain healthy skin and muscle tone

Enhance immune and nervous system function

Promote cell growth and division—including that of the red blood
 cells that help prevent anemia.

Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms
 of cancer1, when consumed in food, but not when ingested in
 vitamin tablet form.23

All B vitamins are water soluble, and are dispersed throughout the
body. Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any
excess is excreted in the urine.4

B vitamin deficiency
--------------------

Several named vitamin deficiency diseases may result from the lack of
sufficient B-vitamins. Deficiencies of other B vitamins result in
symptoms that are not part of a named deficiency disease.

Vitamin

Name

Deficiency effects

Vitamin B1

thiamine

Deficiency causes beriberi. Symptoms of this disease of the nervous
system include weight loss, emotional disturbances, Wernicke's
encephalopathy (impaired sensory perception), weakness and pain in the
limbs, periods of irregular heartbeat, and edema (swelling of bodily
tissues). Heart failure and death may occur in advanced cases. Chronic
thiamine deficiency can also cause Korsakoff's syndrome, an
irreversible psychosis characterized by amnesia and confabulation.

Vitamin B2

riboflavin

Deficiency causes ariboflavinosis. Symptoms may include cheilosis
(cracks in the lips), high sensitivity to sunlight, angular cheilitis,
glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), seborrheic dermatitis or
pseudo-syphilis (particularly affecting the scrotum or labia majora
and the mouth), pharyngitis, hyperemia, and edema of the pharyngeal
and oral mucosa.

Vitamin B3

niacin

Deficiency, along with a deficiency of tryptophan causes pellagra.
Symptoms include aggression, dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, mental
confusion, and diarrhea. In advanced cases, pellagra may lead to
dementia and death.

Vitamin B5

pantothenic acid

Deficiency can result in acne and paresthesia, although it is
uncommon.

Vitamin B6

pyridoxine

Deficiency may lead to microcytic anemia (because pyridoxyl phosphate
is the cofactor for heme synthesis), depression, dermatitis, high
blood pressure (hypertension), water retention, and elevated levels of
homocysteine.

Vitamin B7

biotin

Deficiency does not typically cause symptoms in adults but may lead to
impaired growth and neurological disorders in infants. Multiple
carboxylase deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism, can lead to
biotin deficiency even when dietary biotin intake is normal.

Vitamin B9

folic acid

Deficiency results in a macrocytic anemia, and elevated levels of
homocysteine. Deficiency in pregnant women can lead to birth defects.
Supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy. Researchers
have shown that folic acid might also slow the insidious effects of
age on the brain.

Vitamin B12

cobalamin

Deficiency results in a macrocytic anemia, elevated homocysteine,
peripheral neuropathy, memory loss and other cognitive deficits. It is
most likely to occur among elderly people as absorption through the
gut declines with age; the autoimmune disease pernicious anemia is
another common cause. It can also cause symptoms of mania and
psychosis. In rare extreme cases, paralysis can result.

B vitamin toxicity
------------------

Although most B vitamins are eliminated regularly in the urine, taking
large doses of certain B vitamins may produce harmful effects.

Vitamin

Name

Tolerable Upper Intake Level

Harmful effects

Vitamin B1

thiamine

None5

No known toxicity from oral intake. There are some reports of
anaphylaxis caused by high dose thiamin injections into the vein or
muscle. However, the doses were greater than the quantity humans can
physically absorb from oral intake.5

Vitamin B2

riboflavin

None

No known toxicity

Vitamin B3

niacin

35 mg/day from supplements, drugs or fortified food6

Flushing (redness of the skin, often accompanied by itching or a mild
burning sensation). Intake of 3000 mg/day of nicotinamide and 1500
mg/day of nicotinic acid are associated with nausea, vomiting, and
signs and symptoms of liver toxicity.6

Vitamin B5

pantothenic acid

None

No known toxicity

Vitamin B6

pyridoxine

100 mg/day from supplements, drugs or fortified food7

sensory neuropathy and dermatological lesions7

Vitamin B7

biotin

None

No known toxicity

Vitamin B9

folic acid

1. mg/day 8

Masks B12 deficiency, which can lead to permanent neurological damage8

Vitamin B12

cyanocobalamin

None

No known toxicity

B vitamin sources
-----------------

B vitamins are found in all whole, unprocessed foods. Processing, as
with sugar and white flour, tends to significantly reduce B vitamin
contentcitation needed. B vitamins are particularly concentrated in
meat and meat products such as liver, turkey, and tuna.citation
needed Other good sources for B vitamins are potatoes, bananas,
lentils, chile peppers, tempeh, beans, nutritional yeast, brewer's
yeast, and molasses. Marmite and Vegemite bill themselves as "one of
the world's richest known sources of vitamin B". Although the yeast
used to make beer results in beer being a source of B vitamins9,their
bioavailability ranges from poor to negative given the fact
consumption of ethanol is known to inhibit absorption of thiamine (B1)1011,
riboflavin (B2)12, niacin (B3)13, biotin (B7)14,and folic acid
(B9)1516. Additionally, each of the preceding studies further
emphasizes that elevated consumption of beer and other ethanol-based
drinks results in a net deficit of those B vitamins and the health
risks associated with such deficiencies.

The B12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant
products, making B12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Manufacturers of
plant-based foods will sometimes report B12 content, leading to
confusion about what sources yield B12. The confusion arises because
the standard US Pharmacopeia (USP) method for measuring the B12
content does not measure the B12 directly. Instead, it measures a
bacterial response to the food. Chemical variants of the B12 vitamin
found in plant sources are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by
the human body. This same phenomenon can cause significant
over-reporting of B12 content in other types of foods as well.17

Vitamin B may also be delivered by injection to reverse deficiencies.18

Another popular means of increasing one's vitamin B intake is through
the use of dietary supplements purchased at supermarkets, health
centers, or natural food stores. B vitamins are also commonly added to
energy drinks. Many energy drinks have been marketed with large
amounts of B vitamins (5-Hour Energy contains an astounding 8333% of
the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 and 2000% of the RDA
for vitamin B6. Red Bull offers "360% of the RDA for vitamin B6, 120%
of B12, 140% of niacin (vitamin B3)"19) with claims that this will
cause the consumer to "sail through your day without feeling jittery
or tense." 19 Nutritionists, such as Professor Hope Barkoukis,
dismiss these claims: "It's brilliant marketing, but it doesn't have
any basis in fact."19

While B vitamins do "help unlock the energy in foods... Just about
everyone in America already gets all of the B vitamins they could
possibly need in their diets… Extra B vitamins are generally just
flushed out of the system—although everyone's limit of absorption is
different in regards to B complex vitamins and no-one knows how much
is needed on an individual basis of these vitamins…"19 The elderly
and athletes may need to supplement their intake of B12 and other B
vitamins due to problems in absorption and increased needs for energy
production. Also, Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency in early embryo
development has been linked to neural tube defects. Thus, women
planning to become pregnant are usually encouraged to increase daily
dietary folic acid intake and/or take a supplement.20 However, for
"most typical consumers of energy supplements or drinks, B vitamins
are nothing more than a 'gimmick' when they are making these false
claims."19

Related nutrients
-----------------

Many of the following substances have been referred to as vitamins
because they were believed to be vitamins at one time, and they are
relevant to vitamin nomenclature in that the numbers that were
assigned to them form "gaps" in the series of B-vitamin names. Some of
them, though not essential to humans, are essential in the diets of
other organisms; others have no known nutritional value.

Vitamin B4: adenine, a nucleobase, is synthesized by the human
 body.21

Vitamin B7: "vitamin I" of Centanni E. (1935)—also called "Enteral
 factor"—is a water and alcohol soluble rice-bran factor which
 prevents digestive disturbance in pigeons. It governs the
 anatomical and functional integrity of the intestinal tract. Later
 found in yeast. Possible candidates for this substance are
 inositol, niacin (nicotinic acid), and biotin. Carnitine was also
 claimed to be a candidate but is not soluble in alcohol.citation
 needed

Vitamin B8: adenosine monophosphate, or alternately myo-inositol,
 is synthesized by the human body.citation needed

Vitamin B10: para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Vitamin B11: pteryl-hepta-glutamic acid—chick growth factor, which
 is a form of folic acid. Later found to be one of five folates
 necessary for humans; also known as vitamin S or factor S. L-Carnitine
 is called vitamin B11 in France.citation needed

Vitamin B13: orotic acid, now known to not be a vitamin.

Vitamin B14: cell proliferant, anti-anemia, rat growth, and
 antitumor pterin phosphate named by Earl R. Norris. Isolated from
 human urine at 0.33ppm (later in blood), but later abandoned by
 him as further evidence did not confirm this. He also claimed this
 was not xanthopterin.

Vitamin B15: pangamic acid

Vitamin B16: dimethylglycine (DMG)

Vitamin B17: amygdalin, nitrilosides, or laetrile. These
 substances are found in a number of seeds, sprouts, beans, tubers
 and grains. While toxic in large quantities, proponents claim that
 it is effective in cancer treatment and prevention.22

Vitamin B18:

Vitamin B19:

Vitamin B20: carnitine

Vitamin B21:

Vitamin B22: often claimed as an ingredient of Aloe vera extracts
 but also in many other foods. Claimed by one source to be vitamin
 B12b-δ.

Vitamin Bh: biotin

Vitamin Bm: "mouse factor": also used to designate inositol

Vitamin Bp: cholinedubious – discuss Choline is only required
 for survival of some mutants. Most commonly it is synthesized in
 vivo de novo 23 May be added as supplement especially when
 methionine supply is limited.

Vitamin Bt: L-carnitine

Vitamin Bv: a type of B6 but not pyridoxineclarification needed

Vitamin Bw: a type of biotin but not d-biotinclarification needed

Vitamin Bx: para-aminobenzoic acid

Note: B16, B17, B18, B19, B20, B21 & B22 do not appear to be animal
factors but are claimed by some naturopaths as human therapeutic
factors.

References
----------

1. ^ "Confronting Pancreatic Cancer". http://www.pancreatica.org.
  Retrieved 2008-02-08.

2. ^ Schernhammer, E., et al. (June 1, 2007). "Plasma Folate,
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  Risk in Four Large Cohorts". Cancer Research 67 (11): 5553–60. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-4463.
  http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/11/5553.
  Retrieved 2008-02-08.

3. ^ United Press International (June 1, 2007). "Pancreatic cancer
  risk cut by B6, B12". UPI.com.
  http://www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDaily/Briefing/2007/06/01/pancreaticcancerriskcutbyb6b12/3712/.
  Retrieved 2008-02-08.

4. ^ Vitamins, water soluble at FAQ.org

5. ^ a b National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food
  and Nutrition Board., ed (1998). "Chapter 4 - Thiamin". Dietary
  Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
  Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline.
  Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. pp. 58–86. ISBN
  0-309-06411-2.
  http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRIThiamin/58-86150.pdf.
  Retrieved 2009-06-17.

6. ^ a b National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food
  and Nutrition Board., ed (1998). "Chapter 6 - Niacin". Dietary
  Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
  Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline.
  Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. pp. 150–195. ISBN
  0-309-06411-2.
  http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRIThiamin/123-149150.pdf.
  Retrieved 2009-06-17.

7. ^ a b National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food
  and Nutrition Board., ed (1998). "Chapter 7 - Vitamin B6". Dietary
  Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
  Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline.
  Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. pp. 150–195. ISBN
  0-309-06411-2.
  http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRIThiamin/150-195150.pdf.
  Retrieved 2009-06-17.

8. ^ a b National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food
  and Nutrition Board., ed (1998). "Chapter 8 - Folate". Dietary
  Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
  Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline.
  Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. pp. 58–86. ISBN
  0-309-06411-2.
  http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRIThiamin/196-305150.pdf.
  Retrieved 2009-06-17.

9. ^ Winklera, C; B. Wirleitnera, K. Schroecksnadela, H. Schennachb
  and D. Fuchs (Sep 2005). "Beer down-regulates activated peripheral
  blood mononuclear cells in vitro". International
  Immunopharmacology 6 (3): 390-395. PMID 16428074 doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2005.09.002.
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?ob=ArticleURL&udi=B6W7N-4H6XNCT-1&user=4423&rdoc=1&fmt=&orig=search&sort=d&docanchor=&view=c&searchStrId=1170050114&rerunOrigin=scholar.google&acct=C000059605&version=1&urlVersion=0&userid=4423&md5=ad33efbb2638c397f63aa8c4e2b202af.
  Retrieved 2010-01-18.

10. ^ Hoyumpa Jr, AM (1980). "Mechanisms of thiamin deficiency in
  chronic alcoholism". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 33:
  2750-2761. PMID 6254354.
  http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/33/12/2750. Retrieved
  2010-01-18.

11. ^ Leevy, Carroll M. (1982). "Thiamin deficiency and alcoholism".
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  http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119560210/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0.
  Retrieved 2010-01-18.

12. ^ Pinto, J; Y P Huang, and R S Rivlin (May 1987). "Mechanisms
  underlying the differential effects of ethanol on the
  bioavailability of riboflavin and flavin adenine dinucleotide".
  Journal of Clinical Investigation 79 (5): 1343-1348. doi:10.1172/JCI112960.
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC424383/?report=abstract.
  Retrieved 2010-01-18.

13. ^ Spivak, JL; DL Jackson (June 1977). "Pellagra: an analysis of
  18 patients and a review of the literature". The Johns Hopkins
  Medical Journal 140 (6): 295-309. PMID 864902.
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/864902. Retrieved 2010-01-18.

14. ^ Said, HM; A Sharifian, A Bagherzadeh and D Mock (1990).
  "Chronic ethanol feeding and acute ethanol exposure in vitro:
  effect on intestinal transport of biotin". American Journal of
  Clinical Nutrition 52: 1083-1086. PMID 2239786.
  http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/52/6/1083. Retrieved
  2010-01-18.

15. ^ Halsted, Charles; Picciano, M.F., Stokstad, E.L.R. and
  Gregory, J.F. (eds) (1990). Intestinal absorption of dietary
  folates (in Folic acid metabolism in health and disease). New
  York, New York: Wiley-Liss. pp. 23-45. ISBN 0471567442.
  http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search/display.do?f=1992/v1803/US9141384.xml;US9141384.

16. ^ Watson, Ronald; Watzl, Bernhard, eds (September 1992).
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17. ^ Herbert, Victor (1 September 1998). "Vitamin B-12: Plant
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  Retrieved 2008-02-26.

18. ^ Vitamin B injections mentioned

19. ^ a b c d e Chris Woolston (July 14, 2008). "B vitamins don't
  boost energy drinks' power". Los Angeles Times.
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  Retrieved 2008-10-08.

20. ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7619926

21. ^ Vera Reader (1930). "The assay of vitamin B4". Biochem J. 24
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22. ^ Clark, Jim (September 2003). "Foods Containing B17". All
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  Retrieved 2007-07-07.

23. ^ american journal of clinical nutrition; J A Stecol; ... pdf

v • d • e Vitamins (A11)

Fat soluble

A

Retinol · β-Carotene · Tretinoin · α-Carotene

D

D2 (Ergosterol, Ergocalciferol) · D3 (7-Dehydrocholesterol, Previtamin
D3, Cholecalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, Calcitriol
(1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol), Calcitroic acid)

D4 (Dihydroergocalciferol) · D5 · D analogues (Dihydrotachysterol,
Calcipotriol, Tacalcitol, Paricalcitol)

E

Tocopherol (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta) · Tocotrienol · Tocofersolan

K

Naphthoquinone · Phylloquinone/K1 · Menatetrenone/K2 · Menadione/K3

Water soluble

B

B1 (Thiamine) · B2 (Riboflavin) · B3 (Niacin, Nicotinamide) · B5 (Pantothenic
acid, Dexpanthenol, Pantethine) · B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal phosphate,
Pyridoxamine)

B7 (Biotin) · B9 (Folic acid, Dihydrofolic acid, Folinic acid) · B12 (Cyanocobalamin,
Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Cobamamide) · Choline

C

Ascorbic acid · Dehydroascorbic acid

see also: enzyme cofactors, enzymes, Multivitamins

v • d • e Nutrition disorders (E40-68, 260-269)

Hypoalimentation/
malnutrition

Protein-energy
malnutrition

Kwashiorkor · Marasmus · Catabolysis

Avitaminosis

B vitamins

B1: Beriberi/Wernicke's encephalopathy(Thiamine deficiency) · B2:
Ariboflavinosis · B3: Pellagra(Niacin deficiency) · B6: Pyridoxine
deficiency · B7: Biotin deficiency · B9: Folate deficiency · B12:
Vitamin B12 deficiency

Other
vitamins

A: Vitamin A deficiency/Bitot's spots · C: Scurvy · D: Hypovitaminosis
D/Rickets/Osteomalacia · E: Vitamin E deficiency · K: Vitamin K
deficiency

Mineral
deficiency

Zinc · Iron · Magnesium · Chromium · Selenium (Keshan disease) ·
Manganese · Molybdenum · Copper · Calcium · Potassium

Hyperalimentation

Overweight · Obesity

Childhood obesity · Obesity hypoventilation syndrome · Abdominal
obesity

Vitamin poisoning

Hypervitaminosis A · Hypervitaminosis D · Hypervitaminosis E

Mineral overload

see inborn errors of metal metabolism, toxicity

nutrition navs: disorders, symptoms+signs/eponymous

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(see full disclaimer)

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B vitamin (member of the vitamin B complex group of vitamins)

 

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Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights
reserved. Read more

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Copyright © Market House Books Ltd, 2008. All rights reserved. Read
more

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1994-2010 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more

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reserved. Read more

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Mentioned in

B vitamin (member of the vitamin B complex group of vitamins)

laetrile

antibiotic tongue

PABA (crystalline para form of aminobenzoic acid)

cheilosis

stomatoglossitis

lipoic acid

choline

Pelvic Fracture: Alternative treatment

water-soluble vitamins

pellagra

biotin (biochemistry)

nicotinamide (biochemistry)

nicotinic acid (biochemistry)

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