Contents
E many different types of vitamin B. This section has information on: thiamin (vitamin B1)
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
niacin (vitamin B3)
pantothenic acid
vitamin B6
biotin (vitamin B7)
folate and folic acid
vitamin B.
What Are B Vitamins?
There are eight types of B vitamin, each with their own function: thiamin (vitamin B-1)
riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
niacin (vitamin B-3)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5)
vitamin B-6
biotin (vitamin B-7)
folate (vitamin B-9)
vitamin B-12 Together, they are called the vitamin B complex.
B vitamins often occur together in the same foods.
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Spotlight on Three of the Bs: Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12
One of the advances that changed the way we look at vitamins was the discovery that too little folate is linked to birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Folate (Folic Acid) – Vitamin B9 Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, water-soluble and naturally found in many foods.
It is also added to foods and sold as a supplement in the form of folic acid; this form is actually better absorbed than that from food sources—85% vs. 50%, respectively. Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in many foods, as well as added to foods and supplements. It can also be added to foods or supplements.
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. Learn more about vitamin B12 and health
Related
Vitamins and Minerals
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1. Salmon
Eight B vitamins — collectively called B complex vitamins.
Alternatively, a food that contains 10–19% of the RDI is considered a good source (2). Here are 15 healthy foods high in one or more B vitamin.