Vitamin B or B complex vitamins are important in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose which provides energy for the body. They aid in the breakdown of fats and proteins which helps the nervous system function. Provide muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract.
Vitamin B is actually a group of eight vitamins, which include:
- Thiamine (B1) can be found in whole grains, poultry, liver, fish, seeds, nuts, brewers yeast, bran and wheat germ.
- Riboflavin (B2) is found in dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, and leafy, green vegetables.
- Niacin (B3) can be found in salmon, tuna, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, green, leafy vegetables, beans, peas, dried figs, prunes, and dates.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) is found in many common foods such as meat, egg yolks, peanuts, whole grains and beans.
- Pyridoxine (B6) is in salmon and herring, pork liver, bananas, pears and brown rice.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12) is actually manufactured by microorganisms so it is not found in fruits and vegetables. Meat, poultry, non-fat dry milk, and fermented soybean products will give you what you need. Vegetarians need to be sure to get sufficient vitamin B12.
- Folic acid is found in foods like kale, green, leafy vegetables, kidney, liver, spinach, parsley, brewer’s yeast, and watercress.
- Biotin is manufactured in the intestinal tract it is also found in eggs, cheese, and nuts.