The B complex consists of eight water-soluble vitamins that perform essential and closely related roles in the body’s cellular function. The only other water-soluble vitamin is vitamin C; all others are fat-soluble.

The vitamins that make up B complex are thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid, and the cobalamins (vitamin B12).

Most of the B vitamins are found in a wide range of foods because they are so important to cellular function. Some, like vitamin B12, are found mostly in meat and other animal food sources.

Health Benefits

The B vitamins help enzymes in our bodies do their jobs and are important for a wide range of cellular functions, like breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients throughout the body.

In addition, B complex can provide health benefits like:

Healthy Brain Function

The B vitamins play an inter-related role in keeping our brains running properly. Adequate amounts of B vitamins in the body are essential for optimal physiological and neurological functioning.

Some data shows that vitamin B6 in particular may play a role in the prevention of the neurological disorder Parkinson’s Disease.

Cancer Prevention

B vitamins may play a role in preventing the onset of various types of cancer. Some research shows that having the right amount of B vitamins in your body may help it resist the development of cancerous growth.

Vitamin B has been associated with a lower risk of the skin cancer melanoma in particular.

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