What are the Different Forms of Vitamin B?

Our body needs all vitamins in different proportions. Different vitamins perform different functions on our bodies. Different types of vitamins include vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K. Out of these vitamins, vitamin B has further various forms.

• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B7
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12

The deficiency of any of these vitamins causes severe effects on a person's health. People with more than one vitamin deficiency can buy multivitamin supplements online.

This blog discusses different vitamin B types, their functions, and deficiency diseases.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Vitamin B1 (chemically known as thiamine) supports glucose conversion into energy. It also supports the nerve function.

Thiamine Deficiency

Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi. The symptoms of beriberi include:

• Stiff neck
• Unconsciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drooping eyelids
• Sudden change of mental stage
• Severe headache

Beriberi is further classified as wet and dry beriberi. If your doctor suggests you buy multivitamin products and supplements online, do not forget to check its ingredients to confirm whether it contains thiamine.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin's role is to support energy production, healthy vision, and skin health. Some sources of vitamin B2 include milk, yogurt, egg white, etc.

Riboflavin Deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency is generally rare. People who consume alcohol in excess and those who do not drink milk or eat milk products are more prone to become vitamin B2 deficient.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

The function of niacin is to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. It also supports the health of the skin, nervous, and digestive systems. Its sources include milk, fish, poultry, eggs, etc.

Niacin Deficiency

The deficiency of niacin causes pellagra. People who drink alcohol in excess are at the risk of getting a lack of niacin. Dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis are the main symptoms of pellagra.

Excess Intake of Niacin

Some people who lack niacin buy multivitamin supplements online and start consuming without knowing their actual dosage. The excess of this vitamin affects the nervous system and blood fats. Therefore, a doctor's prescription is necessary before buying any multivitamins product online.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Vitamin B5 metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol. It also supports the production of RBCs and steroid hormones. Liver, milk, meat, eggs, etc., are natural sources of pantothenic acid.

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

Pantothenic deficiency is rare because it is available in various foods. However, if you lack vitamin B5, you may experience headaches, numbness and burning of hands and feet, sleeping problems, heartburn, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 supports the formation of RBCs and certain brain chemicals. It also promotes the immune function of the body. Some pyridoxine sources include legumes, nuts, fruit, lever, etc.

Pyridoxine Deficiency

Pyridoxine deficiency is rare, but people who drink alcohol in access may get this deficiency. Some symptoms include skin rashes, sore and cracked lips, sore tongue, etc.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin supports fat synthesis, energy metabolism, and glycogen synthesis. Mushrooms, cauliflower, egg yolks, peanuts, chicken, etc., are some biotin sources.

Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency is also very rare. However, if you have this deficiency, you may experience scaly red rashes around body openings, thinning of hair, etc.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Folic acid or folate supports the circulation of oxygen in the blood. It also helps in DNA synthesis, cell growth, and the fetal nervous system's development.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Cyanocobalamin helps in the production of myelin. It also supports mental health and RBC formation. Some sources of vitamin B12 include meat, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.

Cyanocobalamin Deficiency

Inadequate intake of vitamin B12 causes cyanocobalamin deficiency. Its symptoms include mouth ulcers, pinning sensation, disturbed vision, etc.