When it comes to health and happiness, more and more people are going the preventative route. Avoiding sickness and disease are a top priority. Many people learn that probiotics, vitamins, healthy diet and exercise are all key components of staying away from cancer and autoimmune diseases. Many people wonder, what is vitamin B, and how can it help me stay healthy?

Vitamin B actually refers to the B complex of vitamins. Initially, scientists thought there was only one B vitamin, but it turns out there are many different vitamins that make up the B complex and they all have very different functions.

What is Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B Complex includes the vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. B vitamins are typically found in food, and help humans convert food to energy through enzymes.

What is Vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 is also known by its scientific or medical name as thiamin. This vitamin helps turn food into energy and uses the body’s naturally occurring enzymes to help the muscles, heart, and nerves.

What is Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin and is found in a wide variety of foods, from grains to vegetables. It is very rare to have a deficiency in this vitamin. The functions of this vitamin are closely related to those of vitamin B1.

What is Vitamin B3?

Vitamin B3 is niacin. This vitamin is crucial for keeping the nervous system, skin and digestive systems strong.

What is Vitamin B5?

Pantothenic acid is the medical term for vitamin B5. This vitamin is for the body’s normal growth and development.

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 breaks down protein and helps with the function of parts of the immune system,  the nervous system, and helps break down red blood cells.

What is Vitamin B7?

Vitamin B7, or biotin, helps make hormones and break down protein and carbohydrates.

What is Vitamin B9?

The different B vitamins all have different uses. Vitamin B9, otherwise known as folic acid, has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of cancer. Folic acid is also known for reducing birth defects in fetuses.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is the ‘energy vitamin.’ It plays a big role in the growth and development of the body.

When you ask, “What is vitamin b?” you are really asking about the B complex. These descriptions tell you about each of the vitamins and their functions.