How much do I need?
? ? Vitamin B12 requirement is about 1-4 ? g/week for healthy adults.
What happens if I don’t have B12?
? ? Deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to anemia and neurological disorders; deficiency in
children can cause profound damage, much of which is reversible.
? ? A normal level of serum vitamin B12 does not guarantee adequacy, methylmalonic
acid concentrations (either serum or urine) are a much more reliable metabolic
measure of vitamin B12 metabolism.
? ? People following a pure vegetarian (vegan) diet are at high risk (>50%) for metabolic
vitamin B12 deficiency.
? ? Metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency can be detected in as little as 22 months on The
Hallelujah Diet®. It does not take a long time.
Where do I get it in foods?
? ? Vitamin B12 is found in all animal products (liver, muscle flesh, eggs, and dairy
products are sources, in order from richest to poorest sources). Plant foods contain
little if any active vitamin B12; produce grown in soil fertilized with cow dung may
contain more B12 than commercially grown produce.
? ? Marine plant life (chlorella, dulse, nori, blue-green algae, spirulina) contain analogues
of vitamin B12 which can interfere with normal cobalamin metabolism; to rely on
seaweed for vitamin B12 is to lean on a splintered stick.
? ? BarleyMax® does not supply sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 for healthy adults.
? ? Bowel flora does not make enough vitamin B12 for many healthy adults.

Answered by Sidh Vicky , an ibibo Citizen, at 10:54 AM on October 13, 2008

The B vitamins are a group of eight individual vitamins, often referred to as the B-complex vitamins. In this article, we will take a look at how the B vitamins work so you can begin to understand why Kellogg's and your mother made sure you included these essential vitamins in your diet. We'll also look at some of the more serious conditions that can result from B vitamin deficiencies.

The word vitamin is derived from a combination of words -- vital amine -- and was conceived by Polish chemist Casimir Funk in 1912. Funk isolated vitamin B1, or thiamine, from rice. This was determined to be one of the vitamins that prevented beriberi, a deficiency disease marked by inflammatory or degenerative changes of the nerves, digestive system and heart.

If you read What are vitamins and how do they work?, you know that vitamins are organic (carbon containing) molecules that mainly function as catalysts for reactions within the body. A catalyst is a substance that allows a chemical reaction to occur using less energy and less time than it would take under normal conditions. If these catalysts are missing, as in a vitamin deficiency, normal body functions can break down and render a person susceptible to disease.

The body requires vitamins in tiny amounts (hundredths of a gram in many cases). We get vitamins from these three primary sources:
Foods
Beverages
Our bodies -- Vitamin K and some of the B vitamins are produced by bacteria within our intestines, and vitamin D is formed with the help of ultraviolet radiation, or sunshine, on the skin.

Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins can be remembered with the mnemonic (memory aid) ADEK, for the vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins accumulate within the fat stores of the body and within the liver. Fat-soluble vitamins, when taken in large amounts, can become toxic. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins taken in excess are excreted in the urine but are sometimes associated with toxicity. Both the B vitamins and vitamin C are also stored in the liver.

The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include:
thiamine (B1)
riboflavin (B2)
niacin (B3)
pantothenic acid (B5)
pyridoxine (B6)
cyanocobalamin (B12)
folic acid
biotin

These vitamins are essential for:
The breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body)
The breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system)
Muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract
Skin
Hair
Eyes
Mouth
Liver

Some doctors and nutritionists suggest taking the B-complex vitamins as a group for overall good health. However, most agree that the best way to get our B vitamins is naturally -- through the foods we eat!

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 2:03 AM on September 27, 2008

well RINKU, Vitamins are essential to healthy living, and they perform best when there are adequate amounts of each and every one. There are many different types of vitamins, each having its own specific benefit to various parts and functions of the human body. Take gasoline and oil in an automobile for instance (one can pretend they are vitamins). A car (the human body) needs gasoline to drive. Now, gasoline by itself doesn't keep the car driving without oil in the engine. In that same sense, the perfect amount of oil in the engine is useless without gasoline to power it. The two vital substances are both required at the same time, and need to be replenished very frequently to keep the car running smoothly in the same way all people constantly need vitamins to continue living healthy. If just one of the many things needed to run a car (oil in the engine, air in the tires, gas in the tank, and headlights at night) are missing, the entire car is inoperable, totally useless. While the human body still may be able to perform without the appropriate levels of just a few vitamins for a short period of time, hundred of years of research point towards disease and sickness as a result.

Each vitamin has a complex of symptoms and signs that characterize its deficiency. Currently, the most important benefit attributed to vitamins in general are their anti-oxidant properties. Vitamins A, C, E, and many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals are scavengers for particles known as oxygen-free radicals (or oxidants). These chemically active particles are by-products of many of the body's normal chemical processes. Their numbers are increased by environmental assaults, such as smoking, chemicals, toxins, and stress. The simple act of living also produces them, as we breathe in oxygen constantly.

At moderate to high levels, oxidants and free radicals can be very harmful. They can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of disorders including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and even the aging process itself. Oxygen-free radicals can also enhance the dangerous properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a major player in the development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant Vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, and many phytochemicals can neutralize free radicals, and may reduce or even prevent some of their damage.

For instance, deficiencies of Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene have been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects and other properties that may benefit the heart. Vitamin E may prevent blood clots and the formation of fatty plaques and cell proliferation on the walls of the arteries. Of interest are studies suggesting that 1200 IU of the natural (d) alpha tocopherol form of Vitamin E (4000% US Recommended Daily Value) reduces inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Type 2 Diabetics, as suggested by many health professionals, may in particular benefit from this as well. Vitamin E deficiency should therefore never be allowed to occur if you have this type of Diabetes.

Other Vitamin E compounds, including gamma tocopherol or tocotrienol may also have specific benefits. Studies are fairly consistent in indicating that eating foods rich in natural Vitamin E may be protective. Vitamin C appears to maintain blood vessel flexibility and improve circulation in the arteries of smokers. In one English 2001 study, people whose diets were rich in foods that elevated levels of Vitamin C in their blood were at lower risk for heart disease, overall poor health, and even death. Vitamins E and C in combination have even been shown to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease!

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 11:52 PM on September 24, 2008

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Historically, the B vitamins were once thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as vitamin B (much like how people refer to vitamin C or vitamin D). Later research showed that they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name of each vitamin (e.g. B1, B2, B3 etc ).

Different B vitamins come from different natural sources, such as potatoes, bananas, lentils, chile peppers, tempeh, liver oil, liver, turkey, tuna, Nutritional yeast (or brewer's yeast) and molasses. Marmite and Vegemite bill themselves as "one of the world's richest known sources of vitamin B".

The B-12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B-12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Manufacturers of plant-based foods will sometimes report B-12 content, leading to confusion about what sources yield B-12.

Another popular means of increasing one's vitamin B intake is through the use of dietary supplements purchased at supermarkets, health centers, or natural food stores. B vitamins are also commonly added to energy drinks.


SOURCE SITE :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ B_vitamins

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 9:57 PM on September 15, 2008

Before delving into the problems of vitamin B complex deficiency and its symptoms, it is first important to understand the difference between vitamins that are in pill form versus vitamins that are contained within nature’s foods. There is a world of difference — a difference between sickness and health. Vitamins just do not work like foods, and foods are what our bodies were designed to use for healing, prevention and energy. There is no substitute, and no matter how you look at it, vitamin pills are an invention of scientists, so they are prone to cause side effects, be incomplete and lack what we need to overcome our health problems.

Vitamins have been sold and marketed as the “magic bullet” for all health problems, yet food science researchers are bringing out the truth about vitamins, minerals, multivitamins and antioxidants— and it’s not an easy pill to swallow. The problem is that vitamins, when not still contained in their original food (oranges, bananas, spinach, broccoli, etc.) are merely chemicals. Our bodies do not recognize vitamins as nutrients, because they don’t work the same way as whole foods for these simple reasons:

• Foods contain not just vitamins, but the co-workers (synergists) and helper nutrients that allow vitamins to work

• Foods are never found in high potency, so you won’t suffer any toxic side effects that have been proven to exist with ALL vitamin pills. As one expert stated, “Foods never deliver toxic doses [of vitamins]. (Hamilton, p.205)

• Vitamins are just a small part of what our bodies require for health and healing. It is very often that it is the other food properties that help us while the vitamins are secondary.

• Vitamin pills need other nutrients in order to work.

For these reasons, and more, vitamin pills, despite their use and overuse, are not turning people’s health around. They are lacking the properties of real nutrition which can only come from eating nature’s real, whole, raw foods. The only supplement that someone should take, therefore, is a whole food formula WITHOUT any isolated (singular vitamin). This is an important point, because most supplements called “whole food” are combinations of real foods and isolated vitamins. You have to carefully read the labels to see. Look for these words to identify vitamin chemicals on a label:

• Pyridoxine
• Thiamine or thiamin
• Niacin or niacinamide
• Palmitate
• ascorbic acid
• Riboflavin
• Mixed tocopherols
• B12
• cyanocobalamin
• more

Vitamins are not foods, so instead of vitamins and minerals on a label, you should be looking for the names of foods and herbs on the label. Don’t be fooled by high milligrams, high potency, standardization or any other such terms that just do not apply to real foods from nature.

VITAMIN B COMPLEX DEFICIENCY:

MAJOR CAUSES

Vitamin B complex comprises a number of vitamins that exist as a family. They should not be taken individually. In this modern era, millions of people suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B for several reasons, chief among which are:

• Stress: emotional, physical and spiritual

• Processed foods in the diet: these are not real foods and so they tax the body

• Refined sugar. The average person consumes at least 140 pounds of sugar a year which robs the body of its vitamin B stores

• Drugs: both recreational and prescription drugs deplete vitamin B

• Toxins: poisons in the environment and personal care products deplete vitamin B complex

• Malnutrition. Most people are malnourished because they are not eating the right kinds of foods

• Cooking. Most people do not eat enough real, raw foods, so vitamin B is killed or so depleted that people are not getting enough of it in the diet

DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?

Once your body has been deprived of the vitamin B complex du

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 3:41 PM on September 15, 2008

well,vitamin B: a complex of several important vitamins including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). As a group, the B vitamins are required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids; for proper neural functioning and mood regulation; and for the health of the muscles, bones, eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and hair.

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 10:12 AM on September 14, 2008

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Historically, the B vitamins were once thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as vitamin B (much like how people refer to vitamin C or vitamin D). Later research showed that they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name of each vitamin (e.g. B1, B2, B3 etc ).

And for more information visit the source site:
http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Vitamin_B

Answered by Dinesh , an ibibo Master, at 7:21 AM on September 14, 2008

dear rinku!
There are several Vitamins In B complex group like Vitamin B1,Vitamin B2,Vitamin B6,Vitamin B12.They are abundant in green leafy vegetables and cereals.

Answered by Cuty * , an ibibo Specialist, at 6:57 AM on September 14, 2008

Well Rinku,

Vitamin B12 works with the B vitamin folate to
make DNA, our body’s genetic material. B12 is
needed to protect nerve cells from damage. It also
helps keep blood levels of the amino acid
homocysteine low. This may help to decrease
heart disease risk in some people.
Everyone needs vitamin B12. Older
adults and strict vegetarians (vegans)
need to be sure to get enough B12 by
using fortified foods or supplements.
What happens if we don’t get enough
vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anemia. This affects
blood and nerves. With anemia, the body can’t
make normal red blood cells to carry oxygen in the
blood. Lack of oxygen makes people weak and
tired. Nerve damage can lead to paralysis and death

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 12:55 AM on September 14, 2008

B-COMPLEX VITAMINS ARE WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS WHICH ARE NOT STORED IN BODY . IF TAKEN IN EXCESS THEY ARE EXCRETED VIA URINE . B-COMPLEX VITAMINS INCLUDE

B1 - THAIMINE
B2-RIBOFLAVIN
B3 - NACIN
B6- PYRIDOXINE
B12-CYANOCOBALAMIN E
BIOTIN

Answered by Moksha G , an ibibo Master, at 9:31 PM on September 13, 2008