Functions of all B vitamins
Function as coenzymes and in metabolism
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) function
keeps nervous system healthy and is needed for energy metabolism
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) function
gives energy and helps body tissues grow
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) function
breaks down food for energy
Vitamin B6 function
helps the brain function and body to build proteins for growth and development
Vitamin B12 function
promotes growth and development and helps make red blood cells
Folate (folic acid) function
pevents birth defects when take before and during pregnancy. Link between folate and cancer protection?
Pantothenic Acid function
energy metabolism
Biotin function
energy metabolism
Food sources of B vitamins
Grains, B12 deficiency is likely for vegans, Foilage for folate (leafy foods)
Why are the nervous system, GI tract and skin often affected by deficiencies of the energy releasing B-vitamins?
Cells in these tissues are metabolically active, and those in the skin and GI tract are also constantly being replaced.
Thiamin deficiency and symptoms
Causes beriberi - disease of the nervous system includes weight loss, emotional disturbances, weakness in pain in limbs, irregular heartbeat. Alcoholics at risk.
What is beriberi?
I can't, I can't" in Sinhalese. Results when glucose cannot be metabolized to release energy.
Riboflavin deficiency and symptoms
Deficiency causes inflammation of the mouth and tongue, dermatitis, cracking of tissue around the corners of the mouth, eye disorders, confusion
Niacin deficiency and symptoms
Causes pellagra - agression, dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, mental confusion, and diarrhea. Leads to dementia and death
What is pellagra?`
Only dietary deficiency disease ever to reach epidemic proportions. Major problem in southeast US in late 1800s - 1930.
Pantothenic Acid deficiency and symptoms
Result in acne and parasthesia. Uncommon except for alcoholics. Symptoms hidden among other Vit. B deficiencies
Biotin deficiency and symptoms
Scaly inflammation of the skin, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting. Uncommon
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency and symptoms
Depression, dermatitis, high BP, water retention. Occured in 1950s when heat destroyed vitamin B6.
Folate deficiency and symptoms
Macrocytic anemia and elevated levels of homo cysteine. Deficiency in pregnant women can lead to birth defects. Supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and symptoms
Macrocytic anemia, elevated homo cysteine, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss and other cognitive deficits. Most likely to occur among elderly people.
Biotin and Raw Eggs
A protein called avidin in raw egg whites binds biotin and inhibits its absorption. Consuming many raw egg whites eventually leads to the deficiency disease.
Marginal folacin deficiency and pregnancy
Very important to get enough folacin, birth defects happen without enough folacin.
What is homo cysteine?
Folic Acid, B6, and B12 may help lower it. Homocysteine can increase chance of heart disease and stroke.
What are B12 injections good for?
Weight Loss
Whats is B6 toxicity?
Can lead to carpal tunnel and irreversible nerve damage.