B vitamin
B Vitamin
B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism and overall health.
Pronunciation
B Vitamin: /biː ˈvaɪtəmɪn/
Etymology
The term "vitamin" was coined in 1912 by Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, from the Latin "vita" (life) and the Greek "amine" (nitrogen compound). The "B" in B vitamins refers to their initial discovery in unpolished rice grains as a factor preventing beriberi.
Types of B Vitamins
There are eight types of B vitamins, each with its own unique role and function:
- Thiamine (B1): Helps convert nutrients into energy.
- Riboflavin (B2): Necessary for energy production, cellular function, and fat metabolism.
- Niacin (B3): Drives the production of energy from food.
- Pantothenic Acid (B5): Necessary for the production of blood cells.
- Pyridoxine (B6): Involved in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production, and the creation of neurotransmitters.
- Biotin (B7): Plays a key role in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates and the production of hormones.
- Folate (B9): Important for proper brain function and plays an essential role in mental and emotional health.
- Cobalamin (B12): Necessary for the production of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system.
Related Terms
- Vitamin: An organic molecule that is an essential micronutrient.
- Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamins that are soluble in water and are not stored in the body.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
- Beriberi: A disease caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on B vitamin
- Wikipedia's article - B vitamin
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