Breaking Down Food: Vitamins Explained
Why Is It Important? There are eight different B vitamins: B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-12 and folic acid (folate). Sometimes, B vitamins are known by other names: thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), pantothenic acid (B-5) and biotin (B-7). They’re important for your metabolism, the process by which your body turns your food into energy. Each has other specific roles in the body. Thiamin takes care of nerves and muscle tissue. Riboflavin is used for healthy skin, eyes and brain. Niacin helps maintain a healthy digestive system. B-6, B-12 and folic acid work in the creation of red blood cells. Folic acid is very important for prenatal growth, especially during brain and spinal development.
Foods: Foods like whole or enriched grains, meat, milk, eggs and green vegetables contain a variety of B vitamins.
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