
B Vitamin Functionality:
Vitamin B-1, Thiamine:
Involved in energy production from carbohydrates in
our diet. Thiamine is necessary for growth and
functioning of nerve tissue, memory and emotional
stability.
Thiamine deficiency has been observed in some
cancer patients with rapidly growing tumors. Recent
research in cell culture and animal models indicates
that rapidly dividing cancer cells have a high
requirement for thiamin (23). All rapidly dividing cells
require nucleic acids at an increased rate, but some
cancer cells appear to rely heavily on the
TPP-dependent enzyme,
Vitamin B-2, Riboflavin:
Involved in energy production and synthesis of fats and
amino acids. Without B-2 no cellular growth can take
place.
Vitamin B-3, Niacin:
Niacin is involved in over 50 different metabolic
reactions within the body. It is essential for energy
production and synthesis and breakdown of fats,
carbohydrates and proteins. Other functions include
synthesis of cholesterol and steroids, formation of red
blood cells and metabolism of several drugs.
Vitamin B-6, Pyridoxine:
Pyridoxine is essential for the synthesis and the
breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of
protein. It plays a role in the multiplication of all cells
and the production of red blood cells and cells of the
immune system. Required to synthesize
neurotransmitters, the chemicals necessary for the
nervous system and for brain function.
Vitamin B12 is important for the normal functioning of
the brain and nervous system and for the formation of
blood. Recent research indicates that deficiency is far
more common than believed and that deficiency has
been underdiagnosed to a considerable extent
because of erroneous laboratory criteria. Especially
elderly and vegetarians are under considerable risk to
develop deficiency. It may cause severe irreparable
damage to the brain, including Alzheimer's dementia,
and damage to the sensory nerves.
Up to 30 percent of adults aged 50
years and older may have atrophic
gastritis, an increased growth of
intestinal bacteria, and be unable to
normally absorb vitamin B12 in food.
They are, however, able to absorb the
synthetic vitamin B12 added to fortified
foods and dietary supplements.
Vitamin supplements and fortified
foods may be the best sources of
vitamin B12 for adults older than age
50 years.
Ref: Institute of Medicine. Food and
Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference
Intakes: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin,
vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12,
pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline.
National Academy Press. Washington,
DC, 1998.
B Vitamin Name and Deficiency:
Vitamin B1 Thiamine Deficiency causes Beriberi. Symptoms of this
disease of the nervous system include weight loss, emotional
disturbances, Wernicke's encephalopathy (impaired sensory perception),
weakness and pain in the limbs, periods of irregular heartbeat, and
edema (swelling of bodily tissues). Heart failure and death may occur in
advanced cases. Chronic thiamine deficiency can also cause Korsakoff's
syndrome, an irreversible psychosis characterized by amnesia and
confabulation.
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin Deficiency causes Ariboflavinosis. Symptoms may
include cheilosis (cracks in the lips), high sensitivity to sunlight, angular
cheilitis, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), seborrheic dermatitis or
pseudo-syphilis (particularly affecting the scrotum or labia majora and the
mouth), pharyngitis, hyperemia, and edema of the pharyngeal and oral
mucosa.
Vitamin B3 Niacin Deficiency, along with a deficiency of tryptophan
causes Pellagra. Symptoms include aggression, dermatitis, insomnia,
weakness, mental confusion, and diarrhea. In advanced cases, pellagra
may lead to dementia and death.
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine Deficiency may lead to anemia, depression,
dermatitis, high blood pressure (hypertension), water retention, and
elevated levels of homocysteine.
Vitamin B12 Cobalamin Deficiency causes pernicious anemia, memory
loss and other cognitive decline. It is most likely to occur among elderly
people as absorption through the gut declines with age. In extreme
(fortunately rare) cases, paralysis can result.
Thiamin deficiency has been
observed in some cancer
patients with rapidly growing
tumors. Recent research in cell
culture and animal models
indicates that rapidly dividing
cancer cells have a high
requirement for thiamin (23). All
rapidly dividing cells require
nucleic acids at an increased
rate, but some cancer cells
appear to rely heavily on the
TPP-dependent enzyme,
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