Vitamin B: "B" is for Best

The Role of B Vitamins

One of the primary roles of the eight B vitamins is to help the body convert carbohydrates into fuel (glucose or blood sugar). This fuel is burned by the body to produce energy. The eight B vitamins are referred to as "B Complex Vitamins" and they also help the body metabolize fats and proteins. They are important to the things that are important to most women: healthy, glowing skin and hair, sparkling eyes, and a healthy liver. They also aid the nervous system in its function. And, for those of us who want to maintain a healthy weight - they are important to weight loss and maintenance of healthy weight.

Vitamins Are Very Important

All of the B vitamins are water-soluble, as opposed to fat-soluble (like vitamins A, D, E and K). That means they must be replaced every day because our bodies don't store them. The first choice for obtaining B vitamins is through food. However, sometimes we fail to eat the right foods in the correct quantities to maintain the proper levels of these important vitamins in our bodies. Thankfully, it is possible to obtain the right dosage of these precious vitamins through a B-complex tablet.

The fact of the matter is that the B-complex vitamins are the most important vitamins (along with Vitamin C) for weight loss. The crucial vitamins are: Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Choline (part of the B-complex), Inositol (also part of the B-complex), and - as we said - Vitamin C.

What The Various B Vitamins Do

The vitamins that are needed for normal thyroid function and metabolism are Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and Vitamin B3 (Niacin). You can obtain B2 vitamins through foods, such as diary, leafy green vegetables and nuts and the B3 vitamins are available through liver, tuna, turkey, salmon, brown rice and cheese, as well as other foods.

Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B5, is an important asset in the utilization of fat. If there is a deficiency in this vitamin, fat is not utilized properly. Also, energy production and adrenal function are negatively affected if there is a deficiency in this B vitamin. Some of the good food sources for this vitamin are liver and kidney, meat, poultry, nuts, wheat bran, eggs, molasses, oats, and green vegetables.

Vitamin B6, otherwise known as Pyridoxine, regulates the production of thyroid hormone and metabolism. Good food sources for this vitamin include sardines, mackerel, poultry, beef, avocado, bananas, brown rice, cabbage, molasses and eggs.

Lesser Known B Complex Vitamins

Choline and inositol are both members of the vitamin B complex group and are manufactured inside the body. Both combine to assist in fat metabolism and are found in food sources such as soy, eggs, citrus fruits, whole grains, and nuts.

Whether you choose to get your B vitamins through your diet or through supplements, it is important for your overall health and especially if you are on a weight loss program, to get enough B vitamins to help you on your way to a healthy body.