Definition
noun
(pharmacology) A supplement containing the eight B vitamins, particularly thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6 pyridoxine, folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid
Supplement
Vitamins help the body to carry out important metabolic processes and therefore are essential for normal growth. Humans, for instance, have to consume adequate amounts of 13 vitamins (9 water-soluble vitamins and 4 fat-soluble vitamins) in their diet. Failure to meet the recommended daily intake of these vitamins could lead overtime to deficiencies and diseases. In order to ensure the meet the recommended dietary allowances of these vitamins, administration of supplements is sometimes necessary. A supplement containing all the eight B vitamins is referred to as vitamin B complex. It should include thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are essential for normal appetite and proper metabolism. Deficiency of B vitamins can lead to diseases. For example, vitamin B1 deficiency may lead to Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Lack of adequate vitamin B2 could lead to ariboflavinosis, glossitis, and angular stomatitis. Vitamin B3 deficiency may lead to pellagra.
Variant(s):
- B complex vitamins
- B complex
See also:
