B Complex Vitamins and Their Importance in Health and Disease (Part II)

PyridoxinePantothenic Acid
Vitamin B 6 or pyridoxine is actually a group ofVitamin B5 or pantothenic acid helps in cell building,
substance - pyridoxine, pyridoxinal and pyridoxamine -main- taining normal growth anddevelopment of the
that are closely related and function together. It helps incentral nervous system. It stimulates the adrenal glands
the absorption of fats and proteins, prevents nervousand increases theproduction of cortisone and other
and skin disorders and protects against degenerativeadrenal hormones. It is essential for conversion of fatty
diseases.andsugar to energy. It also helps guard against most
The main sources of this vitamin are yeast, wheat,physical and mental stresses and toxins andincreases
bran, wheat germ, pulses, cereals, banana,walnuts,vitality. The main sources of this vitamin are whole
soyabeans, milk, egg, liver, meat and fresh vegetables.grain bread and cereals, greenvegetables, peas, beans,
Deficiency can lead todermatitis, conjuctivitis, anaemia,peanuts and egg yolk. It can be synthesised in the
depression, skin disorders, nervousness, insomnia,body by intestinalbacteria. A deficiency can cause
migraineheadaches and heart diseases.chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, greying and loss of hair,
The recommended daily requirement is 2.0 mg. formentaldepression, stomach disorders, blood and skin
adults and 0.2 mg. for children. This vitaminuseddisorders.
therapeuticlly from 100 to 150 mg. daily can relieveThe minimum daily requirement of this vitamin has not
painful jonts and the discomforts ofpregnancy andbeen established, but is estimated to bebetween 30
pre-menstrual symptoms. Vitamin B6 is now the mostand 50 mg a day. The usual therapeutic doses are 50
intensively studied of allvitamins. Researches are onto 200 mg. In some studies,
the threshold of a number of promising developments1,000 mg or more were given daily for six moths
involvingtreatments of various ailments with this vitamin.without side effects. It is useful in the treatmentof
They include hyperactivity in children, asthma,arthritis,insomnia, low blood pressure and hypoglycemia or low
kidney stones, blood clots in heart attack victims andblood sugar.
nervous disorders.Vitamin B12
Folic AcidVitamin B12 or cobolamin, commonly known as "red
Vitamin B9 or folic acid, along with vitamin B12 isvitamin", is the only vitamin that containsessential
necessary for the formation of red blood cells.mineral elements. It is essential for proper functioning of
It is essential for the growth and division of all bodythe central nervous system,production and
cells for healing processes. It aids proteinmetabolismregeneration of red blood cells and proper utilisation of
and helps prevent premature greying. Valuablefat, carbohydrates andprotein for body building. It also
sources of this vitamin are deepgreen leafyimproves concentration, memory and balance. Valuable
vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, brewers yeast,sourcesof this vitamin are kidney, liver, meat, milk, eggs,
mushrooms , nuts,peanuts andliver. A deficiency canbananas and peanuts. Its deficiency can leadto certain
result in certain types of anaemia, serious skintypes of anaemia, poor appetite and loss of energy
disorders, loss of hair,impaired circulation, fatigue andand mental disorders.
mental depression.The recommended daily allowance of this vitamin is 3
The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin is 0.4 mg.mcg. Taken in large therapeutic dosesfrom 50 to 100
To correct anaemia and deficiencies 5mg or more aremcg., it is beneficial in the treatment of lack of
needed daily. Some authorities believe that folic acid isconcentration, fatigue, depression,insomnia and poor
contraindicated inleukemia and cancer.memory.