A friend asked Huazi a question. Among vitamins, why is there only one vitamin A, C, D, E, etc., while vitamin B has B1, B2, B4, B6… …and many more? And in the treatment of many minor problems, doctors recommend vitamin B supplementation, what is the use?
Hua Zi said that in fact, there is not only one vitamin A, C, D, E and other vitamins, but there are also many classifications, but they are not used clinically and are not familiar to everyone.
One, the origin of vitamin B family
The reason for so many B vitamins is actually the “Oolong Incident” caused by human ignorance at the beginning. Initially, humans classified vitamins into only fat-soluble vitamins (named vitamin A) and water-soluble vitamins (named vitamin B). When water-soluble vitamins were discovered later, they were directly named as vitamins B1, B2, B3…
As more and more vitamins were discovered in the later period, the differences between them were very large. People felt that the previous naming principle was not good, and they named C, D, E… and other vitamins. .
It has been found that the members of the vitamin B group that have been named are not the same type of substances, but B1, B2, B6… and other names have been called for many years, and everyone is used to it. It will not be changed.
Second, different B vitamins have different effects
1. Vitamin B1: Also known as thiamine, it is involved in the formation of coenzymes and maintains the normal operation of the human nervous and circulatory systems. beriberi”. This disease is different from beriberi caused by fungal infection. B1 deficiency will cause peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, paresthesia, enlarged heart, heart failure, and life-threatening cases in severe cases.
2. Vitamin B2: Also known as riboflavin, it participates in the formation of coenzymes and promotes the growth of human cells and mucous membranes. Those who are deficient are prone to mucosal diseases such as oral ulcers, angular stomatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and keratitis.
3. Vitamin B3: Also known as niacin, it participates in the formation of coenzymes and has a regulating effect on blood lipids. Now it is mainly used for lipid-lowering therapy strong>. It can also maintain the integrity of the skin, digestive tract, and nervous system.
4. Vitamin B4: Also known as adenine, it is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids and coenzymes, and is now commonly used in radiotherapy, chemotherapy or benzene poisoning. Leukopenia.
5. Vitamin B5: Also known as pantothenic acid, it can participate in human nutrition metabolism and promote the decomposition of acetic acid in the three major nutrients (sugar, fat, protein). Widespread in nature, not easy to lack.
6. Vitamin B6: Also known as pyridoxine, it is a component of various coenzymes, participates in various metabolic reactions, and is closely related to amino acid metabolism. It is mainly used for antiemetic treatment, such as pregnancy vomiting, radiotherapy vomiting, etc..
7. Vitamin B7: Also known as biotin, it is involved in the metabolism of fats and proteins, and is widely found in nature, with almost no shortage.
8. Vitamin B8: Also known as inositol, it accelerates the breakdown of fat and supports healthy cellular functions. It is widely present and almost never lacks.
9, vitamin B9, B10, B11: These three vitamins are mostly referred to as folic acid, which is a component of a variety of coenzymes, involved in Cellular DNA and RNA synthesis. High-dose is used to prevent and treat megaloblastic anemia; low-dose pregnant women can prevent congenital neurological malformations in the fetus; it can also reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood and reduce the risk of heart and brain disease in patients with H-type hypertension /strong>.
10. Vitamin B12: Also known as cobalamin, it can increase the utilization of folic acid, and can also promote the synthesis of myelin lipoprotein, mainly For the prevention and treatment of megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathy.
Three, dietary diversity ensures nutritional balance
The role of B vitamins is very important to the human body, but B vitamins are contained in various foods such as cereals, lean meat, animal offal, eggs, beans, and milk. As long as the variety of diet is guaranteed, there is usually no shortage. To maintain a diverse diet, it is recommended to eat no less than 12 kinds of food per day and no less than 25 kinds of food per week.
If you have symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, you can choose a compound mixture containing a variety of vitamin B when supplementing, because different vitamin B groups have the effect of promoting mutual absorption, and they are linked together. Use for better nutrition. However, if it is used for the treatment of diseases, it is necessary to use large doses of medicinal vitamin B under the guidance of a doctor.
To sum up, different B vitamins have different effects. Maintaining a regular diet and ensuring dietary diversity can prevent vitamin B deficiency. If a related disease occurs, large doses of medicinal vitamins need to be used, and it needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any doubts about the medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. I am Huazi, a pharmacist. Welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.