The B-Vitamin Guide

B vitamins come in 8 different types and are important for several functions in the body. Among other things, several different B vitamins play a role in the body's energy-yielding metabolism, as well as helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. But what do the different B vitamins actually do, and what are they good for? We'll explain everything in our B-vitamin guide!

8 Different Types

B vitamins is a collective name for eight different vitamins: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folic Acid (B9), and Cobalamin (B12), all of which have their own roles in the body. These vitamins are crucial for the body's functions to work normally. The body cannot produce B vitamins on its own, so it's important that we get them through food or food supplements.

Thiamine (B1)

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. It also contributes to normal psychological function and the normal function of the heart. Common sources of thiamine include offal, pork, wheat germ, and bread. The recommended daily intake for thiamine is 1.1 mg for women and 1.4 mg for men aged 14-30, and 1.4 mg for men aged 30-60. You can find thiamine in our B-complex 50 and B-complex 100 supplements.

Riboflavin (B2)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is needed for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells, normal iron metabolism, the maintenance of normal vision, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Common sources of B2 include meat, poultry, and eggs. For those who eat little or no meat, legumes are a good source of vitamin B2. It is also commonly added to products like oat and soy milk. The recommended intake for an adult woman is approximately 1.2 mg per day, and 1.5 mg per day for adult men. You can find riboflavin in our B-complex 50 and B-complex 100 supplements.

Niacin (B3)

Niacin (B3), comes in two forms, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, and is needed by the body to break down fat, carbohydrates, and protein. It is also important for the normal functioning of the nervous system and for the skin. The most common sources of Niacin are chicken, fish, and peanuts, but it is also available as a food supplement. Niacin from Great Earth consists of the nicotinamide form, which does not cause a 'flush' effect.

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Pantothenic Acid is one of our favourite B vitamins and a real energy booster! This is because Pantothenic Acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, as well as contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal mental performance. It is also important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, and is mainly found in foods like meat and legumes. At Great Earth, you can find pantothenic acid in our Pantothenic Acid product. It is also present in smaller doses in products such as our energy formula, Awake.

Pyridoxine (B6)

Pyridoxine (B6) is important for the regulation of hormonal activity, for protein metabolism, and the functioning of the nervous system. B6 is primarily found in meat, poultry, and dairy products, but also in cereals and potatoes. At Great Earth, you can find vitamin B6 in our Vitamin B6, B-complex 50, and B-complex 100 products. The recommended daily intake is 1.2 mg for women and 1.6 mg for men.

Biotin (B7)

If you're looking for luscious locks, biotin is the B vitamin for you! Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair, and mucous membranes, and is a popular ingredient in supplements for skin and hair. You can find biotin in our Beautiful Hair product, as well as a stand-alone supplement. In the diet, B7 is mainly found in liver, egg yolk, and oatmeal.

Folic Acid (B9)

Folic Acid is a well-known supplement for pregnant women due to its contribution to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy and its role in the process of cell division, which is important for the development of the foetus. B9 exists in different forms: Folate, which is found naturally in food, and Folic Acid, which is a synthetic form found in food supplements. Great Earth's Folic Acid contains methylfolate, which is an easily absorbed form of folic acid.

Vitamin B12

B12 is the B vitamin for all the veggies out there. B12 is found mainly in animal products, which means that if you don't eat meat or consume very few animal products, a B12 supplement is important. Vitamin B12 contributes to, among other things, normal red blood cell formation, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal function of the immune system, and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Great Earth Vitamin B12 is available in lozenges for optimal absorption by the body, and they taste great too!