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Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine which is also known as pyridoxal phosphate is used in
production of red blood cells and in
biochemical reactions involved in
metabolism of amino acids. It is also responsible in
synthesis of of antibodies in
immune system and helps maintain normal brain function. Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare except for alcoholics. It causes skin disorders, abnormal nervous system known as neuropathy, confusion, poor coordination, and insomnia. Inflammation of
lips, tongue and
rest of
mouth are oral symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 can be found in organ meats, brown rice, fish, whole grains, fortified breads and cereals, and legumes.
Vitamin B9 Folacin is a Vitamin B-complex which interacts with Vitamin B12 for
synthesis of DNA which is important for all cells in
body. Folacin, a combination of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, is essential in
breakdown of proteins and production of red blood cells, tissue growth, and cell function. It also stimulates appetite and formation of digestive acids. Folacin deficiency causes anemia, stunted growth, and irritation of
mouth. Alcoholics,
malnourished,
poor,
elderly, and those who have certain illnesses are usually
ones found to be Vitamin B9 deficients.Vitamin B9 is found in legumes, citrus fruits, whole grain cereals, and green vegetables.
Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin like all other Vitamin B-complex is essential in
processing of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamin B12 is also needed for maintenance of our nerve sheaths, activates amino acids during protein formation, and helps in
perpetuation of cells and fomation of new ones. One interesting thing about Vitamin B12 is that it cannot be absorbed by
body unless combined with mucoprotein made in
stomach. Once Vitamin B12 attaches to
mucoprotein, it travels in
small intestine to be absorbed by
body. Vitamin B12 deficiency is recurrently seen in strict vegetarians who do not take vitamin supplements. A deficiency can also cause pernicious anemia which in turn causes weakness, numbness of
extremities, and fever.
Pantothenic acid and biotin are
last two Vitamin B-complexes. Pantothenic acid is used in
breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids while biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions. There is no known disorder associated with pantothenic acid deficiency while deficiency in biotin can cause scaly dermatitis which is a skin disorder. Pantothenic acid is mainly found in meat, legumes, and whole-grain cereals while abundance of biotin is found in beef liver, mushrooms, and egg yolk.
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Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/