This vitamin was first isolated from egg yolk in 1935 and is found in a variety of combined forms in both animal and plant tissues. In the animal it is stored in the liver. Biotin is readily produced by intestinal bacteria. Antibiotics and other medications have been shown to affect the bacterial production of this vitamin. The co-enzyme properties of biotin enable it to metabolise carbohydrate and protein for energy release and to take part in the production of prostaglandins from essential fatty acids. In the body it is primarily used to assist with normal growth and development of the skin, hair, nerves and bone marrow.
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The name pantothenic acid comes from the latin word "panthos" meaning everywhere and is often referred to as vitamin B-5. Pantothenic acid is a derivative of one of the few naturally occurring beta amino acids, beta alanine. Mammals cannot synthesize this vitamin but it is ubiquitous throughout the plant and animal kingdom. Vitamin B-5 is used in the production of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands, in cholesterol metabolism and is an integral component of coenzyme A, which is essential for energy release from food and for fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. During demanding situations, this vitamin often enables us to cope better biochemically.
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Choline is known to be essential in animal and human metabolism; it is not a Vitamin in man since it is synthesized in the body. Its action is related to that of the B Vitamins. Choline together with Glycerol and Fatty Acids are constituents of Lecithin. Choline also helps to form Acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter. Inositol is a water soluble substance found associated in food with the B complex. Inositol is closely associated with Choline and, like Choline, it appears to be involved in Fat metabolism, particularly in relation to the Liver. These nutrients have been combined for maximum assimilation.
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Folic acid is formed from glutamic acid (an amino acid), para-aminobenzoic acid and another group of organic substances. First isolated from green leaves and identified in 1945, it is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is involved in cell division in both plants and animals. The metabolism of folic acid is closely linked with that of vitamin B-12. A supplement of 400 µg folic acid daily is advised for all women planning a pregnancy, up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Folic acid is involved in the development of the baby`s neural tube, an invaluable part of the nervous system. This supplement is often administered by practitioners to premature infants.
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Vitamin B-3, a water soluble nutrient, appears in several different forms, all of which can be referred to as niacin. One of the forms is nicotinamide, synonymous with niacinamide. Nicotinamide functions in over fifty metabolic reactions. It plays a key role in glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle and the hexose monophosphate shunt, all of which are important in the release of energy from macro-nutrients. It is also needed in the deamination of amino acids, essential fatty acid metabolism and in the metabolism of fatty acids. By playing a role in the formation of red blood cells, steroids, and in energy production within the cells, nicotinamide is vital in maintaining the integrity of all body cells.
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Vitamin B1. Thiamin is a complex substance which takes part in the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds and is a cofactor for pyruvic decarboxylase (a carbohydrate splitting enzyme). Thiamin is used to release energy in cells. It is found naturally in seeds and the outer coats of grains and works in cooperation with other members of the B complex, particularly riboflavin and niacin. This supplement may be preferred by those who drink or smoke heavily, whose work is physically strenuous or young people during rapid spurts of growth
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Vitamin B-12 is a complex substance containing the mineral cobalt at its centre. Principally, it participates in the rapid regeneration of bone marrow and red blood cells. This vitamin was first isolated from liver in 1948 and is needed for the synthesis of DNA and for normal metabolism of nerve tissue. However, in cases of achlorhydria the vitamin may not be extracted from food. Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin B-12 are all referred to as haematinic factors and are vital for the formation of healthy blood cells. Vitamin B-12 is also necessary for myelin sheath production and for a healthy cardiovascular system. This vitamin may not be bio-available from vegetable sources such as blue/green algae, etc.
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Vitamin B-12 is a complex substance containing the mineral cobalt at its centre. Principally, it participates in the rapid regeneration of bone marrow and red blood cells. This vitamin was isolated from liver in 1948 and is needed for the synthesis of DNA and for normal metabolism of nerve tissue. However, in cases of achlorhydria the vitamin may not be extracted from food. Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin B-12 are all referred to as haematinic factors and are vital for the formation of healthy blood cells. Vitamin-B12 is also necessary for myelin sheath production and for a healthy cardiovascular system. This vitamin may not be bio-available from vegetable sources such as blue/green algae, etc.
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Vitamin B2. Riboflavin is one of an important family of compounds known as the flavins. All the flavins are involved in the electron transport mechanism of the respiratory chain and are therefore essential in energy release in all cells. Most intestinal flora synthesize riboflavin, as do germinating seeds, and it is stored in both the liver and the heart.
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Vitamin B-6 refers to a family of three closely-related, water soluble compounds: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. The conversion of Vitamin B-6 into the active compound of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate requires the presence of Vitamin B-2 and Magnesium; another example of the interrelationship of the B Vitamins. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) is often taken by women as a Pre-menstrual supplement to assist essential fatty acid metabolism and fluid balance. Vitamin B-6 levels have been shown to be lower in those with Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease.
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