Vitamin B actually refers to a group of 8 vitamins! It’s the first of our water-soluble vitamins – this means our body doesn’t store these vitamins like our fat-soluble vitamins, we need to consume them in our diet regularly. The good news about all the B vitamins is that most of them are found very widely in our food supply!
Collectively B vitamins are responsible for a wide variety of functions these include our metabolism, blood cell formation, immunity, energy production, nerve function, fetal development, our oxygen carrying capacity and SO many more! B vitamin deficiency is typically rare in individuals who consume a wide variety of foods in their diet. B vitamin deficiencies are seen, however these are typically associated with very poor diet quality or excessive alcohol intake. (Vegans may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency – see your GP/dietitian if you think this could be you).
Some of the places B vitamins are found include, (most of these foods contain several B vitamins):
- Eggs (they have 6 of 8 of the B vitamins!)
- Wholegrains/nuts/seeds
- Legumes
- Meat/seafood/poultry/organ meats
- Leafy greens/mushrooms
- Dairy
As you can see, this group of vitamins has a set of big responsibilities, but the good news is they are found widely in our diet. Another reason to make sure you’re ticking off your food groups each day!
Vitamin B
Posted by Charlotte Miller on
