The B complex Vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B5), Folic Acid (B6), Cyanocobalamin (B12), Pantothenic Acid and Biotin.  These vitamins are essentials for:

ü       The breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body) .

ü       The breakdown of fast and proteins (which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system)

ü       Muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract.

ü       Skin.

ü       Hair.

ü       Eyes.

ü       Mouth.

ü       Liver.

Thiamine (B1) is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates into the simple sugar glucose. It is also important for proper functioning of the nervous system.  In this instance, thiamine acts as coenzyme in the production of the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerve fibers) acetylcholine.

Riboflavin (B2) is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and like thiamine, it acts as a coenzyme in the process. It is also significant in the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and for nerve sheaths. 

Niacin (B3) is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of health skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract.  Niacin is also used in those all important oxidation reduction reactions. 

Pyridoxines (B6) is needed (like some of the other B vitamins) for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as in the biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein).

Folic Acid (B9) is one of the B-complex vitamins interacts with vitamin b12 for the synthesis of DNA, which is important for all cells in the body.

Cyanocobalamin (B12) is necessary for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and to help make all of the blood cells in our bodies, Vitamin B12 is also required for maintenance our nerve sheaths. Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA.

Panotothenic Acid is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids, It is also used for the synthesis of coenzyme A for biochemical reactions in the body. 

Biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions, which are also useful in many of the body’s functions.