The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that historically were once thought to be a single vitamin (‘vitamin B’). Later research showed that the B vitamins are chemically distinct compounds that often coexist in the same foods. As the B vitamins are water-soluble, the body does not store them.
All B vitamins help the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is ‘burned’ to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as ‘B complex vitamins’, also help the body to metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, liver, and proper nervous system function.
Select a vitamin B for more information.