The B Vitamins
Known also as vitamin B complex, these are fragile, water-soluble substances, several of which
are particularly important to carbohydrate metabolism.
Vitamin B1-Thiamine
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, a colorless, crystalline substance, acts as
a catalyst in
carbohydrate metabolism, enabling pyruvic acid to be absorbed and carbohydrates
to release their energy. Thiamine also plays a role in the synthesis of nerve-regulating substances. Deficiency in
thiamine causes beriberi, which is characterized by muscular weakness, swelling of the heart, andleg
cramps and may, in severe cases, lead to heart failure and death. Many foods contain thiamine, but few supply
it in concentrated amounts. Foods richest in thiamine are pork, organ meats (liver, heart, and kidney),
brewer's yeast, lean meats, eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole or enriched cereals, wheat germ, berries,
nuts, and legumes. Milling of cereal removes those portions of the grain richest in thiamine; consequently,
white flour and polished white rice may be lacking in the vitamin. Widespread enrichment of flour and cereal
products has largely eliminated the risk of thiamine deficiency, although it still occurs today in
nutritionally deficient alcoholics. Next: Vitamin B2
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Vitamin A
Vitamin
B1-Thiamine
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3 -
Niacin
Vitamin B6 -
Pyridoxine
Vitamin B12 -
Cobalamin
Other B Vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
"Vitamin," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2005
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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